Draper Delivers: City Council Approves Historic Property Tax Decrease, First in Two Decades

In a significant and rare move, the Draper City Council has voted to decrease property taxes for its residents, marking the first such reduction in two decades. This highly anticipated decision, approved recently, means that the average homeowner in Draper can expect to save approximately $29 on their property tax bill for the upcoming fiscal year.

The council's decision comes amidst a period of considerable growth in property values and new developments throughout the city.

This surge in assessed values allowed the council to re-evaluate the city's financial standing and ultimately opt for a tax reduction, a welcome relief for many residents grappling with rising costs.

Councilmember Mike Green emphasized the council's focus on the taxpayer. "We've been very careful to make sure we're not putting too much burden on the citizens," Green stated.

"We want to make sure we're keeping money in their pockets while still providing essential services." The sentiment behind the vote was clearly aimed at giving back to the community.

The vote, however, was not unanimous, passing with a narrow 3-2 margin. Councilmembers Fred Lowry, Michelle Weeks, and Mike Green voted in favor of the decrease, seeing it as a direct benefit to residents and a reflection of the city's robust financial health.

Conversely, Councilmembers Tasha Wade and Marsha Walker cast dissenting votes, expressing concerns about the long-term implications of the tax cut.

Their primary worry revolved around the city's ability to adequately fund crucial public services and future infrastructure projects. Wade highlighted potential impacts on essential areas like public safety, while Walker pointed to the need for continued investment in parks and trails. The discussion underscored a thoughtful balance between immediate relief for taxpayers and sustainable city planning for the future.

Despite the split, the approved tax decrease is now set to take effect for the fiscal year 2024, providing a tangible financial benefit to Draper homeowners and setting a new precedent for fiscal management in the city.

Residents can look forward to seeing the reduction reflected in their next property tax statements, a direct result of their city council's historic decision.