American Fork proposes 9% tax increase to help staff lake station

American Fork is proposing to increase its city property-tax revenue by approximately 9% for fiscal year 2027, with the money helping pay for additional firefighters and a temporary station serving the lake side of town. The proposal is not final. Residents will have an opportunity to comment at a Truth in Taxation hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026.

What the city is proposing

American Fork City says the proposed increase would generate about $660,000 in additional property-tax revenue each year. The formal Utah public notice describes the proposal as an 8.48% increase above the previous year’s property-tax budgeted revenue, excluding eligible new growth. City materials round that figure to approximately 9% for residents.

The proposed revenue would support only part of a broader public-safety staffing plan. The city identifies nine additional firefighters as the full staffing need for a temporary fire station on the lakeside of American Fork. City documents estimate the annual cost of those positions at about $1.8 million. The proposed tax increase would cover roughly four of the nine firefighter positions, while the city would absorb much of the remaining personnel cost.

The temporary facility is intended to improve fire and emergency medical response in the growing lakeside area until a formal fire station can be built. City materials also say the city will need to consider a future bond for a third and final fire station. The temporary station should not be understood as a completed permanent facility.

What it could mean for property owners

The proposed 9% increase applies to the American Fork City portion of property taxes, not automatically to a homeowner’s entire tax bill. City information says only about 17% of a typical property-tax payment goes to American Fork City. Other portions support entities such as the school district, Utah County and water districts, which set their own rates.

For the city’s average-home example, the proposed increase is estimated at about $2.83 per month, or $34 per year, in the city tax portion. The formal state notice uses a $502,000 residence as its example and estimates that the American Fork City tax would rise from $394.27 to $427.68, an annual increase of $33.41.

Those figures are examples, not universal costs. A property owner’s total bill can also change because of assessed value, other taxing entities or separate tax decisions. The proposal does not mean every homeowner’s total property-tax bill would rise by 9%.

When residents can comment

The Truth in Taxation public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, at City Hall, 31 North Church Street in American Fork. The formal notice says residents may attend in person or participate virtually. Online participation instructions are expected to be posted no later than 24 hours before the hearing.

The hearing is part of the process, not a guarantee that the proposed increase will be approved. Residents should watch for the city’s final action and any updated tax-impact information after the public hearing.

Sources

• American Fork City Property Taxes page
• Utah Public Notice: Truth in Taxation Hearing