If you live in Eagle Mountain and spend any time on local Facebook groups, you've seen the posts. "220% property tax increase." People are alarmed, and honestly, a number like that would alarm anyone.
So let's slow down and look at what's actually being proposed, using the city's own documents. My goal here isn't to tell you whether this tax increase is good or bad. That's for you to decide, and there's a public process built exactly for that. My goal is to make sure you understand the real numbers before you form an opinion, because the way this is being shared online is causing a lot of confusion.
Where the 220% Number Comes From
The 220% figure is real, but it doesn't mean your tax bill is going up 220%. Here's the distinction that matters most, and it's the one thing almost none of the online posts mention.
According to Eagle Mountain City's Proposed Property Tax Impact Schedule, the city is proposing to increase its property tax revenue by about 220.88%, which would generate an additional $6,742,938 for the city. That percentage describes the increase to the city's portion of property tax revenue, moving the city's rate from 0.000530 to 0.001700.
Here's the key context: the city's portion is only about 5.79% of your total property tax bill. The rest, the large majority, goes to the school district, Utah County, the fire authority, and other taxing entities. None of those are part of this proposal.
So a 220% increase applied to a slice that's under 6% of your bill is a very different thing than a 220% increase to the whole bill. That's why the actual dollar impact is much smaller than the headline suggests.
What It Actually Means for Your Bill
This is the number most people are looking for, and it's right in the city's documents.
For an average primary residence valued at $488,000, the city estimates the increase would be about $314.03 per year, bringing the total city portion of the tax to $456.28 annually.
For an average business valued at $2,554,303, the estimated increase is about $2,987.84 per year.
So for a typical Eagle Mountain homeowner, we're talking about roughly $314 more per year, or about $26 a month, on the city's portion of the bill. That's a real cost worth weighing. It's also a very different picture than "my taxes are going up 220%," which is how it's being passed around online.
What the Money Is For
Per the city's notice, the additional revenue is designated for public safety. Specifically, it would fund the Utah County Sheriff's Office, Eagle Mountain Division, including adding deputies to keep pace with the city's growth.
In the letter to residents signed by Mayor Jared Gray and Chief Deputy Erik Knutzen, the city states that the level of service a growing community expects is tied to staffing and resources, and that this increase is specifically designated to support public safety staffing, response reliability, and officer safety.
Worth noting for context: the city says it has not increased property taxes through the truth-in-taxation process since 2010.
Eagle Mountain Isn't Alone
If it feels like you're hearing about tax increases everywhere right now, you are. Per KSL, numerous Utah cities are pursuing property tax increases this year. Rising costs of services, growth, and years of holding rates flat are pushing a lot of Utah municipalities toward truth-in-taxation proposals at the same time. Eagle Mountain is one of several going through this process in 2026.
That doesn't make the proposal right or wrong. It's just useful context: this is part of a broader statewide pattern, not something unique to Eagle Mountain.
What "Truth in Taxation" Means
Utah has a process called Truth in Taxation. When a city wants to collect more property tax revenue than the prior year (beyond what naturally comes from new growth), it can't just quietly do it. State law requires the city to notify the public, advertise the proposed increase, and hold a public hearing where residents can speak before the council votes.
That's the stage Eagle Mountain is in right now. This is a proposal, not a done deal. The public hearing is the point where residents, whether they support the increase or oppose it, get to be heard.
How Residents Can Take Part in the Process
Utah law builds in a specific process for residents to review a proposed increase and be heard before any final vote. If you want your voice to count, whether you support the proposal or oppose it, here's how to actually do that instead of only posting online.
Review the Property Tax Impact Schedule. Truth in Taxation requires the city to publish a schedule showing how much additional revenue is proposed, the estimated impact on homes of different values, and why the increase is being proposed. Read it directly at the Eagle Mountain Truth in Taxation page.
