Jackson County's Property Valuation Appeals Slammed

0:00It's April 26th. Kansas News today starts now. AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. Missouri State Auditor just dropped a bombshell report on Jackson County's 2023 property valuation appeals, rating the whole. Process poor, and saying it straight up, stack the deck against homeowners. The County's assessment department and Board of Equalization skipped, required in-person appraisals for big value jumps over 15 percent, relying. Instead, on outdated photos or computer estimates, which broke state law and put the proof burden on taxpayers. This audit kicked off last July at the County Legislature's request amid massive backlash that already cost former executive Frank White Jr. and. Assess a Gail McCann, baiting their jobs earlier this year. Officials dragged their feet, forcing auditors to hit them with subpoenas, just to get basic records from late 2021 through 2. Homeowners spelt the sting hard, facing confusing websites, late hearing notices.

1:0135 percent got short-changed on the 7-day rule, and mixed-up communication between departments. Board members even got $100 bonuses for rushing 30 deals a day, which likely skimmed on fair reviews and eroded trust big time. Now, the County's promising fixes, like clearer appeal steps, better rights notifications, and timely deadlines, while interim executive Phil LaVota. Roadout tax credits over three years to cap 2023 hikes at 15 percent retroactively. The State Tax Commission also ordered a 15 percent cap for 2025 values. Schools are pushing back hard, claiming these moves claw back nearly $200 million already budgeted, taking up revenues countywide as a fuller auto-report land soon.