Larger Chunk of Property Taxes for Cities, Counties

Legislation crafted this week that would guarantee more moneyfor cities and counties seeks to reverse the local property tax raid bythe state during the early 1990s recession. One bill would provideimmediate relief by giving $200 million to cities and counties thisyear, an amount local officials see as piteously small. Senate PresidentPro Tempore John Burton, D-San Francisco, backs a bill that would freezethe property tax shift at current amounts, which would give cities andcounties additional tax funds as property values increase. Localofficials support legislation that would limit the amount the statecould receive in local property tax revenues and would save cities andcounties $300 million annually once fully in effect by 2004. The Davisadministration has hinted toward more aid for cities and counties, butan aide stated that the governor is waiting for the Legislature to act.