In continuing testimony this morning on HB 272 and HB 276 on personal property tax on business equipment:

Brian Blad, mayor of Pocatello, said, “I have yet to have a discussion on a company not coming to Idaho for the reason of not paying that personal property tax. The reality is Idaho has become one of the most business-friendly states in the union. … The reality is doing business in Idaho is very cheap, taxes are cheap, power is low, wages are low, cost of living is low. … I just would urge you to support HB 272. I believe it’s a very good starting point.”

Earl Somsen, Caribou County commissioner, told the committee, “We are concerned and we have been for all the time this has been proceeding. The effects could be dramatic. We depend very solidly on personal property taxes to maintain all of our services in the county and the schools and all of the other districts in our area. It’s well understood that personal property tax is an old and maybe a tired tax.” But, he said, “Personal properties are still essential to our schools, counties, cities and other taxing districts. HB 272 will allow most of these revenues to continue without a huge tax shift.”

Richard Horner, CFO for the city of Rexburg, said, “The businesses that we have been approached, that want to come to Rexburg, the biggest stopping point is infrastructure,” including Internet speed. “We feel 272 is the best way to approach this problem.”