Tonight the council begins the first of a series of 10 meetings scheduled through September - two in each of Murray's five council districts - to educate residents about the ins and outs of the 2006-07 budget.
"This is brand-new for us, something we've never done before," said Council Chairwoman Krista Dunn. "We'll be out in the districts . . . to let people know where their tax dollars are going."
The proposed tax bump - the first of its kind in at least 20 years - will cost the owner of a $200,000 home an extra $67 a year.
With recent changes to Utah law that governs how sales-tax revenues are distributed among the state's municipalities, Murray's general fund takes a $1.5 million hit this year. Since the city cannot control sales taxes, it is looking to property taxes to cover the shortfall.
"Some needs, such as road improvements, have gone unmet for several years," said Dunn.
Different presentations are scheduled for rounds one and two, said Dunn. The 2006-07 budget will be the focus of round one, while round two will focus more on Murray's future needs.
The City Council is scheduled to adopt the new budget by the end of June. Cities facing tax increases are required to hold so-called "truth-in-taxation" hearings in August. New property tax rates would take effect in November.
cmckitrick@sltrib.com
Round One
* Tonight District 1, Viewmont Elementary, 745 W. 5720 South
* May 9 District 2, Viewmont Elementary, 745 W. 5720 South
* May 23 District 3, Parkside Elementary, 495 E. 5195 South
* May 30 District 4, Woodstock Elementary, 6015 S. 1300 East
* June 27 District 5, Longview Elementary, 6240 S. 580 East
Round Two
* Aug. 8 District 1, Horizon Elementary, 5180 S. 700 West
* Aug. 22 District 2, Grant Elementary, 662 W. 6140 South
* Aug. 29 District 3, Twin Peaks Elementary, 5325 S. 1045 East
* Sept. 12 District 4, Parkside Elementary, 495 E. 5195 South
* Sept. 26 District 5, Woodstock Elementary, 6015 S. 1300 East
