Agenda - 06-21-1983 - Laserfiche WebLink

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o -2- The Mix of County Revenues The property tax is the traditional source of revenue for local governments. However, the demands of modern government require more responsive revenue sources. The- most serious problems with the property tax are summarized below: • Ownership of real property is no longer an accurate indicator of wealth or ability to pay. • The property tax is the most regressive form of taxation available to counties . • The property tax base is only marginally responsive in the short term to changes in the economy. If counties are expected to participate as partners with the state in providing a variety of services and the facilities to house these functions they must have access to alternative revenue resources that are responsive to economic change and equitable in terms of impact on residents. The Association will support efforts to attain reform of the property tax system and alternative sources of revenues for counties. Fiscal Integrity of Counties The continued fiscal health of county government depends upon: • state laws which provide for sound financial management practices that are adaptable to the special needs of each county • guidance from appropriate state agencies on necessary improvements in accounting, reporting and auditing procedures • recognition by state agencies which oversee programs-bperated by county governments that there have been significant improvements in budgeting and' fiscal management practices at the county level. In order to enhance the fiscal integrity of counties , the Association of County Commissioners will continue to support changes in the State law which will improve financial management practices and reduce inconsistencies in fiscal procedures among programs administered by county governments.