Show Utah Foundation predicts hike in Utah taxes next two years to Meet demands for education needs An increase In state taxes may be required next biennium In Utah merely to maintain present spending levels after providing for normal growth adjustments in the general fund and allowing for expected enrollment increases in the schools and This forecast was made by Utah the private tax research agency in their latest study on the condition of Utah state The Foundation estimates that a statewide property tax of slightly less than fifteen or its equivalent in other new or Increased probably will be needed during each of the next two years in order to balance the uniform school fund at present spending This compares with a statewide property tax levy for schools of mills in mills in and mills in Foundation analysts point out that projection is predicated on spending levels under present school aid Additional taxes of million during the biennium amount equivalent to an added state property tax of would be required for each increase that is made in the basic school aid an annual increase of mills in the property or the equivalent in other would be needed for every that is added to other state spending totals during the forthcoming The study indicates that some temporary respite from these predicated higher taxes might be gained in the state shifts from pay-as-you-go to bonding for its building It that such a temporary solution could add to the long-range financial problems of the state because of the est State expenditures exceeded state revenue In Utah by million in the fiscal year ended June The study shows that state revenue received during the 1964 fiscal year totaled while state general expenditures for current operations and capital outlay amounted to According to the report state expenditures in Utah have greater than current revenue in seven out of the past 11 years and five out of past six I During this it has the calculated policy of the Utah Legislature and the Administration to meet new expenditure needs by utilizing fund balances and surpluses to moderate the need for new for new or increased There are virtually no remaining uncommitted fund balances at the present time the report In the Foundation predicts that there will be a deficit of approximately million in the uniform fund at the close of the present biennium because actual from current have fallen considerable short of advance estimates upon which appropriations for this were In discussing the demands that will be placed before the forthcoming 1965 Utah the Foundation observes that the years immediately Utahna must be prepared to match their enthusiasm for the new and higher spending programs with an equal enthusiasm for higher taxes to pay the |