Draper homeowners will pay about $117 more per year in city property taxes after the City Council approved a 25% tax rate increase on Tuesday, Aug. 18.

That's roughly $9.75 a month.

The council adopted the FY2027 final budget and tax rate through Resolution #26-39, capping a months-long process that drew sharp criticism from residents at a Truth in Taxation hearing on Aug. 12. According to the city's official tax notice, the new rate moves from 0.000902 to 0.001128 and is projected to generate roughly $2.7 million in additional annual revenue.

For a home valued at $941,000, the city tax bill rises from $466.83 to $583.80. Businesses at the same valuation will see a $212.67 annual increase.

City officials said the money will fund three new firefighter positions to reduce reliance on overtime, boost playground maintenance to $200,000 annually and shore up the general fund balance, which staff said would have been drawn down by about $2.5 million more without the hike.

The FY2027 General Fund totals $54.1 million, a 2.6% increase over the prior year. Police accounts for $14.3 million and fire $8.5 million.

Mayor Troy Walker and city staff told the Aug. 12 hearing that state law prevents the city from automatically collecting more revenue when property values rise, requiring the formal Truth in Taxation process. Residents at that hearing pushed back, citing inflation and the burden on fixed-income households, and urged the council to cut discretionary spending instead.

This marks Draper's third consecutive year seeking a property tax increase. In an Aug. 4 press release, Utah Taxpayers Association president Billy Hesterman said, "When an entity returns for a third or fourth consecutive year, taxpayers deserve an especially clear explanation. Government should not need to ask residents for additional revenue year after year without presenting a credible long-term plan to control spending."

Other council action

The council also passed Ordinance #1736, a Town Center zoning text amendment allowing residential units on smaller properties in the Town Center area, and approved updates to the Planning Commission's structure to align with new state laws.

Two items drew public comment but no vote: a contract for Flock safety cameras and a proposal for a new historical museum and event center. Both remain under discussion.

The certified tax rate is due to the County Auditor by Sept. 1.