A Sandy City staff member said, "Sandy has not increased property taxes this year," and explained how to read the annual Salt Lake County property tax notice residents receive.

The staff member said multiple taxing entities set rates and that "entity tax rates are calculated based on the taxable value of your property." She noted that if a tax increase occurred it would appear in the notice’s "notice of tax changes" section, which is printed in green.

The staff member explained why the notice matters: the largest share of property-tax dollars goes to the local school district, followed by Salt Lake County, and that "Sandy City's portion is about 10%." She said the city’s share funds police, fire, snow removal, streets, sidewalks and "other vital services," and that those budgets are approved through the City Council’s budget process.

Using figures presented by the staff member, the average Sandy property value is $714,000; based on the staff member’s example, the roughly 10% Sandy share equates to about $412 on that average property. The staff member also described what residents will see on their statements about property valuation: the notice shows full market value and the residential exemption amount, adding that "the residential exemption means that if your property is 1 acre or less you will be taxed on only 55% of the land you own, not the full amount."

For residents with questions, the staff member said the second page of the property tax statement lists phone numbers and web addresses for further information.