School districts and local governments are jumping on the "bond wagon" and asking Utah County taxpayers to roll out their dough.

No matter where one lives in the county, bond elections and their accompanying tax increases can't be escaped. Taken one at time, the tax increases don't seem too hard to swallow. But some people will gulp when they see them added together on their tax bills.Provo residents may be the hardest hit in the county. Between two proposed bonds and a storm-water service district fee, oweners of a $75,000 to $80,000 house could shell out an average $158 more a year.

American Fork residents might also want to take cover.

Larry Denham, vice president of Smith Capital Markets, says there's good reason for the bonding frenzy.

"Rates are historically low right now," he said. That makes projects that weren't feasible in the past affordable now.

Voters in American Fork, Alpine and Nebo school districts already approved bonds to build a recreation center and new schools, respectively. Nebo's bond didn't include a tax increase; the other two did.

Provo School District intends to hold a $32.1 million bond election in September to build three new schools.

The three school districts are targeting their bond proceeds for the construction of middle or junior high schools to relieve crowding. Alternative schedules that ease crowding in elementary schools, such as year-round and extended day, don't work as well in secondary schools. So, the school districts are going for brick and mortar.

School districts aren't alone in their desire to get on the bond wagon.

Utah County scheduled a bond election for November to raise $18 million for a new jail. If approved, property owners would pay an average of about $18 more a year in county taxes.

Pleasant Grove officials are trying to decide whether to hold a bond election or use their capital-improvement fund to build an park that would cost and estimated $650,000. Should the city opt for a bond and gain voter approval, residents would pay an average of about $6.30 more in taxes beginning in the 1993-94 fiscal year.

In addition to tax increases to pay off bonds, residents in two cities will pay new fees. Provo and Orem imposed storm-water service district fees. Beginning in July, Provo residents will be assessed $36 a year; Orem residents will be charged $12 annually.

Springville officials intend to raise property taxes to beef up the general fund. The tax increase, however, will be offset by a reduction in garbage-collection fees. In fact, some residents will pay less in total taxes and fees next year.

Deseret News staff writer David Farnworth contributed to this story.

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(Additional information)

Tax hikes

Utah County

Estimates based on $75,000 to $80,000 house

Alpine:

Alpine School District bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Total=$53

American Fork:

Alpine School District bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Total=$96

Highland:

Alpine School District bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Total=$53

Lehi:

Alpine School District bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Total=$53

Lindon:

Alpine School District bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Total=$53

Orem:

Alpine School District bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Storm drain utilities fee=$12

Total=$65

Payson:

Utah County Jail bond=$18

Total=$18

Pleasant Grove:

Alpine School District bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Pleasant Grove Park bond=$6

Total=$53

Provo:

Utah County Jail bond=$18, Provo School District bond=$104,

Storm drain utilities fee=$36

Total=$158

Spanish Fork:

Utah County Jail bond=$18

Total=$18

Springville:

Utah County Jail bond=$18

Total=$13.50*

Unincorporated Utah County:

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Alpine School district bond=$35, Utah County Jail bond=$18,

Provo School District bond=$104

Total=$53 to $122

*Springville City tax increase $48.00, Springville garbage fee reduced $52.50.

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