HB 1803 -- COUNTY TECHNOLOGY FUND

CO-SPONSORS:  Wiggins, Berkstresser

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Local
Government and Related Matters by a vote of 20 to 0 present.

This bill requires in all counties that become counties of the
first classification after September 1, 2000, that 1% of the
property taxes collected against the first $500 million of
assessed valuation in the county and 1/2% on all taxes collected
on the remainder of taxes collected against property in excess
of $500 million, be deposited in the assessment fund.  In order
to allocate these percentages among each political subdivision
in the county, the assessor must determine the percentage of
total property valuation divided into $500 million.  The
collector is required to retain 1% of that percentage of
collections from each political subdivision's property taxes for
the assessment fund, and 1/2% of the remainder, also for the
assessment fund.

The bill also requires all counties and the City of St. Louis to
deduct 1/2% from the collection of all property taxes between
January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2006.  Half of the funds
collected must be deposited in the county technology fund which
is created in the bill.  The funds are to be used as needed by
assessors, auditors, clerks, collectors, county commissions,
coroners, public administrators, recorders of deeds, and
treasurers exclusively for computer hardware and software and
related services.  The other half of the funds is to be
transferred to the county assessment fund and must also be used
for computer hardware and software.

In 2006, the county commission is required to call a meeting
with county representatives and one representative of each
political subdivision which levies property taxes.  The meeting
is to determine by vote if the fee for the technology fund is to
continue.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that assessors need more funding if
they are going to keep assessments current.  All county
officials, including assessors, will need the latest in
technology and software.  Increased funding will insure that
assessments are uniform around the state.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Wiggins and
Berkstresser; and Missouri Assessors Association.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the extra funding
this bill provides for assessors will come from other county
political subdivisions, including schools.  Present funding for
assessors is sufficient.  Schools cannot afford to lose these
funds.

Testifying against the bill were Cooperating School Districts of
Greater Kansas City; Missouri Municipal League; and Missouri
School Board Association.

Steve Bauer, Legislative Analyst

HB 1803 -- County Technology Fund

Co-Sponsors:  Wiggins, Berkstresser

This bill requires in all counties that become counties of the
first classification after September 1, 2000, that 1% of the
property taxes collected against the first $500 million of
assessed valuation in the county and 1/2% on all taxes collected
on the remainder of taxes collected against property in excess
of $500 million, be deposited in the assessment fund.  In order
to allocate these percentages among each political subdivision
in the county, the assessor must determine the percentage of
total property valuation divided into $500 million.  The
collector is required to retain 1% of that percentage of
collections from each political subdivision's property taxes for
the assessment fund, and 1/2% on the remainder, also for the
assessment fund.

The bill also requires all counties and the City of St. Louis to
deduct 1/2% from the collection of all property taxes between
January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2006.  Half of the funds
collected must be deposited in the county technology fund which
is created in the bill.  The funds are to be used as needed by
assessors, auditors, clerks, collectors, county commissions,
coroners, public administrators, recorders of deeds, and
treasurers exclusively for computer hardware and software and
related services.  The other half of the funds are to be
transferred to the county assessment fund and must also be used
for computer hardware and software.

In 2006, the county commission is required to call a meeting
with county representatives and one representative of each
political subdivision which levies property taxes.  The meeting
is to determine by vote if the fee for the technology fund is to
continue.