ROY, Utah — A referendum allowing Roy residents to vote next month on a proposed property tax increase has been removed from the upcoming ballot after some signatures collected by opposition organizers were withdrawn.
Over the summer, the Roy city council faced immediate backlash after voting 4-1 to approve a 34 percent property tax increase.
Residents who opposed the increase worked to gather signatures to allow for a referendum, which would let voters voice their opinions through the ballot box.
Earlier this month, organizers celebrated, believing they had gathered the required 1,786 signatures, 10 percent of registered voters in Roy, and 10% of active voters in at least 75 % of the city's voter participation areas, according to city rules.
However, the city announced Tuesday that requests to withdraw signatures from those collected had dropped the number below the required threshold.
"While the referendum no longer meets the required thresholds, Roy City would like to express its appreciation for residents who remain informed, engaged, and respectful in their involvement with our community," the city said in a statement. "We believe resident engagement is essential to effective local government, and we are at our strongest when residents, staff, and elected officials work collaboratively to find common ground and engage in constructive dialogue."