County adopts 2022 tax-rate levies; commissioners note rates fall as property values rise

The Utah County Commission adopted on June 28 the county's 2022 tax-rate levies for county general purposes by a 3-0 vote.

Bert Harvey, representing the Utah County Clerk/Auditor's office, explained the mechanics: the county's rate is calculated to generate approximately the same amount of revenue as the prior year, adjusted for new construction and growth, and because assessed values have increased the tax rate declines. "As adopted ... rates are calculated to generate the same amount of revenue this year that we got last year," Harvey said. Commissioners observed that the rate being adopted is among the lowest in one commissioner's lifetime, a product of rising property values rather than cuts to services.

A commissioner motioned to adopt item 14 and a second was offered; the vote to adopt the resolution passed 3-0.

Staff noted the levy adopted applies only to Utah County's portion of property taxes (county general operations and special service areas under the commission) and does not set rates for school districts, cities or other taxing entities.