Review the budget documents. The tentative budget, the proposed increase, and the supporting financial documents are public records, included with the City Council agenda. You can examine the city's actual reasoning on the Eagle Mountain transparency page and the city meeting portal.
Attend the Truth in Taxation public hearing. Utah law requires a public hearing before the city can adopt a property tax increase. This is the main place residents get to weigh in. You can speak in person, and the purpose of the hearing is specifically to take public comment before the council decides.
Speak during the public comment period. You can comment in person, submit written comments if the city accepts them, and ask questions about how the additional revenue will be used.
Contact your city council members. You can reach the mayor or council members before the vote to share your views or ask questions. Eagle Mountain publishes council contact information on its official website.
Stay informed through official notices. Under Truth in Taxation, the city must provide public notice before increasing revenue above the certified tax rate, coordinated with the county auditor. Watch the Utah Public Notice Website for the official hearing date, time, and location.
The short version: review the Property Tax Impact Schedule and budget, attend the required public hearing, and share your comments with the City Council before the final vote. Utah law requires this process specifically so residents have a real opportunity to participate before anything is adopted.
Why This Matters If You're Buying or Selling
Property taxes are part of the cost of owning a home, so it's fair to wonder how this affects the market. Here's my honest read.
An increase of around $314 a year on the city's portion is real, but it's modest in the context of a monthly mortgage payment. It's not the kind of number that reshapes what buyers can afford or what your home is worth. Eagle Mountain's affordability relative to the rest of Utah County, its newer housing, and its growth are still the bigger drivers of value here.
If you're buying, it's simply something to factor into your full cost of ownership, the same way you'd factor in HOA dues or utility costs. If you're selling, this isn't something that changes your pricing strategy. And if you're a new owner, remember to file for your primary residence exemption so you're taxed at the reduced primary rate in the first place.
The most useful thing I can do here is help you see past the panic to the actual numbers. From there, what you do with your voice in the public process is up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Eagle Mountain really raising property taxes 220%? The 220.88% figure refers to the increase in the city's portion of property tax revenue, not your total tax bill. The city's portion is only about 5.79% of your overall property taxes. The rest goes to the school district, county, and other entities that are not part of this proposal.
How much more would I actually pay? For an average primary residence valued at $488,000, the city estimates an increase of about $314.03 per year, or roughly $26 a month, on the city's portion of the bill.
What is the tax increase for? The additional revenue is designated for public safety, specifically funding the Utah County Sheriff's Office, Eagle Mountain Division, and adding deputies to keep up with the city's growth.
How can I have a say before the vote? Utah's Truth in Taxation law requires a public hearing before any increase is adopted. You can review the Property Tax Impact Schedule and budget documents, attend the hearing and give public comment, submit written comments, and contact your city council members before the vote.
Are other Utah cities raising taxes too? Yes. Per KSL, numerous Utah cities are pursuing property tax increases in 2026, driven by growth and rising service costs. Eagle Mountain is one of several going through the truth-in-taxation process this year.
Has Eagle Mountain raised taxes recently? According to the city, it has not increased property taxes through the Truth in Taxation process since 2010.
Related Reading
- Utah Property Tax Exemption: What Utah County Buyers Must Do After Closing
- Eagle Mountain Real Estate Market Update: June 2026
- Is Utah County Safe? A Guide for Families Moving to the Area
This article is for general informational purposes only and reflects publicly available information at the time of writing. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Property tax details, hearing dates, and city proposals can change, so confirm current information directly with Eagle Mountain City and consult a qualified tax professional or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: Eagle Mountain City Truth in Taxation and Proposed Property Tax Impact Schedule, dated June 18, 2026, letter to residents signed by Mayor Jared Gray and Chief Deputy Erik Knutzen; Eagle Mountain City transparency and financial documents; Eagle Mountain City meeting portal; KSL, why are your taxes increasing, numerous Utah cities pursue property tax hikes; Utah Public Notice Website.