By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis – Missouri State Senator Mike Gibbons wants the hundreds of local taxing districts around the St. Louis area to drop their tax rates as property values rise.
State law limits the growth of property tax reassessments at the current consumer price index, which is now 2.6 percent.
But municipalities, school districts and other taxing authorities only have to lower their maximum rate when there's a spike in property values.
The Kirkwood Republican said the board members and commissioners who run those districts should cut rates, even when they aren't required to.
"While they may not have a legal obligation to roll back, when they don't, they're raising taxes by a substantial amount," Gibbons said. "And we're hopeful that if nothing else, we can shame them into doing the right thing."
In St. Louis County alone, there are nearly 250 taxing districts. They include the county's 91 municipalities, as well as various school, fire protection and other taxing authorities.
Most will set new tax rates in August, and Gibbons said that's a good time for the public to attend meetings and offer input.
Gibbons said the state needs to reform local tax laws. He admits the legislature has not addressed the issue recently, but he said he's researching the matter.
Gibbons is the President Pro Tem of the state senate. Term limits prohibit him from running again next year. However he is running for state attorney general.