Summit County prepares for possible property tax hike if sales tax measure fails

Residents of Summit County could see a property tax increase if a sales tax measure fails in November. Photo: Summit County

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County voters will decide on a 0.5% sales tax this November, according to county CFO Matt Leavitt. The tax would address a projected 2025 budget shortfall of $12-15 million. It would not apply to gas, prescriptions, or groceries.

If voters reject the measure, county officials warn that service cuts may be inevitable. The county council is exploring property tax increases as a backup plan to avoid this. Council Chair Malena Stevens said the council is holding preliminary meetings to “preserve the option” of seeking more property tax revenue.

Utah’s “Truth in Taxation” process requires County Manager Shayne Scott to recommend a property tax hike by Oct. 1. A council vote is set for mid-October. A final decision wouldn’t come until December, after the Nov. 5 election.

Leavitt’s October budget proposal will assume the sales tax is the primary solution to the shortfall, not property tax hikes.