Utah
Utah County leaders pitch 48% tax hike to residents at open house
PROVO — Utah County wants to raise taxes by 48%, and leaders are trying to show taxpayers exactly where that money would go.
At an open house in Provo Thursday evening, representatives from various county services shared with residents what the property tax increase – which amounts to about $8 a month on a typical home – would pay for.
“Primary public safety,” said Ezra Nair, Utah County administrator. “The county is very fortunate to be super lean on our services. We only try to provide what’s absolutely necessary.”
Nair speaking about why the need for a tax increase for the county. (Avi Robledo, KSL TV)
Heather Harmon, who lives in Payson, attended the open house “to learn and see where it’s going to go.”
Speaking with county officials, she said, gave her a pretty good idea.
“There’s a lot of people who aren’t me that need help and can’t afford it,” Harmon said, “and I guess it’s not so bad to give a little extra.”
Residents speaking to Utah County staff at the open house. (Avi Robledo, KSL TV)
Nair said Utah County is operating with a budget deficit, and the tax increase would close that and pay for critical services.
But the proposal isn’t popular with several residents. Dozens spoke against it at a hearing last month. Plus, the county recently raised salaries for elected officials and hired some new administrative staff.
“We try not to be the highest-paid county for any particular position,” Nair said.
A view over Utah County. (Avi Robledo, KSL TV)
Nair said the county’s costs are going up. Harmon said she understands that, even though paying more taxes isn’t easy.
“I think it’s probably hard for everybody,” she said.
County officials said the tax increase proposal is not set in stone, and they are working it out. They plan to hold another public hearing in October before adopting a final budget before the end of the year.
Utah
Multiple earthquakes detected near Kanosh
KANOSH, Utah — The United States Geological Survey recorded multiple earthquakes near Kanosh Sunday morning, each of them having an average magnitude of 3.0.
The first earthquake, magnitude 3.0, was detected just after 12:30 a.m., with the epicenter located half a mile south of Kanarraville.
The second quake, magnitude 3.2, was detected around 5:45 a.m., with the epicenter nearly five miles south-southwest of Kanosh. This was followed by two more quakes in the same area, a magnitude 2.5 quake coming in around 6:35 a.m., followed by a third around 7:45 a.m, which measured at magnitude 3.3.
This has since been followed by another quake, measuring at magnitude 3.7, being detected around 8:45 a.m. The geographic location in the USGS report places the epicenter approximately over two miles south of the Dry Wash Trail, about six miles south-southwest of Kanosh.
FOX 13 News previously spoke with researchers at University of Utah, who said that earthquake swarms are relatively common. A study published in 2023 posits that swarms may be triggered by geothermal activity. The findings came after a series of seismic swarms were detected in central Utah, within the vicinity of three geothermal power plants.
The study also says that the swarms fall into a different category than aftershocks that typically follow large quakes, such as the magnitude 5.7 earthquake that hit the Wasatch Fault back in 2020.
Utah
Embattled Utah Rep. Trevor Lee loses county GOP convention — but wins enough support to make primary
Earlier in the week, House Speaker Mike Schultz said lawmakers asked the attorney general to investigate allegations of fraud and bribery against Lee.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Rep. Trevor Lee, R-Layton, running for reelection, addresses delegates during the Davis County Republican Party nominating convention at Syracuse High School on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
Utah
A new bar brings the Himalayas to the foot of Big Cottonwood Canyon
Also from Utah Eats: A Utah baker ends his run on a Food Network competition; Lucky Slice’s territory grows.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) The Yeti, a Himalayan-themed bar in Cottonwood Heights, is pictured on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
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