TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) - Gov. Sam Brownback says phasing out the Kansas mortgage registration fee will help the state's economy grow, but counties fear they'll be forced to boost property taxes to make up the lost revenue.
Brownback said Thursday that a home is the biggest purchase most people make and phasing out the fee will help borrowers a little bit. He signed legislation Wednesday to phase the fee out by 2019.
The state imposes a fee of $2.60 for every $1,000 borrowed to register mortgages, and most of the money goes to the 105 counties.
The new law will increase other fees, but the Legislature's staff projects that counties still will lose $53 million over the next five years.
And some county officials believe those estimates understate the potential losses.
© Associated Press
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Atchison apt fire claim's toddler's life, injures others
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Bridge work begins Wed in Doniphan Co
Latest Brown, Doniphan Co filings
Planned outage for Brown-Atchison Electric Tuesday
Motorcyclist injured in Holt Co MO crash
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
LATEST STORIES
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Recycling program discussed at Doniphan Co meeting
Two candidates file for Jackson Co attorney
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
Holton's Spring Cleanup Day Saturday
Chiefs' Butker named Keynote Speaker for BC Commencement
Two stop legislative coffee talks set for Saturday
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family