by Patrick B. McGuigan

Published 04-Mar-2011

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) this week backed lawmakers who have urged passage of a measure to lower property tax caps. Senate Joint Resolution 5 (S.J.R 5) would lower the property tax cap from 5% to 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.

In a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK, AFP’s Oklahoma chapter asserted, “We believe this measure is good for all Oklahomans and puts taxpayers’ dollars where they should be – back in the pockets of taxpayers.”

Senator Jim Reynolds of Oklahoma City has been a leading advocate of property tax relief in the upper chamber. After his recent press conference assailing tax assessment policies and encouraging taxpayers to appeal levies, Oklahoma County Assessor Leonard Sullivan had his own encounter with reporters, making clear his disagreement with Sen. Reynolds.

AFP Oklahoma Director Stuart Jolly wasted no time in putting himself on Reynolds’ side in the dispture. In a statement sent to CapitolBeatOK, Jolly said, “It’s unfortunate for a man of his position and stature to openly discuss the personal property tax situation of the citizens he works for.  It is unethical and uncalled for, especially since Mr. Sullivan only tells half the story. His attempt to divert the attention of the reporters from the key issue of lowering property taxes by describing my property tax situation is irrelevant and insulting.”

Information provided by Sen. Reynolds this week asserted that 34% of all properties sold in Oklahoma County were, in one summary, “sold below their appraised value over the past 3 years.” Jolly says over a third of taxpayers are overpaying property taxes. Jolly said his own tax situation came on his own taxes – and that he was one of those local taxpayers who have in recent time sold a home for less than the appraised value.