FISCAL NOTE



FUND(S):

General Revenue Fund, Local Government Funds

Sources of Revenue:

General Fund,Other Fund Local Government Funds

Legislation creates:

Neither Program nor Fund



Fiscal Note Summary


Effect this measure will have on costs and revenues of state government.


The stated purpose of this bill is to prohibit increases in the assessed value of real property which is located in a county where a maximum excess levy is in effect, the property has not changed in tax classification and the increased value is more than two percent over the assessed value of the same property for the previous year. Notwithstanding the stated purpose of this bill, it is assumed that the intent of this bill would be to allow for a 2 percent increase in counties with a maximum amount allowed for an excess levy. According to our interpretation, passage of this bill would result in a minimal loss in State revenue and a decrease in local government revenue of roughly $600,000. Presently, only two counties are at the maximum excess levy rate. Additional administrative costs to the State Tax Department or local governments would be minimal.



Fiscal Note Detail


Effect of Proposal Fiscal Year
2014
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
2015
Increase/Decrease
(use"-")
Fiscal Year
(Upon Full
Implementation)
1. Estmated Total Cost 0 0 0
Personal Services 0 0 0
Current Expenses 0 0 0
Repairs and Alterations 0 0 0
Assets 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0
2. Estimated Total Revenues 0 0 -600,000


Explanation of above estimates (including long-range effect):


The stated purpose of this bill is to prohibit increases in the assessed value of real property which is located in a county where a maximum excess levy is in effect, the property has not changed in tax classification and the increased value is more than two percent over the assessed value of the same property for the previous year. Notwithstanding the stated purpose of this bill, it is assumed that the intent of this bill would be to allow for a 2 percent increase in counties with a maximum amount allowed for an excess levy. According to our interpretation, passage of this bill would result in a minimal loss in State revenue and a decrease in local government revenue of roughly $600,000. Presently, only two counties (Fayette County and Wirt County) are at the maximum excess levy rate. Additional administrative costs to the State Tax Department or local governments would be minimal.



Memorandum


The stated purpose of this bill is to prohibit increases in the assessed value of real property which is located in a county where a maximum excess levy is in effect, the property has not changed in tax classification and the increased value is more than two percent over the assessed value of the same property for the previous year. West Virginia Constitution Article X, Section 1 requires that taxation is to be equal and uniform and that it is to be taxed in proportion to its value. The bill does not appear to satisfy those requirements.



    Person submitting Fiscal Note: Mark B. Muchow
    Email Address: Roger.D.Cox@wv.gov