Erlanger city administrator Mark Collier said at Tuesday night’s council meeting that his staff had to “play a little defense” in the face of certain legislation coming from Frankfort.
“We are in the middle of the general assembly, and staff continues to meet with our state legislators to ensure they understand Erlanger’s priorities,” Collier said.
The act in question is House Bill 75, which aims to amend the state’s constitution by adding a new clause to the first section. Brought forward by local Reps. T.J. Roberts, Kim Banta and Marianne Proctor, the amendment will give owners the right to exempt their primary residence and primary vehicle from all property taxation after the year 2028.
Erlanger Mayor Jesscia Fette said she brought up the proposed law at the most recent Kenton County Mayors Group.
“Everybody that I have spoken to is not for this, because they understand that property taxes make up about 25% of our revenues,” Fette said.
Fette said she also composed and sent a memo to Erlanger’s state representatives and to Roberts. She said the response she received was, “Well, Colorado does it, so go talk to your colleagues over there and see how they figure it out.”
How does Colorado figure it out? Well, the Centennial State allows property tax exemptions for primary residences, but only under specific circumstances— such as if the owner is a disabled veteran or a senior citizen. Even then, though, the exemption is only a 50% reduction applied to the first $200,000 of taxes.
Either way, if the proposed bill passes the governor’s desk in Frankfort, Kentuckians will be able to vote on it in the 2028 election.