The bill amends sections 11-8-6e and 11-8-9 of the Code of West Virginia, focusing on the procedures for local levying bodies regarding property tax levies. It clarifies the conditions under which these bodies can conduct late meetings and file late reports, particularly in relation to property appraisals that may lead to increased tax revenues. The bill specifies that if an appraisal results in a projected revenue increase of one percent or more, the levy rates must be proportionately reduced to ensure that total revenues do not exceed 101 percent of the previous year's revenues, unless certain conditions are met. Additionally, it outlines the calculation process for reduced levy rates and the requirements for public hearings before any increases in tax rates.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the timing and reporting of meetings held by local levying bodies. It allows these bodies to extend their meeting deadlines to June 1 if a levy is on the ballot during a primary election. The State Auditor is tasked with proposing rules for the implementation of these changes, including a requirement for levying bodies to report their meetings by April 1. If a report is not filed by this date, the State Auditor must notify the body, which then has until April 15 to meet and file the report. The Auditor may also permit late meetings and reports beyond April 15 if good cause is shown, replacing the previous deadline of May 1.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 11-8-9
Committee Substitute: 11-8-6e, 11-8-9