SALT LAKE CITY ó In the midst of running for a legislative seat, Bountifulís Ron Mortensen has continued his several-year tradition of trying to influence that bodyís work.

His efforts, and those of the group he founded, Utahns For Tax Fairness, have intensified. Thatís after last yearís ìperfect stormî where property taxes were increased substantially for many Bountiful and North Salt Lake residents, following property reassessments.

During interim meetings last week, he and several other South Davis residents addressed the Revenue and Taxation meeting.

ìWe are pleased that a group of citizen volunteers has been able to have such a significant influence on the property tax discussion,î he said.

ìOur entire focus has been on finding a way to ensure what happened in south Davis County last year never happens again and that citizens never again have to worry about being forced out of their homes due to unfair property assessments.î

The group proposed that state officials consider basing a homeís value for property tax purposes on the purchase price of a home (acquisition value) as opposed to todayís ìfair market valueî system. It can result in huge jumps in property valuation and big increases in property taxes.

Under their proposal, once a home price is determined, a homeís taxable value will never increase in any given year more than the Social Security COLA (cost of living adjustment) for as long as the owner remains in the home.

Taxes could only be increased following truth in taxation hearings but could not be raised by increasing home values.

In addition, representatives of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayerís Association explained Californiaís Proposition 13 to the legislative committee. In addition, Dr. John Merrifield, University of Texas at San Antonio, further explained acquisition value property valuation.

The entire discussion last week centered on Proposition 13 and acquisition value taxation.

The legislative group is due to meet again July 9 in Salt Lake City.



tbusselberg@davisclipper.com