Some of the seven board members told the audience of more than 100 gathered for a "truth-in-taxation" hearing that they wished they could vote against the measure. But, they said, their commitment to properly educate Jordan's children forced them to approve the increase.

School boards in Granite and Salt Lake districts also approved property-tax increases Tuesday.

A portion of each district's increase will help fund Gov. Olene Walker's K-3 reading initiative. Earlier this year, the governor asked the Legislature for $30 million to pay for additional literacy coaches, teacher training and programs to help all students read by the end of third grade.

Instead, lawmakers provided $15 million on the condition that districts raise the other $15 million on their own - either through higher property-tax collections or by drawing from existing funds - to collect the state match. All but 12 of Utah's 40 school districts intend to raise taxes.

Speakers against the tax increase in Jordan often pleaded their cases with red faces and cracking voices. Pointing fingers at the seated board members, some explained the consequences this tax hike would cause.

"I'm moving out of my house because I can't afford the property taxes right now [before this increase]," Mark Madsen said. "My taxes go up every year. I'm tired of it - and I think a lot of other people here are, too."

The crowd erupted in applause.

A family nurse practitioner who works at a medical clinic for low-income patients explained that though the tax hike might appear relatively small, it is large enough to render those in poverty unable to pay their bills.

Board members took turns responding to the comments and criticisms.

"I'm a single mother with a limited income, who lives in a poor neighborhood, with a full-time job," said board member Lynette Phillips, describing why she would vote for the increase.

"So, I'm not out of touch. Children are our investment. If we don't invest in our children, we're dooming ourselves for the future," Phillips said.

Granite's increase will be devoted entirely to the K-3 reading program. Salt Lake City District's increase will fund the reading program, as well as technology needs and the replacement of revenues lost from people who dispute their tax bill. Jordan's increase, in addition to the reading program, will help pay for such things as district growth, transportation costs, and higher salaries and benefits.

Only two people showed up at Granite's hearing, where board members accused legislators of election-year buck-passing by refusing to fund the entire $30 million at the state level.

"The Legislature wanted to take the heat off of them and put it on local school boards," complained board member Lynn Davidson.

Steve Dupaix, a father of four from East Millcreek, questioned why the board felt it needed to increase taxes again when it asked voters to approve another increase last year. He said he worried about a "shell game

tax dollars.

No one in Salt Lake City School District testified on the increase.

mcronin@sltrib.com;

rlynn@sltrib.com

Tax hikes approved Tuesday

$6.66 on a $100,000 home in Granite School District, according to the district.

$27 on a $100,000 home in Jordan School District, according to district officials.

$22.55 on a $200,000 home in Salt Lake City School District, according to Utah Taxpayers Association.