Lots of Wasatch County taxpayers have been frustrated with their rising tax payments as property values, local development, public infrastructure and taxing entities’ needs have continued to rise.
A handful have taken their frustration to the next level, suing Wasatch County Assessor Todd Griffin as well as several state officials including Tax Commissioners John Valentine, Michael Cragun, Rebecca Rockwell and Jennifer Fresques as well as Tax Commission Executive Scott Smith in Utah’s Fourth District Court.
The plaintiffs include Jayme Holdings LLC, Rick Lindsey, William Quapp and Big Pole Estates Homeowners Association.
Bill Quapp — a board member with the Big Pole Estates HOA — sent a letter to The Park Record that he said had also been submitted to the court.
“They broke the law!” The document states as reasoning for the lawsuit against Wasatch County and the Tax Commission. “The Utah State Constitution and statutes are designed to allocate property taxes fairly and for all property owners to pay their fair share.”
However, the letter claims, such protections have failed as only some properties throughout the county were reassessed in 2022.
“So, 34% saw a substantial property tax reduction, and 59% saw a large property tax increase,” the letter continues. “We are a small group of property owners in Wasatch County who have been victims of the County’s failure to follow the laws governing real property taxation.”
According to court records, the lawsuit was originally filed in early November. Griffin was accused of failing to follow a state code that mandates annual property value updates.
The state Tax Commission, the lawsuit continues, failed in its duties to provide oversight.
“Upon information and belief, Wasatch County reappraised only around 59% of the properties in the county for the 2022 taxes,” the document states. “Upon information and belief, properties that were reappraised had an average market value increase of roughly 87% for improved properties and 284% for unimproved properties.”
On Dec. 4, a response was filed for Griffin in which the lawsuit’s claims were deemed erroneous.
Griffin denied that his 2022 updates on county properties were based upon 2021 values.
“The Assessor denies that the District Court has jurisdiction because the petitioners have not followed the requirements of Utah Code,” the response continued.
Other claims made by the plaintiffs were similarly denied.
A few days before Griffin’s response, the tax commission answered the lawsuit with similar arguments, claiming the accusations lacked legal standing or sufficient information.
At the end of the document Quapp sent to The Park Record, he tells others who feel their 2022 or 2023 tax assessment was unfair that they are welcome to email him.
“We will read it and try to get back to you with suggestions for your potential options going forward,” the document states.
The Park Record asked Griffin’s office for more information about the situation but did not receive a response.