This bill passed the House unanimously and the Senate 26-1.
The Truth in Taxation process requires municipalities to follow certain guidelines prior to enacting a property tax increase to ensure that the public has been able to give input and understand what is being proposed.
Senator Lincoln Fillmore is sponsoring Senate Bill 179 to add additional guidelines as follows:
- the proposed increase in the tax rate has to be discussed at a public meeting that is held only for the purpose of discussing and taking action on that tax rate increase;
- the government may not restrict the number of individuals who want to provide public comment and speak their mind prior to a vote; and
- the public meeting cannot be on the same day as another public meeting by the same government body.
Taken together, these amendments make it easier for a group of citizens to focus on the issue at hand, spread word about the meeting being held for this specific purpose, and make sure their input is considered.
