Jackson County offers explanation for compliance to new STC order
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - County leaders have offered an explanation as to why they have chosen to comply with a new order from the State Tax Commission.
On Wednesday, May 28, Jackson County leaders provided an update to help residents and taxing jurisdictions understand a decision they made on Tuesday to comply with a modified 2025 assessment order issued by the Missouri State Tax Commission.
County officials noted that the STC amended its original 2025 order after discussions with local stakeholders. The amended order removed provisions that would have required them to implement a separate 2024 STC order - one that is now under appeal in two separate cases before the Western District Court of Appeals.
Under the order, County leaders said the STC placed a cap on the amount that residential property valuations can increase in 2025, regardless of the actual market value.
While this may appear reasonable, the County noted that when past undervaluations, the rapid pace of the housing market and longstanding disparities are factored in, taxpayers may not have been treated fairly.
Weeks beforehand, County officials said they would voluntarily limit 2025 increases to help reduce disruptions and avoid additional harm to residents. However, the state’s formal order now further reduces many of these values beyond what the County had initially planned.
The move resulted in:
- A shift in the tax burden onto properties that remain accurately assessed. This means that many homeowners and small businesses will pay more than they would under a market-based system.
- A reduction in revenues for taxing entities like Kansas City Public Schools and the Missouri Blind Pension Fund, which cannot legally adjust their tax rates to recover the lost assessment base. KS alone is expected to lose an estimated $38.5 million in revenue in 2025.
While the County opposes the valuation caps, compliance at this point is meant to reduce public confusion, avoid litigation and provide short-term stability as the legal appeals over the 2024 order continue.
“I know how confusing and frustrating this system has become for residents, and we are committed to being as transparent and helpful as possible,” said Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. “While we oppose the State Tax Commission’s policy, we are making this decision to reduce further harm and uncertainty, and we will keep working every day to stand up for fairness and stability for our taxpayers, our schools and our communities.”
County leaders said they have already met with KS and will continue to work with other jurisdictions in the coming days to explain impacts and coordinate how to move forward.
No further information has been released.
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