MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Governor Justice came to Fairmont State University continuing his Community Conversation tour speaking out against Amendment 2.
He told residents lawmakers were using the car tax repeal as an incentive to get people to agree to a change to the constitution. If approved, county governments would no longer have direct control over property tax allocations as they have had since 1932.
“You’re giving away you’re control to Charleston,” Justice said. “For God sakes a livin’ are you out of your mind? I mean are you completely crazy?”
On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom was pleased to hear the governor introduced the Car and All Vehicles Tax Elimination and Protection of Local Government Act. If passed, the legislation would require by law a dollar for dollar rebate for residents’ car tax expenses.
“But, there is a difference between intent and what is constitutionally guaranteed,” Bloom said. ” That’s what this governor has put in this bill the other bill does not say and that’s what I like about it.”
Bloom fears voters see the car tax repeal in Amendment 2 and stop. If passed, counties would then depend on state lawmakers to maintain their current funding levels.
“If you vote for this it does not mean there’s going to be a tax cut,” Bloom said. “It’s taking the decision making from the local county and giving it to 134 representatives, of which many are in the southern part of the state.”
State lawmakers have estimated the yearly budget hole left to fill if Amendment 2 passes would be from $600 to $700 million. With existing and future obligations, Bloom fears lawmakers would have difficult decisions and county governments would be forced to lobby for funding every year.
“There’s still $500 million needed for deferred maintenance in the jails, there’s still 1,000 jail employees they want to hire, 1,000 DHHR workers, 1,500 teachers and the PEIA,” Bloom said.
Bloom believes the state can meet the budget need to repeal the car tax, but this is the first year since the pandemic municipalities do not have the cushion of coronavirus relief.
“That’s $125 million which I believe the state could pay for each year,” Bloom said. “But, you’re asking for $600 or $700 million when American Rescue Plans funds will not be available anymore.”
The Monongalia County Assessor’s Office and the West Virginia Office of Budget and Policy will hold an Amendment 2 workshop Monday October 17 at the Courtyard by Marriott from 10 a.m. to noon.