Mayor Walker is proposing that the Draper City Council approve a 25% increase in the property tax rate for the 2026–27 fiscal year. As the city's budget official, the Mayor intends for this to be part of a balanced, multi-year approach using modest adjustments to achieve stable funding for public safety without sudden, substantial increases.
Draper currently maintains one of the lowest property tax rates in Salt Lake County at 0.000936. While the city has operated with lean staffing for years, property taxes presently cover less than 50% of public safety costs for police and fire services. City officials stated that continuing to use fund balances to cover deficits is unsustainable.
The proposal comes as economic pressures like inflation have increased costs for various city services, including road construction, maintenance, emergency vehicles, equipment, and park playgrounds. The city also faces unpredictable sales tax revenue and other variables.
In 2024, Draper City implemented its first tax rate increase in 17 years to address needs regarding police and fire staffing and retention. While those improvements are helping, officials noted it will take time and additional adjustments before public safety divisions are fully funded.
The proposed tax increase would impact homeowners and businesses differently based on average values:
For a typical Draper homeowner with an average home value of $807,000, the proposed monthly increase for the city tax portion is $8.66.
For a typical Draper business with an average value of $1,000,000, the proposed monthly increase for the city tax portion is $19.50.
The public has several opportunities to provide input on the budget and tax proposal through upcoming meetings:
August 12 at 6:00 PM for a Truth in Taxation Meeting at the City Council Chambers.
August 18 at 7:00 PM for Final Budget Adoption at the City Council Meeting.
