Property Tax Measure Dies in Committee

Feb 12, 2008 by Elizabeth Ziegler

(KCPW News) Concern over the nation's economic downturn killed a property tax initiative Tuesday. Representative Gage Froerer's proposal to give property tax relief to some homeowners who live on large parcels of land could come with unintended consequences. Royce Van Tassell, of the Utah Taxpayer's Association says the proposal shifts the tax burden to businesses.

"In a time when the economy clearly is slowing, there are some questions about how wise it is to burden businesses, who employ the folks who pay property taxes," Van Tassell says.

Representative Merlynn Newbold, from South Jordan, says even though she hears concerns every day about property tax increases, she fears tinkering with the current system because it could impact the South Jordan school district, which is about to split into two separate school districts.

 "In our area, we know we are going to have a huge property tax increase. And therefore, this time, I am just really concerned about changing tax policy that will shift, and give another whammy to the area that I represent."

The House Revenue and Taxation Committee unanimously moved to send Froerer's proposal to an interim committee, where they can have more time to study the impacts of altering the property tax structure.

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