The Roy City Council adopted Resolution 26-24 during an August 11, 2026, meeting, approving a 34.24% property tax rate increase. According to meeting minutes published September 2, the increase is intended to fund wage corrections for full-time employees and a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for the 2027 fiscal year.
The approved tax rate follows a public hearing where residents expressed various viewpoints. Management Services Director Amber Kelley stated that the original proposed tax increase of 55% was reduced to 34.29% due to the annexation of the fire department to the Weber Fire District, reductions to the Roy Days budget, and new property tax growth. This new rate equates to an average annual increase of $133.15 per household, or $11.10 per month.
During the meeting, Councilmembers discussed the necessity of the increase to address a revenue shortfall from a March 2026 cost-of-living adjustment and to bring full-time employee compensation closer to market averages. Councilmember Wilson noted that the city has already eliminated positions and made substantial cuts, and that further reductions would provide limited savings while potentially reducing essential services. To further reduce the tax impact, the Council voted to strike the cost-of-living adjustment for the Mayor and Council members.
The decision passed with a 4-1 vote, with Councilmember Saxton voting against the resolution. Saxton had previously proposed a 27% increase that would have utilized $375,000 from the fund balance to reduce the immediate burden on residents. However, other Councilmembers expressed concerns that using one-time funds for ongoing wage expenses could create future financial challenges.
Public comments during the hearing included concerns from residents regarding the impact of rising taxes on those on fixed incomes and the potential for increased housing costs. Other residents expressed support for the increase, citing the importance of competitive wages for maintaining quality city services and reducing employee turnover.
The adopted budget for fiscal year 2027 is set to commence upon final approval from the Utah State Tax Commission and will end on June 30, 2027.
