Cache County Council Truth In Taxation Meeting – 11-18-2025 @ 6:00 PM

- The council approved the amended agenda and then held a truth in taxation public hearing focused on revenue needed to support the county budget, with officials explaining that much of the budget pressure came from personnel costs and inflation. - County leaders said the proposed increase is an 18% property tax increase, or $3,721,500 for 2026, and that it would help reduce a budget deficit that had been about $7.8 million down to roughly $1.3 million after cuts. - Officials emphasized that they had already made major spending reductions, including eliminating positions, delaying expenditures, and using some reserves, while noting the county is required to fund many state-mandated services like elections, jail, prosecution, property assessment, and tax collection. - Public commenters raised concerns about affordability, especially for retirees and fixed-income residents, and several asked what services taxpayers are actually paying for and whether residents had been given enough opportunity to weigh in before the tax proposal. - Supportive public comments praised county staff for hard work and transparency, while also asking about the source of the deficit and how much of the rainy day fund could be used to avoid debt or further tax increases. - Council discussion centered on balancing essential services with taxpayer burden, including debate over the library, senior center, trail funding, customer service levels, and whether some services are being “double taxed” or should be funded differently. - One council member moved to raise combined health and general fund ad valorem property tax revenue by 18% for fiscal year 2026; the motion passed unanimously after discussion. - Council members said the county has been “playing catch up” after years of revenues lagging behind inflation and population growth, and they argued future tax increases should track inflation plus growth more closely. - A public concern about county crime insurance was addressed at the end of the meeting, with staff stating the county does have coverage through the trust and can provide documentation. - The meeting concluded with adjournment after the tax increase vote was approved.