The Cedar Hills City Council met on August 11, 2026, to discuss a proposal to levy a property tax that exceeds the certified tax rate, according to meeting minutes. The proposed increase is intended to supplement sales tax revenue and offset general fund operational costs, specifically addressing rising public safety expenses.
City Manager Chandler Goodwin stated during the meeting that the proposed tax increase would result in an approximate 20% increase in tax revenue for general operations. The average resident is projected to pay $54 more annually, or $4.50 monthly, under the proposed change. Goodwin noted that the city has not raised the general operations property tax since 2010.
According to Goodwin, the increase is driven by rising public safety costs through contracts with American Fork Police and American Fork Fire. He explained that the city entered a new agreement in 2026 that includes annual increases of the Consumer Price Index plus 2%. Goodwin noted that without the property tax increase, the city would need to increase the public safety fee by $4 a month.
During a public hearing, several residents expressed concerns regarding the proposal. One resident, Marie Kastleman, requested that the council study alternatives and provide a complete 10-year financial picture of the municipal golf course before increasing taxes, questioning if the golf course should remain a priority given the need for recurring revenue. Another resident, Stuart Eastman, suggested that long-time residents should receive a lower tax rate than new residents.
In response to various comments, Goodwin addressed the city's fiscal management, stating that the city has consolidated positions and trimmed training budgets to maintain a lean budget. He clarified that the municipal golf course operates in a separate fund and does not collect or spend property taxes.
The City Council did not vote on the matter during the August 11 meeting. A resolution to approve or deny the proposed tax rate and final budget was scheduled for the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
