City adopts FY 2026 budget with no property tax increase
Eagle Mountain City Council unanimously adopted the Fiscal Year 2026 budget following months of planning, public input and strategic decision-making.
The budget, which totals just over $119 million, reflects a balanced approach to growth, addressing immediate service needs while laying the groundwork for long-term infrastructure and sustainability investments.
This year’s budget adoption is the result of a months-long process that began in November of 2024. Since then, several work sessions and public hearings provided opportunities for residents and City leaders to weigh in on priorities, shape outcomes and ensure fiscal accountability.
“Even with rising service demands, we were able to adopt a balanced budget without increasing property taxes,” says City Finance Director Kimberly Ruesch. “That’s a reflection of strong financial management and a clear understanding of our residents’ priorities.”
One of the most significant outcomes for residents is what didn’t change. There is no increase in property taxes. In fact, the City’s certified tax rate decreased. While home values may have risen, the reduction in the certified rate largely offset any increase, resulting in relatively stable tax payments for homeowners.
“We’re proud to present a balanced budget that doesn’t raise taxes,” said Finance Director Kimberly Ruesch. “We know how important that is to residents, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.”
The FY 2026 budget focuses heavily on capital investments and service enhancements. A major highlight is funding for a sewer treatment expansion, a large-scale infrastructure project that will undergo a separate bonding process. This project is critical to meeting the demands of a growing population and supporting future development across the city.
Other key priorities include:
- Public Safety: Funding for new sheriff’s deputies, including a School Resource Officer for the new middle school and an Animal Control Officer.
- Roads and Utilities: Continued investment in road improvements and utility upgrades to keep pace with growth.
- Housing Affordability: A new staff role will help coordinate the City’s efforts on housing attainability, in line with the City Council’s broader policy goals.
- Environmental Protection: Ongoing support for the Open Space division to manage growth while conserving natural resources.
- Operational Efficiency: Strategic investments in staff training, digital tools, and software upgrades to improve service delivery and reduce long-term costs.
Throughout the process, transparency remained a top priority. The City released a detailed Online Budget Book, which breaks down every department’s spending, major project timelines, and long-range capital planning.
“We’d love to see residents engage even earlier in the process,” Ruesch said. “Transparency ensures people feel included and empowered to help shape their community.”
The FY 2026 budget aims to strike the right balance between expanding services, managing infrastructure needs, and staying financially responsible.