Dennis Tuuri

Full PEAPAC Analysis

PEAPAC Explanation: Measure 18 is a technical fix to inadvertent problems that resulted from earlier property tax limitation initiatives. It is a referral from the Oregon Legislature, since it requires voter approval to make he necessary changes to the Oregon Constitution.

PEAPAC Recommendation: Measure 18 seeks to put all taxing districts on an equal footing. It does not roll back any of the features of previous property tax limitation changes. We support this Measure.

PEAPAC Commentary: This is a very difficult measure to understand. It was referred to the voters by the Legislature, and deals with some very technical aspects of the Oregon Constitution. (The Legislature has to refer constitutional changes to the voters.) When voters passed property tax limits several years ago, the language resulted in some unforeseen consequences. A few small taxing districts around Bend, Klamath Falls and on the Oregon coast became unable to levy property taxes at all. This Measure puts all taxing districts in the State on an equal footing. It does not roll back the property tax limitations passed by voters, nor does it change the super-majority requirements for property tax increases. It actually empowers a few local districts around the State to exercise more control over their property taxes. We support this Measure, which would let these voters operate under the same property tax rules as the rest of the State.