There are two troubling aspects of Lindon's proposed property tax increase: the size of the hike --30 percent -- and an apparent lack of concern about it by members of the community. Only a couple of people have indicated an interest in the upcoming hearings.

City officials say that worries them, and it should. If people are uninformed about the increase, they may blow up later when they wake up to what's happening. On the other hand, maybe this increase could be worthwhile.

One added expense is the addition of a full-time police and emergency response service. Officials say this has reduced response time from 12 minutes to three minutes. That may be justifiable.

It's not a backbreaking amount -- about $64 per year on a $300,000 house. Nevertheless, such a steep percentage increase has to raise eyebrows. It's easy to raise taxes but far harder to lower them again.

Lindon residents would be well advised to mark the following dates on their calendars and attend the Truth in Taxation open houses:

• July 21, 5:30 p.m., City Hall

• Aug. 11, 5:30 p.m., City Hall

And the Truth in Taxation hearing:

• Aug. 18, 5:30 p.m., City Hall

Related

• Lindon spreads word on property tax hike
• Lindon residents want city to make cuts instead of raising taxes
• Despite protests, Lindon hikes taxes 35 percent