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John Curtis
Will Provo Increase Property Taxes?
As a reminder, this week the Provo City Council will be holding four public meetings to discuss the proposed 16% increase in property taxes.
Those in my district and others interested are invited to attend a meeting at 351 West Center Street. The meeting will take place today, July 26th, at 6:30pm.
Other meetings will be held throughout the week in various parts of the city (click here to view when and where).
Keeping taxes low has always been a top priority for me as a city council representative. Shortly after taking office I was very proud that we as a council along with the Mayor were able to actually decrease property taxes.
This year, Mayor Curtis once again presented a balanced budget without the need for a property tax increase.
The council is currently in the process of taking public input to assist in the consideration of the increase which, beyond the mayor’s budget proposal, would allow the city to afford various ‘unfunded priorities’ such as additional policemen.
I support the mayor’s hard work to avoid an increase in property taxes for this year’s budget. As a city, we should first cut spending before looking to new taxes; I will be voting against the proposed property tax increase.
I have discussed property taxes with dozens of constituents, many of whom expressed concern over increasing taxes. Whether you support or oppose the tax increase, I want to hear from you. Please take a moment to attend tonight’s meeting, email me, or message me on Facebook with your thoughts.
Provo City Administration Asks Council to Not Act on Curfew Ordinance
The Provo City Administration has sent out a letter in response to the heavily scrutinized Provo curfew ordinance proposal. This ordinance has been noticed for consideration in today’s council meeting.
Within this letter Mayor John Curtis addresses some of the issues which led to the proposed ordinance and cites community concern as a good reason for seeking a superior solution to a truancy problem.
This ordinance received a good deal of attention over the past week with a number of news and radio stations discussing it, ABC 4 reporting on the issue, KSL, BYU, tribune, as well as the Daily Herald, and the Deseret News even mentioning a planned ‘peaceful protest’.
The letter which went out this morning states:
“Coming together to address the problem is a better approach than feeling divided by any one possible solution. And a solution that works in Provo for our community, devised by our community, will result in a vastly superior solution than one developed without the involvement of all. The current daytime curfew ordinance as drafted has clearly not met that high standard, and we ask the council to not act on it at the meeting on March 1. The Administration looks forward over the next few months to the effort of our entire community to find answers to these very challenging problems.”
I appreciate the statement above very much and commend the Mayor for the Administration’s level-headed response. Our community has clearly expressed a desire to have their voices heard and I appreciate the open discussion which so many within our city and state have created over the last few days.
Many have speculated that in response to this letter, this ordinance will likely die. As previously mentioned I am opposed to this ordinance, and as a council member will vote in favor of dismissing this ordinance.
Provo Holiday Parade 2010
Last week I had the great experience of participating in my first Holiday Parade. In addition to the scary sight of council members behind the wheels of golf carts, the Grinch made an appearance in a far more impressive vehicle – a motorized sofa!
We also got to see Santa, Mayor Curtis, Skippy the chipmunk, and a variety of other fun floats, people, and displays. It was cold, but very fun – and a lot of candy was handed out!
Laura Cabanilla's Send Off Reception
You are cordially invited to a send-off reception for Provo Municipal Councilwoman Laura Cabanilla, LTC USAR, who will soon be deployed to Iraq. The reception will be Tuesday, August 3, from 6-7 p.m. in the City Center lobby, 351 W. Center St. As part of the reception, starting at 6:40 p.m., Mayor John Curtis, the Municipal Council, BYU President Cecil Samuelson, UVU President Matthew Holland, and other community leaders will participate in a patriotic Community Covenant signing ceremony, declaring support for military families. There will be a musical performance by pianist James Oneal Miner. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.