Salt Lake City School District, one of the districts that would have to ask voters to take the largest financial hit, remains opposed to the current proposal.

"We could not support any model that was an increase to our taxpayers," Janet Roberts, the district business administrator, said after listening to legislators discuss the plan Monday.

Salt Lake homeowners would pay an estimated $124 in additional tax dollars on a $250,000 home if the district were to raise taxes to replace money it contributed to the equalization formula. That model attempts to more equally distribute money for new construction and renovation throughout the state after pooling some property tax funds. Money is spread out based on growth needs, property tax value per student and other factors.

Homeowners in 12 districts are expected to see their taxes go down as a result of the proposal. Three districts would have their taxes stay essentially flat.

"There's going to be donor districts and receiving districts under this scenario," said Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, who is sponsoring the legislation. He noted that other elements of Utah's school funding formula also try to equalize tax dollars.

"Really what we're providing is taxpayer relief," he said.

Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, who has previously sponsored equalization legislation, commended this latest proposal.

"It certainly doesn't make any sense if you're in a wealthy district to keep your gold," he said. "This is a socialized system."

Legislators on the equalization task force continue to discuss multiple funding proposals and are likely to make a recommendation later this year.

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* JULIA LYON can be contacted at jlyon@sltrib.com or 801-257-8748.