Senate passes property tax break for developers

BOISE (AP) — Land developers whose grand designs for their properties were thwarted by the recession could soon win tax relief.

The Senate voted 28-7 Tuesday for the measure, which would exempt the value of improvements to properties until the construction of homes or buildings begins — or the developer unloads the parcel to somebody else.

The measure has cleared the House and is now destined for Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's desk.

Advocates including Sen. Lee Heider of Twin Falls described the bill as an economic relief effort, to help hard-hit developers carry their inventory until their fortune changes.

Foes, however, feared the bill could undermine revenue to local governments that rely on property taxes.

Sen. Joyce Broadsword of Sagle told colleagues she'd heard from multiple assessors who had concerns about the bill.