Reynolds voters would decide a home tax break tied to sales tax

The measure would exempt part of eligible home value from City of Reynolds property taxes, with the exempt amount tied to local sales tax proceeds. It covers eligible homestead property in the Taylor County special district and applies to City of Reynolds taxes. It would be added to any other home tax exemption. Voters must approve the measure, and it must receive a two-thirds vote in both chambers of the legislature. The ballot describes a new 1 percent local sales tax for the Taylor County special district; the bill ties the exemption amount to proceeds from that tax. The exemption would apply only to city taxes on property within the district. Other taxes and home value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. If approved, the exemption would apply to tax years starting January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039.

A homeowner or their agent would have to apply for the exemption unless the homeowner qualified for a Reynolds home tax exemption on the same property in the prior tax year. These rules cover people seeking the City of Reynolds exemption for a home in the Taylor County special district. After approval, the exemption would renew each year while the homeowner lives in the home and remains eligible. The homeowner would have to tell the local tax official if they become ineligible.

The city election superintendent would hold a vote on whether to approve the measure. City voters living in the Taylor County special district would vote on the measure. More than half of votes cast must favor approval for the exemption section to take effect. If the election is not held as required, the measure would not take effect and would be repealed 365 days after the scheduled election date. The election is scheduled for the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026.