The Town of Alta presented its interim Fiscal Year 2027 budget on June 17, 2026, detailing potential revenue increases and upcoming operational shifts. The proposed budget includes a $100,000 increase in property tax revenue and the implementation of a municipal transient room tax estimated to generate approximately $200,000 in new revenue.
The proposed property tax increase would raise annual revenue from $405,000 to $505,000. According to the presentation, this change would affect a primary residence valued at $1.8 million by increasing the annual tax from $785 to $961. For a business valued at $1.8 million, the tax would increase from $1,426 to $1,747 per year.
A public hearing regarding the Truth in Taxation process is scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the Alta Post Office Building located at 10351 E Hwy 210.
The town is also considering a 1% municipal transient room tax, which would move the lodging tax rate from 15.12% to 16.12%. Town staff recommended this measure as a way to reduce dependence on volatile revenues and provide a stable funding source for the shuttle program. If the tax is not approved, staff suggested potential cuts to the shuttle service, including eliminating night service or reducing daily operating hours.
Other General Fund changes include a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for wages and a plan for Town Marshal succession. The proposal suggests bringing a successor on around March 1, 2027, to allow for a year of training before the estimated retirement of Marshal Morey in June 2028.
Enterprise funds also face adjustments. The Water Fund budget includes a 9% rate increase, which would raise monthly costs for single-family residences from $157 to $174. The Sewer Fund proposal includes a 10% rate increase, moving monthly costs for single-family residences from $133 to $146.
Capital projects listed for FY27 include design work for new buildings, technology upgrades for the Alta Marshal Office, and various water and sewer infrastructure improvements such as the Crosstow waterline and the Wildcat lot replacement.
