Legislation making adjustments in local tax recall referendums in the state’s two largest cities is one step away from final passage in the Kentucky General Assembly. A Central Kentucky county clerk sees potential complications if the bill becomes law.
The filing of the legislation came following an unsuccessful effort in Fayette County to put a school property tax increase before voters. The measure allows for electronic signatures as well as extending the petition deadline by five days. Lexington tax recall organizer Dan Rose believes the current law needs changing. “You had to deal with paper and the form requirement and the fact that they all have to be on the same people from the same precinct signing the same form. And you have to get physical signatures,” said Rose.
Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins opposes the bill. He says the current procedure in place is adequate. He said any change would prove problematic for the tax calendar and timing of the election cycle. And Blevins anticipates it would be challenged in court. “I guarantee the first time someone uses electronic signatures using this law, it will be challenged in court and then we’ll be held up by a court case. What do we do with tax bills in the meantime? It’s just going to be problematic,” said Blevins.
More than one Senate committee member requested the legislation pertain to every county.
