Tax rates are mostly set at “certified” levels

Local taxing entities are finalizing their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, and in the majority of cases, tax rates are set to stay at the certified tax rate. This means that the organizations, including San Juan County, the San Juan School District, Monticello and Blanding Cemetery Districts, City of Blanding, and others, will collect roughly the same amount of tax as in the previous year.

The exception is the City of Monticello, which is expected to keep the tax rate the same as in prior years. With an increase in property values in Monticello, this could translate into a roughly four percent increase in the amount of tax collected.

A Truth in Taxation hearing will be required for the City of Monticello before the new tax rates are finalized. The Monticello City Council was expected to address the issue at the June 23 Council meeting, which was held after the press deadline.

The issue is complex because of a change in the assessed value of some properties. The value of centrally assessed properties, including oil and gas fields, dropped by $60 million in the past year.

An increase in the value of locally assessed properties in Monticello and Blanding, including homes and businesses, means local homeowners will carry an increasing portion of the total tax burden.

San Juan County Clerk Norman Johnson says the deadline to set the tax rates is June 26.