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By Myrna Trauntvein A Truth in Taxation public hearing was held in county commission chambers on October 30 at 6 p.m. After Marvin Kenison, commission chairman, opened the meeting, he explained it’s purpose. “Juab County intends to levy a tax rate that exceeds the calendar year taxing entity’s certified rate,” said Kenison. “The amount is $325,000 and the purpose is to address rising wages, material costs and operations. This adjustment will ensure fiscal stability, sustain essential services, and maintain the capacity to meet current and future obligations.” The time was turned over to John Crippen, county administrator, to present the county’s need for a raise in taxes for 2026. “Only 20 percent of the tax bill is for the county,” said Crippen. “The county raises $3,841,558 in property tax at 20 percent of the total tax paid, the cities in the county raise $649,693 at 3 percent, the school district raises $12,157,514 at 63 percent of the tax, and other and special districts raise $2,717,020 for 14 percent of the total property tax collected,” said Crippen. “We are only discussing the county portion of the total assessed taxes.” Entities such as airports, railroads, and public utilities, whose property and operations cross county or state lines, are “centrally assessed” by the Utah State Tax Commission, which then apportions the value to the counties for tax collection, which had been a problem in Juab County, said Crippen. “Centrally assessed properties set their own values and then, for many years afterwards, they can appeal that rate,” he said. They often win a judgement which then requires the county and the school district to pay back the tax collected when it has already been spent. “Centrally assessed properties have been reduced by $60 million,” he said. He said that commissioners had met with the county’s state representatives in the house and senate, with the governor, with the state’s representatives in Washington DC, with members of the AOG (Association of Governments) and with R6. “Marty has been quite aggressive,” said Crippen. “They pointed out that the state needs to do a better job in holding companies accountable. It has helped.” Dan McKay and Derrin Owens, at the state level, have passed bills to help. To support counties in navigating the complex world of centrally assessed property, UAC has created a Centrally Assessed Appeals Portal. This resource helps counties protect their revenue and stay informed by providing: Crucial information about the appeals process This helps with tracking of appeal activity so counties can stay informed and engaged, provides insights into potential tax and revenue implications of pending appeals, the portal strengthens counties’ ability to protect their tax base and advocate for fair outcomes when assessments are challenged. “In the years I have been working for the county, I have seen many businesses challenge the property tax they were charged,” said Crippen. Companies involved in oil and gas, mining (metal, non-metal, coal), and sand and gravel operations also have their properties centrally assessed. “Millard County raises more than us because they have more taxable assets than we do,” said Crippen. “Approximately 72 percent of Juab County is owned by the federal government and the state owns another 6 to 8 percent leaving the county 23 percent of the taxable property.” He said that Beaver County, a Class 5 County, had the lowest tax rate, but they also made quite a bit of money off of jails. Of the nine Class 4 Counties, Wasatch was the highest at 0.001156 which garnered $20,593,863 and San Juan was the lowest at 0.002297 which brought in $2,960,124. San Juan has many tourist attractions which brings money into county funds Juab is second from the bottom with a rate of 0.001951 which brings in $3,841,558. A new program was introduced in 2025, allowing qualifying homeowners aged 75 and older to defer their property taxes until the home is transferred to a new owner. Eligibility is based on age, income limits, asset limits, and the property’s value or duration of ownership (20+ years). Senate Bill 197 and House Bill 20 changed the qualifications, scope, duration, and interest rates applicable to general discretionary and non-discretionary property tax deferral programs. These changes aim to standardize and update the process for managing owed taxes. “It is a horrible idea,” said Crippen. “We are fighting it,” said Clinton Painter, commissioner. “The individual pushing it is a city dweller and a developer.”
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