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Highlands approves resolution opposing state limits on local property-tax authority
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Summary
The board unanimously approved a resolution opposing proposed state legislation to limit counties and towns from raising ad valorem property taxes, calling such limits unfunded mandates that reduce local control.
The Highlands Town Board voted April 16 to approve a resolution opposing proposed state action that would limit counties’ and municipalities’ authority to set ad valorem property taxes.
Mayor (identified in the meeting as mayor) told the board that the resolution reflects concern about state proposals being discussed before the short legislative session. He said Highlands has not raised its ad valorem rate in more than a decade and warned that removing local taxing authority would limit the town's ability to fund services. "We've not in Highlands increased our ad valorem tax in over a decade," the mayor said while urging the board to preserve local decision‑making.
Commissioners and the mayor framed the resolution as a response to what they described as unfunded mandates from the legislature and noted that associations such as the county commissioners' group and the League of Municipalities are opposing restrictions on local tax authority.
A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded; the chair called the question and members voted in favor. The board asked staff to transmit the adopted resolution to relevant county and municipal contacts.
No dollar amounts or legal changes were enacted at the meeting; the resolution is a formal statement of policy to express the town's position ahead of state consideration.
