So when she heard about a property-tax increase that could top 80 percent, she went to Tuesday's taxation hearing to find out what amenities are being planned.
"I don't mind paying the taxes, if I'm going to get the services," Merrell said in an interview.
Her answer from city officials: None. The money would only maintain existing services.
Merrell was one of about 60 people who attended the public meeting, where city leaders heard residents' frustrations with the proposed tax hike.
Resident Larry Roberts, who is on a fixed income, told the City Council he wants it to figure out its money problems and not put the burden on residents who are dealing with their own tight budgets. He challenged officials to come up with a five-year budget plan to make sure taxes are increased only as needed.
"These are tough times," he said. "I would like to see what you're seeing in the future [for Saratoga Springs] as well as for today."
This is the first time the 10-year-old city on Utah Lake's northwest shore is looking at increasing its property-tax rate.
Officials earlier this summer had proposed to raise taxes by 200 percent. That was later dropped to 78 percent to raise roughly $800,000, according to City Manager Ken Leetham, who told residents that the city's budget is hurting because of the decline in development-related revenue, such as money from building-permit fees.
To cut costs, the city eliminated 18 positions, wages are frozen, employees pay more for health insurance and community celebrations and road projects have been canceled or delayed.
For example, the city's streets department cut its budget by 67 percent, Leetham said.
Some folks at Tuesday's hearing wanted to know the financial impact of the year-old Police Department on the budget woes.
Police Chief Gary Hicken said the department's $1.9 million budget - that includes 15 officers - is saving Saratoga Springs roughly $150,000 when compared to its former contract with the Utah County Sheriff's Office.
"The Police Department is not a luxury; it's saving us money," Councilman Bernard "Bud" Poduska told the crowd. "It's not just about convenience; it's life-saving."
jsanchez@sltrib.com
What's next?
Another Saratoga Springs truth-in-taxation hearing is set for 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at the city's offices, 1307 N. Commerce Drive, Suite 200. Immediately after the hearing, the council is scheduled to vote on a proposed tax increase and the proposed 2008-09 city budget.
The cost?
Owners of a home valued at $250,000 now pay $10.69 a month in property tax. Their monthly bill would increase to $17.47 - a $6.78 increase - under the current proposal.
