Roy residents are actively collecting signatures to initiate a referendum on a 34 percent property tax increase approved by the Roy City Council in August. Their goal is to allow voters to decide on the proposed tax hike, which, if enacted, would increase city revenues by $1.7 million.
The Roy City Council voted 4-1 in August to implement the 34 percent property tax increase. Council members who favored the increase stated that the additional $1.7 million would be used for personnel wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments for city employees. These council members also reported exploring every available option before settling on this increase.
On average, the tax increase would amount to approximately $130 per year for a primary home and $240 for a business. The proposed increase has drawn significant concern from residents, many of whom voiced their opposition during various public comment periods at city council meetings and Truth-In-Taxation hearings.
Now, residents are formalizing their objections by gathering the necessary signatures to place the referendum on the November ballot. To achieve this, they need to collect about 1,700 signatures by October 8.
Nancy Inman is one of the key figures leading the referendum effort against Roy city’s property tax increase. She and other volunteers have been active at locations like the Roy Farmer's Market, outside the local liquor store, at other local businesses, including Burger Bar, and by going door-to-door throughout the community to gather support.
Inman expressed concerns that city officials were not making attempts to reorganize anything or control spending, asserting that they “keep treating the taxpayer like their personal ATM cards.” She added that, living on a fixed income and being retired, she felt money was being taken “out of my pocket to pay these city employees” high salaries and benefits. Inman also voiced worries about other seniors and young families struggling with existing rising costs, suggesting the tax hike could make it difficult for young people to get into their first homes or afford to stay in them.
Geoffrey Cox, a Roy resident for 43 years, is also participating in the signature gathering, expressing a desire to see something change. Cox believes that city officials are “not listening to the people” and stated his commitment to his community, saying he would “give everything I can.” He urged fellow Roy citizens to support the effort.
Sandra Foxley, who had already signed the petition, indicated that while she doesn't object to paying some tax, she believes the amount “needs to be a little more reasonable.” Foxley also conveyed apprehension about residents' ability to afford living in Roy due to what she perceives as a very high tax.
The organizers are counting on community support to meet the October 8 deadline for collecting the required signatures, hoping to give Roy voters the final say on the 34 percent property tax increase this November.