Prop. 13

A Calif. Prop. 13 type initiative has been suggested as an appropriate solution to the continuing pressure on County residential property tax. Here is a slightly different perspective:

Since the State legislature has several more sources of revenue than the County, why doesn't the State pay it's "fair share" of County expenses? Here are only two examples:

1) jail remuneration...current statute says the State is obligated to pay only 70% of the expense of a State prisoner in a County jail. That means residential property tax pays what the State doesn't... As anyone watching knows, when the appropriated fund for remuneration is exhausted, the State stops paying jail remuneration for the rest of that year.

2) Court Bailiff: County budget is only compensated for time in court (not training, vacation, etc.) even though the Bailiff may be assigned full time to the Court. One could also discuss examples from other County services.

My question: Will the State step up to its "fair share" before a Prop. 13 type initiative is pressed by the over-burdened residential taxpayer?

Robert Hood
Retired
Davis County