The sessions are in addition to a legally required truth-in-taxation hearing scheduled for Aug. 12.
The City Council has scheduled special meetings on Wednesday and for July 9 to answer residents' questions and take public comments about a proposed $3 million property-tax increase.
If approved in August, the boost would tack $70 onto the annual tax bill for a $247,000 house - the average home value in West Jordan.
"It's important for people to have the opportunity to come and have dialogue with the City Council," said Councilwoman Melissa Johnson. "It's difficult during a truth-in-taxation hearing to have a dialogue . . . People come and comment, and the council can't really respond."
Earlier this month, the council agreed, in two 6-1 votes, to levy a 3.5 percent tax on phone bills, including cell phones, and bump the city's energy tax on gas and electric bills from 5.5 percent to 6 percent. The measures are expected to generate an additional $1.9 million a year, which will fund road repairs.
The council is more closely divided on whether to raise property taxes. Johnson, Mayor David Newton and Councilman Ben Southworth oppose the increase. But a four-member majority argues the tax jump is overdue. Without new revenue, city staff has projected budget shortfalls starting in the 2009-10 budget year.
"With the economics the way it is we don't have that luxury" of keeping West Jordan's tax rate the same, said Councilwoman Kathy Hilton. "Look at [gasoline] prices and how much they've gone up. We need to pay for the gas for our fleet."
Some West Jordan residents have organized a citizens' committee, which meets on Thursdays at City Hall, to oppose the property-tax hike and suggest spending cuts.
Committee Chairman Clive Killpack called the public forums "a great idea."
"We have until [mid August] to change some minds" on the City Council, he said.
West Jordan residents, during two public forums, are invited to share their opinions about a proposed tax hike.
The sessions are in addition to a legally required truth-in-taxation hearing scheduled for Aug. 12.
The City Council has scheduled special meetings on Wednesday and for July 9 to answer residents' questions and take public comments about a proposed $3 million property-tax increase.
If approved in August, the boost would tack $70 onto the annual tax bill for a $247,000 house - the average home value in West Jordan.
"It's important for people to have the opportunity to come and have dialogue with the City Council," said Councilwoman Melissa Johnson. "It's difficult during a truth-in-taxation hearing to have a dialogue . . . People come and comment, and the council can't really respond."
Earlier this month, the council agreed, in two 6-1 votes, to levy a 3.5 percent tax on phone bills, including cell phones, and bump the city's energy tax on gas and electric bills from 5.5 percent to 6 percent. The measures are expected to generate an additional $1.9 million a year, which will fund road repairs.
The council is more closely divided on whether to raise property taxes. Johnson, Mayor David Newton and Councilman Ben Southworth oppose the increase. But a four-member majority argues the tax jump is overdue. Without new revenue, city staff has projected budget shortfalls starting in the 2009-10 budget year.
"With the economics the way it is we don't have that luxury" of keeping West Jordan's tax rate the same, said Councilwoman Kathy Hilton. "Look at [gasoline] prices and how much they've gone up. We need to pay for the gas for our fleet."
Some West Jordan residents have organized a citizens' committee, which meets on Thursdays at City Hall, to oppose the property-tax hike and suggest spending cuts.
Committee Chairman Clive Killpack called the public forums "a great idea."
"We have until [mid August] to change some minds" on the City Council, he said.
