Oregon Senate Bill 712 aims to modernize property tax assessment system

The Oregon Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at modernizing the state's property tax assessment system. Senate Bill 712 seeks to address the longstanding issues of revenue instability and inequity in property taxation, which have left local governments struggling to fund essential services.

The current property tax system has been described as a "leaky bucket," where tax revenues fluctuate unpredictably with market values. When property values decline, local governments face significant revenue losses, and when values rise, the system fails to keep pace due to caps on assessed values that often fall below inflation. This inconsistency has forced municipalities, such as Wood Village, to rely heavily on state general funds to maintain services like education, public safety, and infrastructure.

Senator Gorcyk emphasized that the proposed bill would introduce a consistent 3% annual growth rate for maximum assessed values, allowing local revenues to rebound in line with market conditions. This change aims to create a stable financial foundation for local services while ensuring fairness for taxpayers by preventing extreme tax fluctuations. The bill also promises to simplify assessment rules, making the system more transparent and easier for both property owners and administrators to navigate.

The committee heard testimony from various stakeholders, including Seth Reeser, Finance Director for Wood Village, who highlighted the inequities in the current system. He pointed out that wealthier areas often pay significantly less in taxes relative to their property values, while poorer neighborhoods bear a heavier burden. This disparity has been exacerbated by gentrification and the uneven impact of market fluctuations across different regions of the state.

Jenna Jones, representing the League of Oregon Cities, supported the bill, noting that it would help small cities maintain essential services during economic downturns. She stressed the importance of addressing property tax inequities and the need for legislative action to improve the system without requiring a constitutional amendment.

As the committee deliberates on Senate Bill 712, the potential for a more equitable and stable property tax system is on the horizon. If passed, this legislation could significantly impact local governments' ability to provide services and support community needs, paving the way for a more reliable financial future for Oregon's municipalities.