Council adopts tentative FY 2026–27 budget after posting proposed property tax increase to fund sheriff contract

Washington Terrace council members adopted a tentative FY 2026–27 budget by voice vote after staff published a Truth in Taxation notice that the tentative budget includes a proposed property tax rate increase to fund contracted law-enforcement costs.

Tom Gildes, reading the published notice, said, "the tentative budget that will be presented tonight includes a proposed tax rate increase," and presented an impact schedule showing the rate rising from 0.001667 to 0.001799, estimated to generate an additional $98,100 (a 7.3% increase). Staff told council that the estimated annual impact for a primary residence with a $409,000 valuation would be about $29.61 and that a business at the same valuation would see an estimated $53.83 increase.

Councilmembers asked staff to confirm the figures; a councilmember clarified that the presented amounts are annual and staff confirmed the packet and the Truth in Taxation materials are posted online for public review. The mayor called for the motion to adopt the tentative budget; a councilmember moved, another seconded, and the motion passed on a voice vote after the mayor asked for ayes and no opposition was voiced.

Staff emphasized the purpose of the proposed additional ad valorem revenue: to fund contractual increases for law-enforcement services with the Weber County Sheriff's Office. Officials told residents the budget documents include scenarios with and without the proposed revenue so the community can see the difference if the tax increase is not adopted.

A public hearing on the tentative budget is scheduled for May 19, when members of the public will have an opportunity to comment before the council considers final adoption in subsequent meetings.

The council thanked staff for their work and said it will continue budget discussions over the next several weeks toward final adoption in June.