Committee concurs with LBC on Board of Tax Appeals and Department of Labor adjustments, grants select enhancements

The committee considered the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA) and Department of Labor budgets and approved adjustments, including selective enhancements and FTE allocations.

For BOTA, KLRD fiscal analyst Jacob Krespe summarized LBC amendments removing a $6,000 SGF reappropriation for FY2026 and removing enhancement packages totaling $241,000 plus three FTEs for FY2027. Representative Riley described growing caseload pressures caused by county appraisals that increase appeals. Representative Turk moved to grant two of BOTA’s requested 2027 positions (a legal assistant and an administrative assistant), retain the $6,000 reappropriation, and not provide the taxpayer‑advocate enhancement (with the Department of Administration expected to provide a related service); the motion passed by voice vote.

On the Department of Labor, the committee noted differences between SR14 point‑in‑time snapshots and budget summaries (KLRD said there had been a net adjustment of about four FTEs since the snapshot). The LBC removed roughly $663,252 from state journal fund money and other items; the governor concurred with some SBC recommendations. Representative Turk moved to pass the Department of Labor budget for 2026–27 in concurrence with the SBC and the governor; the motion passed.

What’s next: KLRD will continue to provide point‑in‑time snapshot explanations and the committee asked for clearer comparative documentation of headcounts in future budget materials.