Alpine School District proposing tax increase to fund new schools

AMERICAN FORK, Utah — This month starts the start of truth-in-taxation hearings for school districts in the state. Alpine School District is planning a proposal for a property tax increase.

District officials say they need the tax increase in order to meet requirements from the state to get additional funding. 

Director of Communications Rich Stowell says the district has been aggressively paying back their bonds,  resulting in lower taxes overall for the community.

He says the board wants to shift funds that would normally be used to pay those bonds to fund a high school out west.

“There’s growth in Alpine School district, particularly out west,” he said. “We have need for facilities in the Western part of our districts. We need to build schools for these kids… And for teachers to teach effectively.”

With interest rates lowering over the last ten years, an increase will keep taxes somewhat stable over time and still qualify for this funding, Stowell said. 

“Acting now is responsible because that will help make sure our board also takes advantage of some guaranteed revenue that comes from the state.” 

Stowell noted this proposed increase would result in an average increase of nine dollars a month for the average family.

The hearing will be held on the 13th at the Alpine District Offices.

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