Highland homeowners could see their property tax bills rise by $28.49 a year if the City Council approves a proposed increase to the dedicated library tax. The council will vote at a Truth in Taxation hearing on Tuesday, August 11, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

The increase amounts to $2.38 per month for the average Highland home. The city says the proposal represents a 52% increase to the library tax rate. Even after the adjustment, the library levy would remain less than 2% of a resident's total property tax bill, according to the city.

Why the library says it needs more money

Highland's library tax was created in 2007. Since then, the council has lowered the rate twice, according to the city's FAQ published May 13 on highlandut.gov. Under Utah law, property tax revenues don't automatically rise with inflation or home values. The only way the library can bring in more money is through new growth or a rate increase.

The result: Highland spends $17.15 per person on its library, well below the state median of $36.62 for comparable libraries, according to the Utah State Library Division.

The city says the additional revenue would fund new staff to handle rising workloads, cover the cost of the Libby e-book and audiobook platform after state funding for it was eliminated, and support programming for seniors and all ages.

What's at stake without the increase

The library has already postponed its Fairytale Ball event due to increased workload, a sign that budget strain is showing before any vote.

According to the city's FAQ, without new revenue the library could be forced to exit the Timpanogos Library Consortium, which gives Highland patrons access to the larger collections at American Fork and Pleasant Grove libraries. Other possible cuts the city outlined include restricted Libby access, reduced library hours, and scaled-back programs such as children's Storytime and senior activities.

How residents can weigh in

Highland is holding two information sessions before the vote:

• Monday, July 27, 2026 — 7 p.m. at City Hall (5400 West Civic Center Drive)
• Thursday, August 6, 2026 — 7 p.m. at City Hall

The final hearing and vote takes place Tuesday, August 11, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Mayor Brittney P. Bills and council members Ron Campbell, Doug Cortney, and Liz Rice will consider the proposal.

If approved, the new rate will appear on November 2026 property tax bills.