The proposed constitutional amendment, which is being considered by the Senate, would not impact the way assessors appraise property but could still reduce property tax bills. Voters would have to approve it in August or November if it passes the Senate.

As the economy goes down, frustrations go up, especially when it comes to taxes.

“The tax people aren't accountable to people they're taking taxes from,” said Greene County resident David Erwin.

Erwin wants to know why the assessed value of his home went up even though average housing prices are going down.

“Here's the inflation rate off a government Web site - 2 percent. But last year it went up 5 percent, 5 percent and 14 percent,” said Erwin.

The proposed constitutional amendment is intended to limit local property tax increases. The proposal would force cities, counties, school districts and other taxing districts to rollback their property tax rates if their total collections would increase more than the rate of inflation.

“Whatever taxing district it might be will have to be conscious that they will not be able to increase their total operating budget above inflation,” said Greene County Assessor Rick Kessinger.

Those who oppose the proposed amendment say it would have a negative impact on revenue streams, particularly for schools. And, much to the disappointment of taxpayers like Erwin, it wouldn't reduce his home’s assessed value.

“There is nothing dealing with appraisal, so we will continue to appraise them at fair market value, just as we have in the past,” said Kessinger.

To be fair to growing districts and political subdivisions, the amendment would exclude property taxes collected from new construction from the formula when figuring whether a rate rollback is mandated.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee is now considering the bill. If passed without any changes from what the House passed, the proposed amendment would go before Missouri voters.