Property taxes / Salt Lake County / Cottonwood Heights City Council
Cottonwood Heights City Council
Sets the “Cottonwood Heights City” line on your property tax bill. Official website
August 18, 2026 · Failed 2–3
Voted down cutting the increase from 42% to 25%
Ordinance 2026-473: a reduced final tax levy and rate, cutting the increase adopted Aug. 11 to 25%
Voted yes (2)
- Matt Holton
- Suzanne Hyland
Voted no (3)
- Ellen Birrell
- Shawn Newell
- Gay Lynn Bennion
Moved by Matt Holton, seconded by Suzanne Hyland.
What was said
- Staff said a 25% increase would raise $2,081,227 instead of $3.5 million, removing or delaying about $789,000 in spending, including $620,000 in IT costs.
- Because this failed, the 42% increase adopted Aug. 11 stands.
- Source: draft Aug. 18 minutes in the Sept. 1, 2026 council packet.
Summarized from the official minutes. Read or watch the meeting to hear each side in full.
August 11, 2026 · Adopted 4–1
Raised Cottonwood Heights's city property tax 42% ($3.5 million more)
Ordinance 2026-471: the final FY2026-27 tax levy and rate, after the Truth in Taxation hearing
Voted yes (4)
- Shawn Newell
- Ellen Birrell
- Suzanne Hyland
- Gay Lynn Bennion
Voted no (1)
- Matt Holton
Moved by Ellen Birrell, seconded by Shawn Newell.
What was said
- The rate rises from the 0.001268 certified rate to 0.001808 (staff figures from June).
- Many residents spoke at the hearing, several asking for a smaller increase such as 25%. Council members discussed a 25% option; Suzanne Hyland said she supported the full increase because the council had committed to changing its budgeting process.
- The final budget (Ordinance 2026-472) then passed 4–1, Matt Holton voting no. Source: draft Aug. 11 minutes in the Sept. 1, 2026 council packet.
Summarized from the official minutes. Read or watch the meeting to hear each side in full.
June 16, 2026 · Adopted 4–1
Proposed the 42% increase (preliminary vote before the August hearing)
Resolution 2026-36: a proposed tax levy and rate for FY2026-27, reported to the county before the Truth in Taxation hearing
Voted yes (4)
- Ellen Birrell
- Suzanne Hyland
- Shawn Newell
- Gay Lynn Bennion
Voted no (1)
- Matt Holton
Moved by Shawn Newell, seconded by Suzanne Hyland.
What was said
- Staff said the proposed rate would rise from the 0.001268 certified rate to 0.001808, adding $3.5 million in property tax revenue (42.02% on the county notice).
- The same night, the council adopted an interim budget that sets aside the $3.5 million, and the property tax impact schedule, each 4–1 with Matt Holton voting no.
- Suzanne Hyland said she thought the increase could possibly be lowered to 25% to 30%, with another increase needed next year. This vote did not set the final rate.
- Source: the June 16 minutes as posted for council approval.
Summarized from the official minutes. Read or watch the meeting to hear each side in full.
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SubscribeWho serves
- Gay Lynn BennionMayor (votes)
- Matt HoltonCouncil Member
- Suzanne HylandCouncil Member
- Shawn NewellCouncil Member
- Ellen BirrellCouncil Member
As of August 18, 2026, from official records.