Legislation aimed at reducing property taxes drew so many people wanting to speak that a House panel ran out of time Tuesday and delayed voting.
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee heard about two hours of testimony before adjourning. Republican Committee Chairman Gary Collins said the committee will take up the legislation again on Wednesday.
House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, a member of the committee, sponsored the bill and said the one-year, statewide freeze on property taxes is needed to start a conversation because people are being forced out of their homes.
City and county officials spoke against the bill, arguing that freezing revenue won’t freeze expenses, leading to a financial hardship because municipalities typically have contractual obligations.
Property taxes have become a top issue this legislative session as explosive growth in many parts of Idaho has caused property values to increase, forcing up property taxes.
Moyle said the one-year freeze is not a solution but simply a pause so various groups can come together to find a solution. (AP)
