If you live in Eagle Mountain or own property there, you've probably seen the headline: the city is proposing a 220.9% property tax increase. That number is accurate. It is also, without context, significantly more alarming than the situation warrants.
Here is the honest picture.
What 220% actually means in dollars
For the average Eagle Mountain home valued at $488,000, the proposed increase is $314.03 per year; about $26.17 per month, less than a dollar a day.
That is because Eagle Mountain's current property tax rate is very low. The city has not increased property taxes through the Truth in Taxation process since 2010. The current city tax on a $488,000 home is $142.25 per year. Under the proposed rate, that becomes $456.28 per year. The percentage increase is large because the starting point is small, not because the dollar increase is dramatic.
What the money would fund
100% of Eagle Mountain's city property tax goes to public safety. The proposed increase would fund seven new positions; one sergeant and six deputies, and fully meet the Sheriff's Office contract dollar for dollar. The city's law enforcement is provided through a contract with the Utah County Sheriff's Office, and the current property tax revenue does not fully cover that contract at the existing rate.
The increase is not funding administrative bloat or a new city building. It is funding sheriff's deputies in one of Utah County's fastest-growing cities.
Why the percentage looks so big
Utah's property tax system has a built-in feature that makes percentage increases look large even when the dollar amounts are modest. The system is revenue-driven rather than rate-driven, meaning cities receive roughly the same tax revenue year over year from existing properties as values rise. When a city wants to collect more than that baseline, it must go through the Truth in Taxation process; which requires public notice, advertising, and a hearing.
Eagle Mountain has not gone through that process since 2010. Sixteen years of holding the rate flat, combined with significant population growth and rising service costs, means the gap between current revenue and current needs has grown large. A 220% increase from a very low base still produces a modest dollar figure.
This is also happening in cities across Utah right now. Among the other large proposed increases statewide, Saratoga Springs in Utah County is pursuing a 54% increase, and Ogden Valley is seeking 506%. Eagle Mountain is not an outlier in facing this pressure; it is one of many growing Utah cities working through the same math simultaneously.
The public hearing is August 6
The Eagle Mountain City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed property tax increase on August 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM. This is the required Truth in Taxation hearing where residents can appear and be heard before the council takes formal action.
The proposal is not final until adopted after the hearing. If you have a strong opinion about this increase in either direction, August 6 is the meeting to attend.
If you own property in Eagle Mountain or are considering buying there, this hearing and its outcome are worth tracking. Reach out to Foundry Group if you have questions about how this might affect your property picture.
FAQ
How much will Eagle Mountain's property tax increase cost the average homeowner?
For the average Eagle Mountain home valued at $488,000, the proposed increase adds $314.03 per year; approximately $26.17 per month. The current city tax on that home is $142.25 annually and would rise to $456.28 under the proposed rate.
Why is the percentage increase so large if the dollar amount is modest?
Eagle Mountain has not increased property taxes through the Truth in Taxation process since 2010. A 16-year period of holding rates flat while the city grew significantly means the gap between current revenue and service costs became large. A large percentage increase from a very low starting rate still produces a modest dollar figure.
What would the Eagle Mountain property tax increase fund?
Seven new public safety positions (one sergeant and six deputies through the Utah County Sheriff's Office) and full funding of the existing Sheriff's Office contract. 100% of Eagle Mountain's city property tax goes to public safety.
When is the Eagle Mountain property tax public hearing?
August 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM. This is the required Truth in Taxation public hearing where residents can appear and comment before the City Council takes formal action. The proposal is not final until adopted after the hearing.
Is this property tax increase unique to Eagle Mountain?
No. Multiple Utah cities are pursuing property tax increases in 2026, including Saratoga Springs at 54% and Ogden Valley at 506%. Eagle Mountain is one of several growing Utah municipalities navigating rising service costs after years of holding rates flat.
How can I calculate my specific Eagle Mountain property tax under the proposed increase?
Eagle Mountain's official property tax page at eaglemountain.gov/truth-in-taxation-property-tax includes an interactive calculator where you can enter your home's market value to estimate the city portion of your bill under both the current and proposed rates.
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 at eaglemountain.gov and consult a qualified tax professional or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
