If the proposal is approved later this year by the City Council, the owner of a $150,000 home would shell out an extra $11 per month - or $132 a year.

"It might be a big chunk for our citizens to take all at once," said acting manager Paul Isaac. "As a city we've never raised property taxes to fund operational expenses."

For the past five to six years, officials in Utah's second-largest community avoided boosting taxes by postponing projects, maximizing fleet use and selling surplus properties, Isaac said.

However, this coming fiscal year he anticipates a $7 million deficit, with sorely needed capital expenditures still pending.

Belt tightening continues. Under his proposed budget, there would be be no cost-of-living or merit raises for West Valley City's 800-plus employees.

"The tax increase has nothing to do with increasing services," said Isaac. "It has everything to do with maintaining operations at the current level."

Mike Jerman, vice president for the Utah Taxpayers Association, urges West Valley residents to take a close look at Isaac's proposal - and ask a lot of questions.

In Salt Lake County, West Valley City has the third-highest municipal property-tax rate; Salt Lake City is first and West Jordan second. Of the state's 30 largest cities, West Valley City is ninth-highest in those taxes that go to city government, said Jerman.

A public hearing on the tax increase will be held in August. If approved, it takes effect this November.

Some residents are skeptical.

"I'm not in favor of raising taxes at all," said Jim Burnside, a West Valley resident since 1972. "I'll need more information than the fact that they have a shortfall. That's a catch-all excuse."

West Valley City Councilman Joel Coleman understands how Burnside feels.

"The last thing I want to do is hand them more of my personal money - or that of my neighbors. Nobody likes a tax increase," said Coleman.

But he says that the city has been penny-wise as the cost of providing services has continued to climb.

"I don't think we're wasting a cent here, so I know they wouldn't ask us to consider an increase if it wasn't absolutely necessary," said Coleman. "It's just a terribly heavy decision to make."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com