The city’s proposed budget originally included a higher tax raise (4.82%) to add two new police officers, but some council members were put off by the figure.

Others did not want any type of increase and wondered if the money could be found somewhere else in city coffers, such as tax increment financing given to projects in the city.

In the end the council in a 6-1 vote passed the smaller 2.86% increase, which would amount to an extra $4.11 in property taxes on a $467,000 home, the average in Provo. Councilman Travis Hoban was the lone no vote. The council also voted 7-0 that the increase must be allocated for an additional public safety officer.

The approved budget totals $342,101,883. Included in the budget is $100,000 a year for the public library, which has been running at a loss for several years.

In speaking of property tax increases, Councilperson David Shipley said he would like to see a more consistent rate. “We need to be consistent with inflation and set it every year,” he said. Shipley did not support the larger increase.

Hoban said he didn’t want to see any increases in taxes and felt that money could be found in other parts of the city.

While agreeing with the need for consistency, Councilperson Bill Fillmore said, “My concern is public safety. We are 10 to 12 officers short of public safety standards. I favor the larger increase that is a partial catch-up (with inflation).”

“I feel strongly about this,” said Councilperson George Handley. “What the city was exactly asking for doesn’t give me significant pause. We’re splitting hairs trying to do the right thing. It’s a modest but needed increase.”

Added Council Chair Katrice McKay, “It makes the most sense to go with two officers. We get by on shoestrings but sometimes there are costs we must do to the full amount.”

Hoban asked if the council was exploring all of its options to fund the library and officers.

Handley who indicated he had been on the council for 5 ½ years, called the increase a tax adjustment for inflation not a tax increase. “We’re going to keep falling further and further behind,” he said.