REP FC 063 05/16/2011 2010-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE DATE: May 16, 2011 Re: Comm. No. 205/Res. 76 -11 PLACE: Council Chambers Hilo, Hawai`i TIME: 9:00 a.m. Council Chair and Members Hawai`i County Council Hilo, Hawaii 96720 Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred Resolution No. 76 -11, reports as follows: Resolution No. 76 -11, transmitted by Councilmember Pete Hoffmann, dated May 4, 2011, requesting a review and potential reform of the County of Hawai`i Real Property Tax structure. Real Property Taxes are the primary revenue source for the County of Hawai`i and should be based on fairness and equity. Real Property Tax structure review should be addressed and done regularly as in other counties and states throughout the United States. This review could include suggested changes, alternatives and possible reform to the Real Property Tax structure for not only residential properties, but also agricultural or native forest, conservation, commercial, hotel and resort, industrial, and all other properties. Council Vice Chair Pete Hoffmann seeks the support of the Council for this Resolution. During discussion Your Committee was informed by Mr. Hoffmann that this proposed resolution strongly urges the Mayor to allocate funds from the Operating Budget to contract with an outside consultant to conduct comprehensive review of the Real Property Tax structure. This is a collaborative effort requesting the Mayor to look in to this matter. Director of Finance Nancy Crawford and Real Property Tax Division Assistant Administrator Mike McCall appeared before Your Committee. Ms. Crawford and Mr. McCall agreed to an external review, but would prefer utilizing in -house resources before hiring a third party. It was also brought to Your Committee that the Legislative Auditor's investigation using limited funds focused on two components in the review; 1) Real Property Tax structure, and 2) Department's implementation of the Real Property Taxes. Some members of Your Committee commented on not appropriating funds for an external review at this time due to the continuing economic crisis; concerns as to public's perception of fair representation of Real Property Taxes; the Real Property Tax structure's existing inconsistencies in assessments and values is cause for concern to order an audit instead of an external review. For informational purposes, Mr. Fred Blas and Ms. Smart voted "kanalua" twice. Mr. Yagong voted "kanalua," then "yes." Mr. Ikeda voted "kanalua," then "no." FC Report No. 63