Joint work session: consultant says a new west-side school district is financially feasible; per-household school tax projected to fall to $88 by 2029
May 21, 2024, 4:00 p.m. · Eagle Mountain City Council Chambers, 1650 E Stagecoach Run, Eagle Mountain, Utah
Meeting jointly with officials from Saratoga Springs, Fairfield and Cedar Fort, the council heard a feasibility study by LRB Public Finance Advisors on creating a new school district for the four communities. The study projects enrollment rising from 24,184 students to 29,299 by 2029 and an annual school tax per household that falls from $296.19 in 2025 to $88.34 by 2029, with early General Fund deficits from duplicated administrative costs. The council took no action other than adjourning.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Agenda, item by item
Item 3 · Presentation
Feasibility study for a new school district (LRB Public Finance Advisors)
Discussed
Fred Philpot said the study, required under state law, focuses on finances and assumes 20 percent of debt goes to the new district. The new district's share of taxable value starts at 20.39 percent in 2025 and rises to 26.13 percent by 2029, and its share of enrollment rises from 28.56 to 32.56 percent. The capital projects fund is projected to be sustainable and the analysis allocates $65 million to offset future debt service without a tax increase. A study done for the Alpine School District by MGT used 2023 data, while this study used the 2024 district budget and updated state funding formulas. The council discussed proportional allocation of assets and whether new debt should stay with the current district before a split.
- Budget$65.0 million
- Fee$296