Board members of the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake and Sandy decided Monday not to seek a tax hike that would have raised about $2.4 million.

"They know it's needed [but] they don't feel it's prudent at this time," said Robyn Clayton, water district spokeswoman. "They're listening to the member cities."

The water board had planned to raise by 50 percent the portion of property taxes that supports the district. It would have meant an owner of a $200,000 home would have annually paid about $15 more in Salt Lake City and $18 more in Sandy.

Officials in both cities raised concerns and wanted the district to delay the hike and study if it was needed. The district had wanted to hire 10 more employees and give workers a 6.3 percent raise. The money was also meant to cover operation costs associated with the district's new water treatment plant, which will open in 2007 at the Point of the Mountain. But both cities already raised water rates to pay for the treatment plant.

"I'm grateful in the very least they've deferred it," said Salt Lake City Council Chairman Dale Lambert, who had sent the district a letter asking for the delay.

"Great," said Sandy Spokesman Ryan Meacham when he heard the news. "The city is very glad Metro has decided to pull back their proposal."

If a tax increase is necessary next year - and Clayton said that is possible - Salt Lake City Councilman Dave Buhler hopes the district will consider raising water rates instead of property taxes.