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1. Why are property taxes important?

Property taxes are important because they provide a stable, consistent source of funding for public safety, streets, sidewalks, parks, libraries, and other services provided by the City. 

2. Where do my property taxes go?

Property taxes are an important source of revenue for schools, libraries, and city and county governments. Murray City receives 13% of the total overall property tax revenue collected.

 

3. Are property taxes affected by inflation?

No. To adjust property taxes, the City must initiate a public hearing process called Truth-in-Taxation and decide whether the adjustment is necessary.

The blue bar displays the percentage of growth in property tax revenue received by the City, and the orange bar displays the rate of inflation for that same year. For example, in 2012 the rate of inflation was over 2% and the City’s property tax revenue was less than the previous year by -.25%.

4. Why have my property taxes gone up if the City hasn't raised them?

There are two possible reasons for the change. The first is that another taxing entity (school district or Salt Lake County) has gone through the Truth-in-Taxation process and raised their rates on one or more years which would increase your taxes. The second is that your property has increased in value more than other properties. When the property value of the City increases, the tax rate automatically decreases which gives the City the same revenue from year to year. However, if your property increases in value at a rate higher than the tax rate decreased then you will see a tax increase. The City will not see that increase because another property’s value would have decreased or become tax-exempt which would mean a tax decrease, and results in no change to the City revenue.

5. How does Murray City stack up against other cities? Is the City being cost effective?

Murray City prides itself on its independence from special districts and county services. The City believes that it is best able to manage service levels and costs through ownership and self-management. All other cities in Salt Lake County utilize the County or special districts to provide the same services provided by the City.

So, to have an ‘apples to apples’ comparison of property tax rates, the chart below combines the city and any special district rates for government services (e.g. parks, streets, general government, police, fire, and cemetery). The rates for other cities are estimates based on information available as of June 20, 2018. Since many cities are entering the Truth-in-Taxation process to increase property tax mill levy rates, these rates are subject to change based on council action.