Seven Utah school districts are moving forward with proposed property tax increases for the 2026-27 fiscal year to address rising inflationary costs and the need for increased teacher salaries. The proposals, which include significant hikes in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs, were outlined in various district notices throughout August 2026 following a series of foundational budget discussions held in July.
In Provo City School District, officials announced a proposal to increase property tax revenue by 7 percent. According to a notice from the district released on July 22, the increase is intended to fund higher teacher salaries and cover interest payments on the Municipal Building Authority bond. The district noted that while the Voted, Board, and Capital levies will see a 7 percent rate increase, the overall rate increase for residents is expected to stay under 2 percent due to decreased debt service needs.
For a resident with a property valuation of $526,000, the Provo City School District tax would rise from $1,216.51 to $1,249.49, representing a yearly increase of $32.98. Business owners with a $526,000 valuation would see their district tax rise from $2,211.83 to $2,271.79, an increase of $59.96 per year. The district confirmed that if approved, it would receive an additional $1,309,955 in annual property tax revenue.
The proposed tax hikes vary significantly across Utah County. As documented in a Utah County notice of proposed increases, Eagle Mountain City is proposing a 220.88 percent increase, which would result in an additional $829.60 for a property with a $488,000 average market value. Saratoga Springs City is also proposing a substantial 50.03 percent increase, which would add $795.11 to the tax bill of a $542,000 valued property.
Other notable increases in the county include a 22.55 percent hike for the City of Draper and a 19.55 percent increase for Cedar Hills City. In contrast, the Springville City proposal is much lower at 2.97 percent. Orem City is proposing a 6.95 percent increase, while Highland City is seeking a 6.89 percent increase. The Provo City School District scheduled a public hearing for its Truth in Taxation discussion on August 5, 2026, to allow for public input on these measures.
Granite School District has also outlined a significant budget development plan involving property tax increases to support its strategic goals of increasing graduation rates and improving literacy and numeracy proficiency. The district is seeking additional revenues of $15.6 million in the board local levy for operations and $5.5 million in the capital local levy for capital projects.
District officials noted that these revenues are necessary because a previously proposed tax increase for the 2025-26 school year was not approved by the Utah State Tax Commission. Consequently, the district used one-time sources to fund priorities last year and is now seeking ongoing revenue. The proposed funds are earmarked for several specific needs, including reducing K-2 class sizes, purchasing English learner software, supporting classroom behavior, and funding school safety guardians in every elementary school.
The North Sanpete School District has also scheduled a public hearing to discuss its Truth in Taxation information. According to the district's website, the hearing is scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the North Sanpete High School Auditorium in Mt. Pleasant. The district has provided a video call link for residents who wish to participate remotely.
The Utah State Tax Commission provides the framework for these tax billings and payments. Residents can pay property taxes electronically through various methods, including the Taxpayer Access Point (TAP). The commission also manages information regarding the Utah Taxpayer Bill of Rights, which outlines the responsibilities and rights of taxpayers.
Fiscal Challenges for Schools
The proposed tax increases across these districts reflect a broader challenge for Utah schools: managing inflationary costs while maintaining educational quality. While the district officials emphasize that they aim to keep impacts minimal, the necessity of funding teacher compensation and facility maintenance remains a primary driver for the proposed changes in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
