Signature-gatherers will be out in force this weekend, seeking support for a state property-tax rollback measure.

More than 100,000 signatures have already been collected statewide, said Larry Hartley, a Spokane Valley construction manager and estimator.

About 200 volunteers in Spokane County are soliciting support from registered voters to place Initiative 650 on the fall election ballot, said Hartley, leader of the local effort.

Backers of the measure need signatures of 187,000 registered voters by July 7.

Hartley and Don Carter, the Olympia man who drafted the measure, say getting signatures this weekend, when people gather at parks and public markets, will be a key measure of its support.

If approved by voters, the initiative would cap property assessments at 1993 values and limit increases to 2 percent a year. Owners could also qualify for an exemption on their primary home that effectively cuts those taxes in half. When homes are sold, the values would be adjusted to market rates and the new owners would have to reapply for the exemption.