How much would a local levy generate annually?
The following legislation is not designed to be the final product, but rather a foundation in which to develop homegrown legislation.
Since 1928 the State of West Virginia has passed several constitutional amendments dealing with road improvements and as recently as 1998 residents of West Virginia have adopted legislation allowing the state to fund road bonds through taxes. While debt limits were established, projects were not spelled out in the legislation, thus allowing road projects to be at the discretion of the Department of Highways.
The proposal presented here deals with local decisions regarding our infrastructure, accountability and method to generate needed revenues. One solution to be discussed is the option to create a new infrastructure levy. Presently, State Constitution requires uniformity in the application of tax rates, in addition to the maximum allowable tax rate as determined by a constitutional amendment during the 1930’s. Furthermore, state code dictates Class language as well.
Class I deals with farm personal property. Class II deals with owner occupied dwellings and Class III & IV deal with all else, including personal property.
This proposal deals only with Class III & IV personal property, primary because we can regulate the impact on low income or those individuals without personal transportation; such as, automobiles, motorcycles and motor homes. Secondly, vehicles on the highways have created the problem.
While the State Constitution requires uniformity it creates a hurdle that must first be overcome if we are to apply the levy only to personal property. This can only be accomplished through a constitutional amendment. In essence, we must ask for permission from the residents of West Virginia to create a local infrastructure levy.
Local levies or fees allow revenues generated to remain here in Monongalia County. While some concerns lie with the counties ability to manage the funds, it should be noted that all highway projects are in fact a responsibility of the state and managed as such during development and construction. Any local monies generated are used for the debt service associated with infrastructure development. Additionally, any levy brought before the voter must spell out the terms and projects for which the monies will be used.
How much would a local levy generate annually?
Under the proposed language Monongalia County would generate $7.3 million dollars annually or $73 million over 10 year period, just short of the proposed 30 year, $80 million project in the original Service Fee scenario. While Monongalia County can generate $7.3 million other counties could generate far less or a great deal more dependent on the population and Class III & IV property on the books, which would also correspond with the need of infrastructure dollars needed in a particular region. Seemingly, it should go without saying that a smaller county similar to Ritchie or Wetzel Counties would not have the same infrastructure needs as Kanawha or Jefferson County.
The following legislation is not designed to be the final product, but rather a foundation in which to develop homegrown legislation.
Since 1928 the State of West Virginia has passed several constitutional amendments dealing with road improvements and as recently as 1998 residents of West Virginia have adopted legislation allowing the state to fund road bonds through taxes. While debt limits were established, projects were not spelled out in the legislation, thus allowing road projects to be at the discretion of the Department of Highways.
The proposal presented here deals with local decisions regarding our infrastructure, accountability and method to generate needed revenues. One solution to be discussed is the option to create a new infrastructure levy. Presently, State Constitution requires uniformity in the application of tax rates, in addition to the maximum allowable tax rate as determined by a constitutional amendment during the 1930’s. Furthermore, state code dictates Class language as well.
Class I deals with farm personal property. Class II deals with owner occupied dwellings and Class III & IV deal with all else, including personal property.
This proposal deals only with Class III & IV personal property, primary because we can regulate the impact on low income or those individuals without personal transportation; such as, automobiles, motorcycles and motor homes. Secondly, vehicles on the highways have created the problem.
While the State Constitution requires uniformity it creates a hurdle that must first be overcome if we are to apply the levy only to personal property. This can only be accomplished through a constitutional amendment. In essence, we must ask for permission from the residents of West Virginia to create a local infrastructure levy.
Local levies or fees allow revenues generated to remain here in Monongalia County. While some concerns lie with the counties ability to manage the funds, it should be noted that all highway projects are in fact a responsibility of the state and managed as such during development and construction. Any local monies generated are used for the debt service associated with infrastructure development. Additionally, any levy brought before the voter must spell out the terms and projects for which the monies will be used.
How much would a local levy generate annually?
Under the proposed language Monongalia County would generate $7.3 million dollars annually or $73 million over 10 year period, just short of the proposed 30 year, $80 million project in the original Service Fee scenario. While Monongalia County can generate $7.3 million other counties could generate far less or a great deal more dependent on the population and Class III & IV property on the books, which would also correspond with the need of infrastructure dollars needed in a particular region. Seemingly, it should go without saying that a smaller county similar to Ritchie or Wetzel Counties would not have the same infrastructure needs as Kanawha or Jefferson County.
3 comments:
Ok.. with the increase of gas, goes the increase of the gas tax, the increase of all taxes, you are making plenty, what in the world do you do with it? When are you all going to stand up and do your job, like in management? Every time we turn around you want to add this or raise that! When the gas up goes up, so does your intake of tax revenue! Quit padding everyones pockets, we the people elected you to work for the people, not a group of selected people - ALL
I work in the western end of Monongalia Country. Not everyone goes into Morgantown so why should you try to tax everyone? Also, what about the people who drive in Morgantown like the college students? Your plan means we would pay while the non residents that use the roads whouldn't have to. I have an idea for you, set up a toll booth!
Citizens of Monongalia County are tired of taking on the bulk of the financial responsibility for traffic and road issues. WVU, the out of control developers and the commuters to Monongalia County (students and workers) should take some responsibility for the traffic and road issues; not just the hardworking citizens of Monongalia County.
Has a study been done to assess the number of workers coming into Morgantown everyday? What is WVU’s role in this issue? What about state and/or federal funding?
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