AMERICAN FORK, Utah — A local school district's proposal to increase taxes sparked a tense public hearing in Utah County.

The Alpine School District voted Tuesday night to raise property taxes by 11.5 percent.

Dozens of community members gathered for public comment in American Fork, the majority saying they felt their voices hadn't been heard and they've repeatedly been made to pay more taxes by the school board in recent years.

"Every time we have said no to a bond, you raise our taxes. Every time we say no to you raising our taxes, you do it anyway," said one speaker participating via Zoom.

Virtual voices and in-person comments told tales of persistent financial frustrations.

"I was able to count that they've voted to raise our taxes 12 times since 2018," said John Gadd, who lives i

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