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Minutes for HB2724 - Committee on Taxation
Short Title
Excluding the required 20 mills for school districts from the notice and public hearing requirements to exceed the revenue neutral rate for property tax purposes.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 8, 2022
Chairperson Smith opened the hearing for HB2724.
Mr. Siebers provided an overview for HB2724 stating the bill would exclude the statutorily imposed 20 mills that goes to finance education from the calculation when determining the revenue neutral rate when determining whether the notice and public hearing requirements would apply for a school district in order to exceed the revenue neutral rate when levying property tax. (Attachment 3) Mr. Siebers stood for questions from Committee members.
Committee discussion ensued.
Proponents:
Dr. Michael Argabright, Superintendent USD 252 Southern Lyon County, testified as a proponent for HB2724 noting removing the 20-mill levy will assist in less confusion by local taxpayers attempting to understand the revenue neutral rate on a levy that is required and local boards do not have control over it. (Attachment 4) Dr. Argabright stood for questions from Committee members.
Daniel J. Brungardt, Superintendent USD 204 Bonner Springs/Edwardsville, testified as a proponent for HB2724 stating the school budget is based upon how many students are enrolled. He noted this year the total mill levy and amount of taxes collected decreased.. The General Fund mill levy is set by the State of Kansas and the amount of taxes levied will increase in every school district that has a growing property valuation. Last year's legislation, SB13, would provide local taxpayers information about local entities increasing total dollars of taxes being collected and requested the General Fund be left off since the General Fund is not controlled locally which would be less confusing. (Attachment 5) Mr. Brungardt stood for questions from Committee members.
Frank Harwood, Superintendent USD 232, DeSoto, Shawnee, Lenexa and Olathe, testified as a proponent for HB2724 noting removing the level of 20 mills will eliminate some confusion for school districts and patrons. Last year's legislation, SB13, was intended to keep local taxpayers informed about local goverment levies and the 20 mill levy should be excluded as it is not controlled at the local levy. (Attachment 6) Mr. Harwood stood for questions from Committee members.
Jim Karleskint, United School Administrators, testified as a proponent for HB2724 stating last year's legislation, SB13, was to make sure taxpayers were made aware of property tax increases by school districts, cities, and counties. The 20-mill levy is not controlled at the local level; therefore, he requested the 20-mill levy be excluded. (Attachment 7) Mr. Karleskint stood for questions from the Committee.
Opponent:
Dave Trabert, Kansas Policy Institute, testified in opposition to HB2724 which would exclude the required 20 mills of property tax from the notice and public hearing requirements of the revenue neutral process. Mr. Trabert stated the legislation passed last tear is saving taxpayers money. He noted this has not been published but they have the data from the Kansas Department of Revenue that there are twenty counties in Kansas where the actual dollar amount of property taxes collected for education declined and approximately forty counties where local government property taxes within the county collectively declined. This is the power of transparency. (Attachment 8) Mr. Trabert stood for questions from Committee members.
Chairperson Smith closed the hearing for HB2724.
Chairperson Smith adjourned the meeting at 4:19 p.m.
