Residents of Box Elder County are expressing concerns regarding a recent property tax increase approved by the Box Elder School District board. The increase, which amounts to $343 per household annually and double that for businesses, aims to raise revenue by 37 percent to address teacher and staff salaries as well as overcrowding in schools. The board's decision follows a previous failed bond measure that sought similar funding. In 2024, a bond measure for $220 million did not pass, with approximately 63 percent of voters opposing it. Superintendent Steve Carlsen noted that the growth in the county has resulted in overcrowded classrooms, with some students in portable classrooms facing unsafe conditions. The property tax increase has faced significant opposition from residents, who have raised questions about the management of the funds. Many are concerned about the accountability of the school district regarding how the increased tax revenue is utilized. The district plans to use the $9.2 million generated from the tax increase to support a $130 million bond aimed at renovations and new construction. Carlsen explained that this new lease revenue bond, while not raising taxes further, will utilize the increased property tax for annual payment obligations. However, residents remain apprehensive about the long-term financial implications of this tax increase and the associated loans for school infrastructure. As the district moves forward with these funding strategies, community members continue to seek clarity and transparency in how their tax dollars are being spent.