Property Tax Appeal Could Affect Health Agencies
Three Contra Costa County oil refineries have filed separate appeals to reduce their property values, which if approved, could result in funding reductions for 146 public agencies, including emergency services and hospitals, according to a speculative budget summary by the county's Administrator's Office, the Contra Costa Times reports.
The county agencies -- including cities, schools, emergency services and hospitals -- would have to return $70 million to the refineries and cut $30 million annually from future budgets if the appeal is approved, according to the budget projection released Monday.
Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer said it is not unusual for oil refineries to appeal their property taxes, but "this time they are avoiding" a discussion about the value of their property (Geluardi, Contra Costa Times, 4/10).