The Saratoga Springs City Council voted for a property tax increase during a Truth in Taxation meeting on August 11, according to a September 3 report. The adjustment is intended to maintain reliable police, fire, and emergency medical services as the community continues to grow.
The proposed adjustment aims to increase the share of public safety costs funded by property taxes from approximately 42% to about 51%. Saratoga Springs has not raised property taxes since 2008 and has lowered them twice during that time.
Rising costs for staffing, training, and equipment have created a funding gap. Since 2008, the community has grown from approximately 16,000 residents to more than 72,000 residents. While property tax revenue has increased from roughly $600,000 in 2008 to approximately $5.8 million in 2025, the cost of providing public safety services rose from $2.7 million to approximately $12.3 million during that same period.
For a residence valued at $542,000, the tax would increase from $291.54 to $437.31, an annual increase of $145.77. Most homeowners would see an increase of approximately $12.14 per month. A $542,000 business would see a tax increase from $530.08 to $795.11, representing a $265.03 annual increase.
The revenue is intended to support ongoing public safety operations, including police and fire personnel, emergency response services, and required equipment. The proposal also supports staffing needs for a third fire station, which is expected to open in 2028.
Officials noted that while the city receives various revenue sources, many are restricted by state law. For example, impact fees are legally restricted to funding capital infrastructure and cannot be used for ongoing operating expenses like police or fire personnel. Additionally, the city's property tax rate is adjusted annually under Utah's Truth in Taxation law to remain revenue neutral, meaning the city does not automatically receive large increases simply because property values rise.
Saratoga Springs is also offering a new course called Saratoga 101 to help residents understand local government structure and services. This six-week course is scheduled for Wednesday evenings from September 30 to November 4 in the Timpanogos Room at City Hall. The class size is limited to 25 students and will cover topics such as city government structure, zoning, and infrastructure planning.
