Heber City Council held a special meeting on August 5, 2026, to conduct a Truth in Taxation public hearing regarding a proposed property tax increase, according to meeting minutes approved on August 18.
Finance Director Sara Nagel presented a proposed Property Tax Impact Schedule during the meeting, noting that the tax increase is necessary for the city to maintain current service levels despite inflation. Nagel stated that an average home in Heber valued at $850,000 would see an increase of approximately $16 per year.
The public hearing, which Mayor Heidi Franco opened at 8:05 p.m., drew significant feedback from community members. Several residents expressed frustration over rising costs, with one resident noting her property taxes had increased over 70% this year. Other attendees expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of rising taxes and the financial pressure of the global economy.
Patti Sprunt, speaking for the Wasatch County Republican Party Leadership, noted that Heber City taxpayers already carry the highest tax burden in the county and urged the council to identify spending cuts. Other residents suggested that the city should reduce staff incomes or focus on collecting delinquent taxes from developers to address budget needs.
Midway City Council Member Kevin Payne suggested the budget shortfall was caused by tax increments being diverted to the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) rather than inflation. He argued that CRAs should be intended for blighted areas rather than healthy downtowns and proposed returning diverted funds to the city.
While many residents expressed opposition to the increase, Scott Phillips spoke in support of the proposal. He stated that the Finance Director's presentation clearly outlined the need for the increase and characterized the city's budget as a needs-based budget rather than a frivolous one.
City Manager Matt Brower addressed comments regarding the Central Utah Conservancy District, clarifying that the CRA was not the reason for the city's Truth in Taxation process.
Mayor Franco announced that the City Council would take two votes at the next meeting on August 18, 2026: one regarding the proposed property tax increase and another for the final budget adoption.
