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I ask for your support in opposing HB 283. When property goes off the tax rolls after being purchased by a government entity, local governments still must provide police and fire protection, street maintenance and other vital local services.

The costs of providing these vital local government services don’t go down because property becomes exempt from taxation.

House Bill 283 will force local governments to cut other tax-supported services, or raise property taxes to provide the services that are required for these exempt properties.

Idaho law currently does not reduce a local government’s budget capacity when properties become exempt from taxation and this is the best policy to ensure that vital services can continue to be provided without forcing cuts to services or tax increases.

For these reasons I implore you to oppose HB 283 so that our cities can continue to provide essential services without encouraging tax hikes to offset tax base reductions.

Thank you for your consideration.

SHELBY ROGNSTAD

Sandpoint

Mayor