Opinion: It’s Time to Make Truth in Taxation Work Better

By Rep. Karen Peterson and Billy Hesterman
Guest Opinion, Deseret News
Published January 14, 2026

Utah’s Truth in Taxation law has been an important part of the state’s approach to property taxes for 40 years. But as local governments and taxpayers navigated property tax increases in recent years, questions emerged about whether the process gives Utahns enough opportunity to provide meaningful input before budget decisions are finalized.

In this guest opinion, Rep. Karen Peterson and Utah Taxpayers Association President Billy Hesterman propose changes to the Truth in Taxation process that would bring the public into the conversation earlier while preserving local governments’ ability to make responsible budget decisions.

Under the proposed legislation, local governments considering a tax increase would be required to notify the public at least a month before finalizing their budgets. Beginning July 1, local governments would operate under a baseline budget based on existing revenue, without assuming a tax increase.

If a tax increase were being considered, a second proposed budget would be presented as an option for the public to review. That budget could only be adopted after the Truth in Taxation hearing, ensuring that public feedback occurs before the final decision is made.

The authors argue that this approach would make it easier for taxpayers to understand the difference between maintaining current revenue and increasing taxes, including what additional revenue would fund. They also argue that it would give elected officials greater opportunity to respond to feedback from their constituents.

The goal is to preserve the strengths of Utah’s Truth in Taxation system while improving transparency and making public participation more meaningful.

Read the full opinion at Deseret News:
Opinion: It’s time to make Truth in Taxation work better

Originally published by Deseret News on January 14, 2026. Written by Rep. Karen Peterson, who represents District 13 in the Utah House of Representatives, and Billy Hesterman, president of the Utah Taxpayers Association.