Washington County residents can add one more thing to their gratitude list this year – The Washington County Commission will continue to keep the tax rate flat, marking the 16th consecutive year of holding the line back on tax hikes.
While similarly sized counties are proposing significant tax increases-for example, Davis County is discussing a property-tax hike of up to 30 % to generate an additional $12.68 million in revenue, (KSL) and Salt Lake County has a mayoral proposal of nearly a 20 % property-tax increase. (KSL) Washington County’s continued tax freeze stands in clear contrast. Nationally, new CoreLogic data shows property tax payments have jumped 27.4% since 2019.
“In households across this county, families are making tough choices to balance their budgets,” said Commissioner Victor Iverson. “We believe the county government should do no less. That’s why we are proud to maintain taxes for the sixteenth year in a row-keeping costs down without sacrificing service.”
“Stretching each dollar is part of our culture here,” added Commissioner Adam Snow. “We plan ahead, pay off debt early, and make strategic investments so that our taxpayers don’t have to absorb new tax burdens while others around us are moving to raise rates.”
“This isn’t about bragging-it’s about stewardship,” said Commissioner Gil Almquist. “Our residents deserve a county government to act like they do -living within our means, prioritizing debt retirement, and protecting opportunity for our children and grandchildren.”
Key Highlights
- Taxes held flat for 16 years.
- Washington County continues to prioritize debt reduction, efficient operations, and shifting dollars from interest payments into services.
- By contrast:
- Davis County’s proposed tax hike of up to 30% would raise its property-tax revenue from about $42.3 million to around $54.97 million, according to published figures. (KSL)
- Salt Lake County’s mayor proposes a nearly 20% property-tax increase-19.63%, specifically-to address inflation, rising operational costs and bond/debt service. (KSL)
Why This Matters
With population growth and rising costs of infrastructure, health services, public safety, and technology, many counties are choosing to raise taxes. Washington County’s decision to hold taxes flat for nearly two decades demonstrates commitment to fiscal discipline and respect for taxpayer budgets. By focusing on efficient service delivery, conservative debt practices, and thoughtful long-term planning, the county maintains high performance without passing new burdens onto residents.