CACHE COUNTY – Official notices of Cache County’s intent to raise property taxes in 2026 began arriving in local residents’ mailboxes on Oct. 27, along with an unusual message from County Executive George Daines.
The public notice from County Treasurer Craig McAllister confirms that the proposed property tax increase of 18 percent would raise county revenues by more than $3.7 million. Those are funds needed to cover the inflationary cost of personnel and public safety, according to members of the Cache County Council.
That means that in 2026, county property taxes on the average home with a taxable value of slightly more than $250,000 would increase by $52.25 to $342.51.
McAllister explained that a Truth-in-Taxation hearing mandated by state law before that proposed property tax increase can take effect is slated for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
In his accompanying message to county taxpayers, Daines promised to hold a question and answer forum beginning four hours prior to the Truth-in-Taxation hearing.
“I will be there to talk with all concerned citizens,” he wrote. “I will answer all questions submitted in advance or in person about the budget … Other county officers will also be available to answer questions.”
While campaigning in the special election to replace outgoing County Executive David Zook, Daines promised local taxpayers to address Cache County’s budget problems.
Since taking office in September, Daines has struggled with the challenge of trying balance a budget in which spending has increased more rapidly than revenues.
During the period from 2020 to 2025, he explains, Cache County received large infusions of federal revenues, to the tune of the nearly $12 million in pandemic funding, another $25 million from the Biden era Inflation Reduction Act and new sales tax revenues.
Now that the federal generosity is over, Cache County is left with a budget that has grown by almost 200 percent, according to Daines.
After exhaustive consultations with county department heads, Daines and his internal budget team recommended $2.8 million in budget cuts at the meeting of the Cache County Council on Oct. 14 and he is expected to suggest additional budget reductions at the panel’s meeting on Oct. 28.
“I will, sadly, be recommending the (Cache County) Council that it should cease operation of the County Library,” he acknowledged in his message accompanying the property tax increase notice. “Continuation of the Senior Citizen Center is also being evaluated.”
Daines admitted, however, that he expects his budget cut recommendations to be challenged by members of the public and the county council, who will make the final decision.
“Your voice and participation are essential in meeting the challenge of controlling public spending,” Daines told county taxpayers. “I ask you to participate – knowledgeably – in this democratic process.”
To submit questions in advance for Daines or other county officials prior to the public forum at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18, taxpayers are advised to send their questions to George.Daines@cachecounty.gov or call 435-755-1852.
The Truth-in-Taxation public hearing at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18 will be held in the Cache County Council Chambers in the Cache Historic Court House at 199 North Main Street in Logan.