Rep. Kay Christofferson proposes cap on property tax increases; cities voice bonding concerns

Representative Kay Christofferson said she is sponsoring a property tax bill intended to cap sharp year-to-year increases so homeowners do not face sudden large hikes.

"Let's cap property tax increases so we don't get these big jumps," Christofferson said, adding that some cities oppose the idea because they fear it could create "bonding issues." She argued that city revenues will continue to grow with local growth and noted a 5% leeway under truth-in-taxation as additional flexibility for local governments.

Christofferson cited prior extreme increases as rationale for the measure, saying communities had seen jumps "to 25%" and that in one county there had been a "67% jump." She presented the proposal as a way to smooth large spikes while urging counties, cities and school districts to manage budgets carefully; no formal action or vote was recorded in this update.