For Immediate Release: February 14, 200

Bill to Clarify County Tax Questions Clears Senate Committee

A bill to clarify county election questions that would result in a tax increase was approved unanimously by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday. Sen. Anthony Sykes is the author of Senate Bill 1019. He explained the bill was the result of a situation that had occurred in 2004.

“There was a question on the ballot in Stephens County, and the way it was worded, people thought they were voting for a property tax exemption,” explained Sykes, R-Moore. “What many voters didn’t know was that when it passed, the county could then raise millage rates to make up for the lost revenue. When people got their property tax bills from the county assessor, they were red-hot about it.”

Sykes said a similar question appeared on other county ballots, and some stated it would result in increased taxes while others did not. The lawmaker said his bill would ensure that if the questions would result in higher taxes, it would have to be stated on the ballot.

“What we’re seeing is a disparity in how these questions are drafted,” Sykes said. “This simply establishes some guidelines to ensure voters have all the information on any ballot questions that would result in higher taxes.”

The next stop for SB 1019 is the full Senate.

For more information contact:
Senator Sykes' Office - (405) 521-5569