Senate Votes for Bill Giving Poorest Oregonians a Break on Property Taxes

HB 3640 will help four largest counties better allocate their time and resources.

(SALEM, Ore.) - In a rare Saturday session, the Senate voted this morning to pass legislation that helps out some of the most low-income homeowners in the state. House Bill 3640 requires the four largest Oregon counties to cancel property taxes on manufactured homes valued at less than $12,500.

“The people living in these homes typically live at or below the poverty line,” said Senator Diane Rosenbaum (D-Portland), who carried the bill on the floor. “Small bills of a hundred dollars here and there can add up to an insurmountable obstacle. This bill offers relief for these low-income Oregonians.”

Rosenbaum explained that the cost of collecting outstanding taxes from these properties is often more expensive than forgiving the debt in the first place.

“In a time when so many people are struggling to get by and county services are already stretched thin, this bill gives low-income Oregonians a break and counties some flexibility,” said Senator Chris Edwards (D-Eugene), the chief Senate sponsor of the bill.

According to Multnomah County, the majority of properties valued under $15,000 were delinquent, even when outstanding debts were only $100 a year.

“This legislation will allow county assessors to better budget their time,” said Senate Majority Leader Richard Devlin (D-Tualatin). “Not all counties are required to participate, but it does give them another tool in their toolbox.”

The counties affected are Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, and Lane. HB 3640 was introduced by Representative Val Hoyle (D-Eugene) in the House. The bill will now go to the Governor for his signature.

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Anonymous February 24, 2010 8:33 am (Pacific time)

Maybe some would like to see the "state" take over ownership of all property. If you continue to raise property taxes on homes worth more than one thinks is acceptable, then expect plenty of vacant property that will generate no tax revenue. Considering that those in politically powerful positions, and those who have some "juice", will never allow this to happen. In Oregon, gp, we have a property tax limitation of 3%, so that's the limit for increases, for now.

gp February 21, 2010 8:03 am (Pacific time)

The state should now double or triple property taxes on homes worth more than half a million, why not?

Mark February 21, 2010 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

gp: Why should my already sky high taxes be increased at a higher ratio than those homes appraised lower? The way you get to a balanced budget is to cut spending. Tell me gp, when and if you overspend, do you just ignore the debt, or you cut your spending so you can pay back the debt? Or maybe, like most responsible people you spend within your means?Frankly considering that I have lost considerable value on my home and investment properties, but essentially still pay the same taxes, I already am paying more for the slackers out there. I'm far from being rich, but still pay more taxes than 90% of the population. Go look up whose paying the taxes out there as far as income levels and see that the majority do not pay any income taxes. Then ask yourself if high taxes and increasing onerous regulations is why jobs have been going overseas?

gp February 21, 2010 8:05 am (Pacific time)

Now, real courageous legislators would double or triple property taxes on homes worth more than half a million. Why not? A balanced budget on the backs of the rich, what a concept!

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