Hancock commissioners discuss Amendment 2
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NEW CUMBERLAND -- While not taking a direct stance of their own, Hancock County commissioners Thursday encouraged residents to study as much about Amendment 2 as they can before heading to the polls on Nov. 8.
Amendment 2, also known as the Property Tax Modernization Amendment, would affect Article X, Subsection 1 of the West Virginia Constitution, if passed, focusing on taxation and finance.
It's purpose, according to the West Virginia Secretary of State's website, is "to amend the State Constitution by providing the Legislature with authority to exempt tangible machinery and equipment personal property directly used in business activity and tangible inventory personal property directly used in business activity and personal property tax on motor vehicles from ad valorem property taxation by general law."
Commissioner Eron Chek explained counties rely on those taxes to provide many of their services, and encouraged residents to learn more before voting on whether to give the Legislature the power to remove the revenue.
"Before you vote to remove it, you should know what those taxes are funding," Chek said.
Commission President Paul Cowey noted Thursday's meeting agenda included the discussion as a way to get information on the amendment to the public, adding the commission could not take any action to keep the item from the ballot.
"It's mainly for us to have our say," Cowey said, explaining similar discussions have been held in counties across West Virginia.
The commissioners explained the amendment, if approved by voters, would give the Legislature the power to remove those specific taxes, but said that doesn't mean the Legislature will remove the taxes in question.
There also is no guarantee, they said, the Legislature will be able to make the counties whole on any revenue lost if lawmakers would decide to eliminate those taxes, meaning the counties would have to look for other ways to fund their operations.
"Whether it's one year or five years, ultimately, it's going to come back to the county commission," Commissioner Jeff Davis said.
The item is one of four amendments set to be voted on by West Virginia residents on Nov. 8. Amendment 1 would clarify the Judiciary's role in impeachment proceedings; Amendment 3 focuses on the incorporation of churches or religious denominations; and Amendment 4, the Education Accountability Amendment, would require any rules or policies established by the state Board of Education to be reviewed and approved by the Legislature.