Residents split on proposed 8.7% property tax increase to staff new fire station
August 11, 2026, 7:00 p.m. · American Fork City Hall, 31 N. Church St.
American Fork held its Truth in Taxation hearing on a proposed 8.7% property tax increase that would raise $660,000 a year to partly staff a new Fire Station 53 on 620 South, costing the average home about $33.41 a year ($2.78 a month). About 15 people spoke; most opposed the increase or used the time to criticize the police department, while one resident backed it for faster emergency response. No vote was taken; the council set the rate Aug. 25.
From the approved minutes.
In brief
1 item came up for a decision or discussion: 1 no action.
The agenda records 1 dollar amount, the largest $660,000.
1 item here is tracked in the city's development tracker.
This write-up links 3 source documents.
6 members were present.
Residents raised property tax increase, seniors on fixed incomes, city spending and wages, police accountability, and fire service on the south side.
The previous City Council meeting was on August 4, 2026: Council balks at 90-home Earl annexation concept, backs cemetery expansion and opting out of automatic annexation
The next one was on August 18, 2026: Council weighs fitness center locker room and pool overhaul, sets direction on backyard ADU rules
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Truth in Taxation hearing on proposed property tax increase | No action |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Taxes and fees
Truth in Taxation hearing on proposed property tax increase
No action
Finance Director Anna Montoya said the increase would raise $660,000 to partly staff the new fire station, about $33.41 a year for the average home. City Administrator David Bunker said the city last raised property taxes in 2008 and 2021; Station 53 needs 12 firefighters, the budget adds nine, and the roughly $1.5 million annual cost would be covered by the $660,000 increase plus existing funds. The hearing took comment only; adoption was scheduled for Aug. 25.
- Budget$660,000
- Proposed increase: 8.7%
- Revenue: $660,000/year
- Average home: +$33.41/year ($2.78/month)
- Station 53 annual staffing cost: ~$1.5 million
What residents said
Property tax increaseSeniors on fixed incomesCity spending and wagesPolice accountabilityFire service on the south side
Ryan Walker opposed the increase, saying city spending and wages are unsustainable. Kevin Barnes said the city should have put the public works building to a vote and suggested smaller increases of about 4% a year. Chris Chamberlain and Cline Long said rising taxes are pushing seniors on fixed incomes out; Long questioned the city's firefighter cost figures. Rob Shelton asked why a communications specialist and economic development were funded ahead of public safety; Curtis Grahm asked for more detail on budget cuts and firefighter wages. Taraleigh Bennett supported the increase for faster fire response on the growing south side. Aaron Booker, Daniel Sroka, Heidi Barben, Julie Rodriguez, Greg Hazard and Steve Goodwin criticized the police department, citing Officer Kitchen, possible lawsuits and a lack of accountability; Booker said he would file a civil rights lawsuit.