City property tax revenues are going up, but residents will not have to reach deeper into their pockets to fund city government.
The City Council held a truth-in-taxation hearing Tuesday not to approve a tax increase but to satisfy the State Tax Commission.City Manager Jack Bippes said the city has had enough growth the past year that the State Tax Commission told the city it had to approve a new certified tax rate or lose the increased revenues.
"All we're asking for is to maintain that level," Bippes told residents at a public hearing.
Bippes said state law required the public hearing, but in reality the city's growth is causing the overall tax increase.
Mayor Neldon Hamblin said the city is also not to blame for property tax increases in recent years. He said the city receives only $13.99 on every $100 of property tax residents pay. Other government entities, such as the school district and the county, receive the rest.
"Clearfield has a big bang for each buck," Hamblin said of the city's efficiency.
One resident said he believes City Council members are paid too much and rank among Utah's highest-paid elected council members.