As the legislative session begins, a familiar issue looms like a dark cloud on the county horizon. Governor Perry has again endorsed appraisal caps and revenue caps to restrict revenue sources of local governments.
Appraisal caps place a 5 percent limit on the annual increase in property values. Some proposals are limited to residential homesteads; others would apply to all property. Replacing the current 10 percent appraisal cap on residential homesteads, these proposals would create inequities in the taxation of similar properties and shift a greater burden to moderate-income homeowners.
Revenue caps would restrict the ability of local governments to respond to local needs and priorities. While counties would be required to fund all state mandates, they would be unable to respond to increased needs for roads and other local services.
These proposals have been introduced as individual constitutional amendments. However, we expect that their supporters will attempt to attach them as amendments to school finance legislation. Please request that your legislators oppose appraisal caps and revenue caps in all forms.
Legislative Note: Watch for legislative updates on the State Association Web site, www.cjcat.org. Send your e-mail address to cjca@allison-bass.com for more frequent updates.
For more information, please call me at 1-800-733-0699.
Jim Allison, General Counsel CJCAT