Monday, March 11, 2012

Kansas legislators have jumped into a tax dispute over refineries and fertilizer and cement plants, but critics worry that helping the business's operators could pinch local governments.

A bill before the Kansas House revises a state law governing how counties value machinery and equipment in complex manufacturing plants for tax purposes.

Business groups are watching the legislation, which cleared the House Taxation Committee last week.

Supporters contend the bill would ensure that machinery is valued consistently statewide, preventing prevent counties from overtaxing it.

Critics contend the measure will take millions of dollars' worth of property off state and local tax rolls -- forcing local governments to cut services or raise levies on homes and other business property.