The Carbon County Commissioners scheduled two Open House meetings regarding the proposal to increase taxes. The first of two meetings was held on Wednesday, November 8 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Carbon County Commission Chambers. This was an informal gathering that was attended by all county department heads, as well as, the elected Commissioners.
The proposal to increase tax was a presentation made by Carbon County Clerk Auditor, Seth Oveson during a regular commission meeting on October 18. He outlined the details of how much each increase would equate
to and how the 45 percent increase would be affect every person in the county who pays property taxes. The second proposal shows a 707.36 percent tax increase on the Municipal Services Levy that would be assessed only to county residents outside of the incorporated city limits of Price, Helper, Wellington and East Carbon.
It was after the proposals were presented that tax payers became very troubled and questioned the details of the increases. The commissioners took the concerns of citizens serious and immediately organized two Open House meetings. This was a chance for citizens to share their concerns, get any questions answered and possibly get a better understanding of the county’s current budget.
The Open House had several comparison illustrations displayed, showing various home values, businesses and the current taxes against each and what the figures look like with the proposed increase. There was a ten-year timeline of the county’s budget which gave insight of how the expenses and earnings have contributed to the current budget. Some tax payers that were in attendance took the time to share ideas through the suggestion box that was made available throughout the evening.
The second Open House will take place on November 13 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Carbon County Events Center located at 450 South Fairgrounds Road. This will be conducted exactly like the first open house for any citizens who were unable to attend Wednesday’s meeting.
The public hearing for the proposed tax increases will be held during the regularly scheduled commission meeting on Tuesday, November 14. It’s at this time taxpayers will be allowed to share comments in front of the Board of Commissioners for an allotted amount of time. County officials will take all of the written suggestions from both open houses, along with the testimonies made at the public hearing to guide them with the county’s budget process.