Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis

CHATZIDAKIS SAYS ADDING TO PROPERTY TAX BURDEN IS NO WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

OPPOSES FEE IN BILL SHIFTING ASSESSMENT FUNCTIONS TO STATE

Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis today said that while modernizing and streamlining the state's property tax assessment procedures is a good idea, he is concerned about a provision in Assembly Bill A-14 that might actually add to the property tax burden for many homeowners.December 7, 2006
Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis/856-234-8080
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339

CHATZIDAKIS SAYS ADDING TO PROPERTY TAX BURDEN IS NO WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

OPPOSES FEE IN BILL SHIFTING ASSESSMENT FUNCTIONS TO STATE

Assemblyman Larry Chatzidakis today said that while modernizing and streamlining the state's property tax assessment procedures is a good idea, he is concerned about a provision in Assembly Bill A-14 that might actually add to the property tax burden for many homeowners.

"If the goal of this bill is to reduce costs and save taxpayer money, why levy an additional fee on county assessments?" Chatzidakis, R-Burlington, asked. "It seems to me that this bill will boost the property tax burden for some homeowners which seems counterproductive."

The bill, A-14 creates a State Board of Property Tax Appraisal to establish and oversee the reforms and establishes a Division of Property Assessment in the Department of Treasury to create a more streamlined and uniform system for tracking assessment changes and dealing with a variety of assessment issues. The bill comes out of the work of the Joint Legislative Committee on Government Consolidation and Shared Services.

The new boards will, in part, be funded by levying a statewide administrative fee to be assessed as part of county property tax bills, to be apportioned based on the equalized values in each county.

Chatzidakis, who served on a Republican subcommittee of that panel, said he supports the idea of reducing costs through a more modern and efficient assessment structure, he does not think it makes sense to pay for these functions by adding to the property tax burden.

"If there is a cost associated with this new system it should be paid for by eliminating government waste and unnecessary spending," Chatzidakis said. "It should not be funded by adding to the property tax bills of overburdened homeowners."

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