WEST BOUNTIFUL -- A slight up-tick in West Bountiful's certified tax rate, as determined by the State of Utah, will mean higher property taxes in that community. But homeowners need not sweat the result too profusely, reported city financial director Kimball Ball. The increase will amount to just 64 cents a year on a $165,000 home. "The state raised the tax rate to offset depreciation in some personal property in the city," Ball told members of the West Bountiful City Council Tuesday night. The new tax rate, when combined with the annexation of some property into the city plus significant growth from last year, in terms of new homes, will mean, Ball added, increased property tax revenues for the city.

"The state projects we could get as much as $339,284 in property tax revenues," Ball said. "But that is a maximum amount. It's not a guarantee. Last year we received $327,000."

In answer to questions from members of the council, Ball noted that the city had budgeted approximately $312,000 in property tax revenue for 2005-06.

"We'll have to watch how revenues come in over the course of the budget year," he said, "and adjust the budget if need be."

The news follows on the heels of city council members approving West Bountiful's 2005-06 budget. Normally, cities try to approve the certified tax rate at the same time.

But, Ball, backed up by comments from city administrator Wendell Wild, noted that sometimes the state just isn't ready with the certified tax rate information when the city is ready with the budget.

The potential for increased revenues was certainly good news for West Bountiful. Later in the meeting council members heard more from Wild, who reported the city won't have to take over responsibility for maintaining the I-15 overpass at 400 North.

According to Wild, the 400 North overpass had been on a list of similar structures being considered for transfer from state to city responsibility.

Wild and West Bountiful Mayor Carl Martin attended a meeting where the matter was to be discussed, fully prepared to defend the city's position. They held their peace, however, first waiting to hear what the state had to say.

That turned out to be a good decision. "They announced that the 400 North overpass had been taken off the list," said Wild. "We were very glad. We decided to hold off on saying anything."

bmickelson@davisclipper.com