Brian Head council drops proposed $150,000 property tax increase after public hearing

Brian Head Mayor Clayton Calloway and the Town Council directed staff on May 12 to remove a proposed $150,000 property tax increase from the Fiscal Year 2027 tentative budget following a public hearing and council discussion.

Town Treasurer Shane Williamson told the council the tentative budget included a proposed $150,000 tax increase—an estimated 12.85% change to the proposed tax rate—intended to fund an annual transfer from the general fund to the capital fund to support the town’s pavement management plan and gravel road maintenance. Williamson also noted a roughly $10,000 increase to the Brian Head Days line for a planned drone show since the prior meeting.

Mayor Clayton Calloway said he would direct staff not to proceed with the property tax increase, citing two difficult snow seasons and rising costs for residents. Council Member Martin Tidwell and others expressed sympathy for residents’ financial pressures and noted a lack of community support for the increase at this time. Council Member Larry Freeberg emphasized the need to identify alternative funding to avoid the same shortfall next year; Council Member Duane Nyen asked public works staff to look for less expensive approaches. The council reached consensus to remove the proposed increase from the FY2027 budget.

A member of the public, Thom Thompson, who identified himself as a Rainbow Meadows cabin owner, questioned the rationale for a town tax increase on properties that do not receive town services. Mayor Calloway and Town Manager Bret Howser clarified that the increase would affect only properties inside Brian Head town limits and not properties outside town boundaries such as Rainbow Meadows; Howser advised residents with questions about other parts of their tax bill to consult the school district and Iron County.

The council directed staff to return a budget on June 9 with both the property tax increase and the Transportation Utility Fee removed; further work was requested on alternative revenue options and on prioritizing road projects.

Next steps: Staff will present a revised FY2027 budget at the June 9 meeting with the proposed property tax increase removed, and will continue to explore alternative funding for pavement and gravel road needs.