But officials say there is piece of good news as Ogden City prepares to present its proposed $328.5 million FY2027 budget to the people.

“There’s no proposal for a tax increase,” Ogden City Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner on Monday. “I don’t know what it would take to make (Ogden Mayor Ben Nadolski) propose a tax increase, but that’s not part of this one.”

This comes as some area cities are seeking increases, such as Roy City, which is considering a 55.45% property tax hike.

McBride said this is made possible by reducing what was seen as waste in the budget.

“The administration, this year, had to dive deep and sweep all the corners this year — finding areas where excess spending needed to be reigned in,” he said. “There’s example after example after example in this budget.”

In a press release sent to the Standard-Examiner ahead of the preliminary budget’s introduction at Tuesday’s Ogden City Council meeting, Ogden mayor Ben Nadolski said he’s happy to avoid tax hikes this year.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep costs down for our residents while still delivering the service improvements our community expects,” he said. “That balance is important, and it’s something we’re committed to protecting.”

The release also notes that the proposed budget includes a $38.6 million Capital Improvement Plan supporting investments in roads, sidewalks, utilities, parks, trails and city facilities.

“These are the kinds of investments that matter, and where tax dollars ought to be spent most urgently,” Nadolski said. “When combined with cuts, efficiencies and consolidations, these investments ensure we’re not growing government on the backs of our hard-working citizens. Rather, we’re stewarding the resources entrusted in us to invest back into the future of our city and our people.”

He added that this is a very focused budget.

“This budget reflects a simple commitment,” he said. “We’re focused on delivering results for the people of Ogden while being responsible stewards of your tax dollars.”

Tuesday’s Ogden City Council meeting, which occurred after the Standard-Examiner’s Tuesday deadline, will not be the last chance the Ogden public has to review and comment on the proposed budget. Several public hearings will be held over the next couple of months before the Ogden City Council is expected to vote on the final budget in June.

For more information, visit https://www.ogdencity.gov/172/Budgets-Finance.