Brigham City, Box Elder County — After residents in November 2024 rejected a $220 million bond that would have funded district-wide improvements, the Box Elder School District moved to another funding path. In the early hours of Thursday, the district’s board approved a 37.2% property tax increase, a decision aimed at preserving two core objectives: boosting employee pay and addressing critical building needs.
The tax hike is expected to raise the average homeowner’s yearly bill by about $343, while the typical business owner would see an increase of roughly $624 annually. District leaders said the additional revenue would be dedicated exclusively to two priorities: granting a 2% pay raise for employees and financing building improvements, including the construction of a new elementary school in the West Tremonton area and additions to Bear River and Box Elder high schools.
During a Truth in Taxation hearing, district business administrator Neil Stevens outlined the strain on the budget from state requirements that lack accompanying funding. “The Legislature loves to pass new laws. Last year, they passed 57% of the laws they proposed for education. That imposes new requirements on us. That imposes new reports, (and) oftentimes it does not come with new funding,” Stevens said. “Sixty percent of our new requirements do not have funding attached to them. The state puts a requirement on us. We have to fund it somehow, and oftentimes, the answer is property taxes.”
The hearing drew both praise and criticism. Rep. Tom Peterson, R-Brigham City, emphasized that the Legislature is increasing funding for education, noting that allocations for Box Elder County would rise from about $96.8 million in 2022 to roughly $131 million by 2026. “We’re funding education at record levels,” Peterson said, urging the public to recognize the broader funding context even as local actions affect families.
Supporters of the tax increase urged the board to move forward with what they described as transformative opportunities for students and staff. Todd Barrow, principal at Discovery Elementary School, acknowledged that many employees live in the district and would be affected by higher taxes but urged the board to act for the sake of students. “As a board, you have a rare opportunity to vote on something that will have real, tangible impact on what’s best for kids in our district, and I hope you take advantage of this opportunity,” Barrow said.
Critics, however, questioned the burden on taxpayers. One resident, Chad Kearl, argued the board’s assurances of a smaller impact were inconsistent with observed costs, noting, “Instead of the nearly $20 from the bond, I will now pay nearly double that of $38 a month.” Brigham City resident Steven Pocock said the tax increase was something county residents “cannot bear.” Board member Karen Cronin, who voted against the hike, urged her colleagues to seek voter input if plans diverged from the bond proposal, saying the community’s trust was at stake.
After more than five hours of public comment, the board approved the tax increase with a 5-1 vote, reflecting the competing pressures of funding education, meeting state requirements, and balancing local taxpayer burdens.
Key implications for residents and families in Box Elder County include a phased approach to existing and future school projects, with the district prioritizing updated pay for staff while pursuing long-term facilities improvements. The decision illustrates the ongoing tension between legislative mandates and local funding needs, a dynamic that is likely to shape education budgeting in Box Elder County in the months ahead.
Additional notes:
– The approved plan targets a 2% salary increase for district employees.
– Building projects include a new West Tremonton elementary school and expansions to Bear River and Box Elder high schools.
– The tax hike is separate from the previously failed $220 million bond proposal, representing an alternative funding mechanism approved by the board.
Summary: The Box Elder School District moved forward with a 37.2% property tax increase to fund a modest pay raise for staff and critical school renovations after a bond proposal failed, prompting mixed reactions from residents and ongoing debates about funding education at the local level.
Potentially helpful context for readers:
– Homeowners and business owners should review their property tax notices for the exact impact in their area.
– The district emphasized that the revenue would be strictly allocated to employee compensation and building improvements, not general operations.