Cottonwood Heights residents will face a smaller property tax increase than originally proposed. The city council cut its planned hike from 42% to 25% and will vote on the reduced rate at its Tuesday, Aug. 18 meeting at City Hall, 2277 E. Bengal Blvd.
The council approved the higher 42% rate on Aug. 11 but reversed course within seven days. Ordinance 2026-473, listed on the Aug. 18 meeting agenda, supersedes that earlier vote and must be adopted before a Sept. 1 statutory deadline.
At the original rate, an owner of an $850,000 primary residence would have paid roughly $252 more per year in city property taxes. The exact dollar impact of the 25% rate has not been published.
A companion budget amendment implements departmental spending cuts to balance the general fund at the lower revenue level. The city has already eliminated its culture manager and culture coordinator positions, imposed a hiring freeze and left at least two police vacancies unfilled, as we reported July 17.
The structural deficit driving the increase stands at $2.6 million after more than six years of shortfalls. In a May 4 report by the Cottonwood Heights Journal, Councilmember Suzanne Hyland said even a repeat of the city's previous 13% hike "feels like a gut punch," reflecting how painful any increase is for homeowners. The volunteer Citizen Budget Committee warned in a May written statement that a tax hike alone would be "the equivalent of slapping a Band-Aid on a gushing wound" without a multiyear strategy to control expenses.
K-9 Dave heads home
The agenda also includes a resolution to let retiring police K-9 "Dave" go home with his handler for good. Resolution 2026-60 declares the 9-year-old narcotics detection dog surplus property and authorizes his sale to Sgt. Jeff Gainey for $10. In return, Gainey agrees to provide lifelong care and releases the city from future liability.
Dave served 8½ years with the Cottonwood Heights Police Department. The department celebrated his retirement on its Facebook page, writing that he is "officially hanging up his badge."
Road safety plan
A third resolution on the docket would approve a consulting agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates to prepare a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program. The contract value and funding source were not listed in the agenda.
How to weigh in
The evening business meeting begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18; a 4 p.m. session opens the day. Residents can submit written comments to [email protected] by noon that day or speak in person for up to three minutes after completing a comment card. A livestream will be available on the city's YouTube channel.
Upcoming community events at City Hall, 2277 E. Bengal Blvd.:
- Senior Bingo, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1 p.m., Community Room
- CWH City Book Group, Thursday, Aug. 27, 7–8:30 p.m., Community Room
- CERT Refresher, Thursday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m., Community Room
- Monster Mash/Trunk or Treat, Thursday, Oct. 22, Hillside Plaza
