Richfield City held a special meeting on August 11, 2026, to conduct a public hearing regarding a proposed increase to the property tax rate, according to meeting minutes. The proposal seeks to raise the rate from 0.001721 to 0.002277, which would generate an additional $500,000 in property tax revenue.
Mayor Bryan Burrows stated during the hearing that the increase would impact a typical residence by raising taxes from $312 to $413. For a typical commercial building, the cost would increase from $567 to $751. The Mayor noted that approximately $150,000 of the new revenue would go to the police department and $150,000 would supplement Class C road money. Financial Director Rob Jenson explained that Class C road funds are restricted to road maintenance and development.
During the hearing, residents expressed various concerns regarding the tax hike. Madolyn Nielson and Teresa Fry both expressed concerns regarding the impact of increased taxes on fixed incomes. Resident Stuart Middleton-White questioned the significance of the 32 percent increase and how the revenue would be utilized. Another resident, Robert Row, expressed opinions regarding the performance and supervision of the public works department.
Councilmember Hansen noted that the 32 percent increase is significant but stated the city has been reluctant to raise taxes in the past. He mentioned that the rising costs of equipment and supplies have made the increase necessary.
Public Works Director Keith Mogan provided details on city infrastructure, noting that water and sewer lines both span approximately 60 miles. He stated that approximately $40 million worth of work is needed on the water main alone, and that replacing a main line often requires replacing service lines, meters, and setters. Additionally, the city faces an estimated $50 million in water line replacement work.
City Administrator Michele Jolley noted that Sevier County has a board of equalization that can reevaluate taxes and mentioned the availability of the Circuit Breaker program. The meeting was adjourned following the hearing at 7:00 p.m.
The city currently receives approximately $650,000 in Class C road funds. Officials noted that the city often uses these funds to meet matching requirements for federal and other grants to maximize the effectiveness of available funds.
