House passes bill to rein in taxing districts

Posted: Fri 10:46 AM, Feb 08, 2013

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The House has passed legislation that would strengthen oversight of Kentucky's more than 1,200 local taxing districts.

The measure sets up a system for auditing the taxing districts, which spend some $2.7 billion a year to operate rural fire departments, airports, sanitation districts, even libraries. It also would create an online database where taxpayers could review financial reports for each taxing district.

The proposal passed 96-1 on Friday morning, and now goes to the Senate for consideration.

Auditors have identified 1,268 taxing districts that collect $1.5 billion in taxes and fees each year, plus $1 billion in government grants and private donations.

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