Kentucky LRC
A bill aimed at increasing transparency and accountability of the state’s special taxing districts was approved by the Kentucky Senate today.
House Bill 1, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) would require “special purpose government entities” in the state to submit administrative and financial information to the Department of Local Government. That information would then be posted in an online registry and available to the public.
According to Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer (R-Georgetown) the bill would apply to more than 1,300 special taxing districts in the state that raise and spend approximately $4 billion in public money annually. These entities include public library boards and fire and water districts, among others. They are found in more than 117 Kentucky counties.
There are three countywide special taxing districts in Crittenden County: Library, Health, and Extension Services. The Lower Tradewater River Floodplain district taxes only properties along the river.
As amended by the Senate, the bill would also give fiscal courts the power to veto certain tax increases proposed by special districts. It would also make the results of audits of districts covered under the legislation available for public review on the online registry, Thayer said.
The Senate changes to House Bill 1 “add much-needed oversight to special districts across the Commonwealth,” he said.
The measure was passed on a 23-10 vote. Opponents of the bill cited concerns about allowing fiscal courts veto power over the taxing districts. Sen. Dorsey Ridley, the Henderson Democrat who represents Criitenden County, voted against the bill. In fact, both of the county's representative lawmakers have now cast "Nay" votes on the measure. GOP Rep. Lynn Bechler of Marion was the lone dissenting voice in the House.
