Moab property tax passed

A long-debated Moab City property tax was approved at a special City Council session on August 6. The city has levied no such tax since 1992—the only municipality in Utah to have no property tax. The final certified rate will be .002. 

The tax was passed unanimously after a Truth in Taxation town hall meeting where some residents raised concerns about the cost of living in Moab and how tax revenues will be spent. 

According to staff, the funds will be dedicated to the city’s capital improvements fund, with half the projected $3 million in revenue earmarked for maintenance and repairs to city property. No funds will be used “administrative operational costs” or staff salaries.

Existing state tax affordability programs for veterans, the elderly and other vulnerable communities will be bolstered by a fund set aside by the city specifically for tax relief. 

The rate increase takes effect this year; property taxes are due in November.