Totally different resolutions that ought to allow the legislature to set the tax charges for private property within the Home and Senate prematurely

March 26 – MORGANTOWN – Two separate resolutions to allow West Virginia voters to authorize lawmakers to set property tax rates are working their way through the system.

The Justice of the House of Representatives gave their approval to HJR 3 on Friday. She proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to set the rates for "tangible ownership of tangible machines and equipment used directly in business" (and 3) if approved by voters in November 2022 / 8 tangible inventory personal property used directly in doing business. "

The resolution was originally broader and proposed that the legislature be given authority over all property taxes. House Finance changed it on Monday to tighten it and sent it to justice.

Previous efforts to eliminate corporate inventory, machine and equipment taxes have failed because no one has found a good way to make up for the lost revenue going to counties, cities and schools.

Jonathan Adler, executive director of the West Virginia Association of Counties, told delegates they were unaware of the impact the constitutional amendment could have. "We fear it could be hundreds of millions of dollars."

Adler had a broader Senate resolution in mind, SJR 7, approved by the Senate Justice last week and the Senate Finance Department on Friday afternoon. It would give lawmakers the power to determine personal property tax rates on vehicles plus company inventory, equipment and machinery.

"We only see cuts, cuts, cuts," said Adler. Under SJR 7 you can see that the vehicle tax of 100 million US dollars alone is no longer applicable.

In any case, Adler said, they are investigating personnel costs in key offices like law enforcement agencies. "We fear that the only recourse is really to consider raising property tax rates."

Four years ago, he said, they estimated that a similar move would cost $ 560 million; that can be more than that. "People will think about how they can afford their houses, how they can keep their houses."

The story goes on

HJR 3 was passed with a split vote and goes to the floor of the house.

SJR 7 SJR 7 would go to the polls in November 2022 if approved by both houses of the legislature (the original resolution had the wrong year).

Jennifer Piercy, executive director of the County Commissioners' Association of West Virginia, told Senate funding members that the constitutional amendment could allow the removal of constitutionally protected revenue and create great uncertainty. "This bill would disappoint law enforcement, ambulance and fire services. … The potential ramifications of this type of decision for the counties must be carefully considered."

And although they were promised a seat at the table, they were not invited to or participated in working group meetings and discussions.

Senator Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, backed the resolution, saying it offers the opportunity to abolish regressive taxes in the future if business allows, and to make the state more business-friendly. "We really just have to let the people decide."

Senator Ron Stollings, D-Boone, said, "I'm just worried about our counties folks." And the resolution is full of legalese. "I'm just not sure how well this reads for the average West Virginian to really know what they're doing."

Senator Chuck Swope, R-Mercer, said all concerns are premature and speculative. The money discussions would only start after people have voted. "It's a job bill. All counties will benefit from more jobs."

SJR 7 voted in a split vote and went to the Senate. SJR 7 and HJR 3 are both joint resolutions and must be approved by the other house in order to put an amendment question on the ballot.

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