Jackson County Exec Doubles Down Vs. 'Unlawful' Tax Commish Ruling

As we noted previously . . .

This week the Jackson County Legislature passed a resolution demanding compliance with a judge's ruling and the Missouri State Tax Commish regarding a property tax rollback. 

However . . . A statement from Executive Frank White is important and that's why we're leading with it:

THE EXEC IS UNMOVED AND SEEMS TO VOW RESISTANCE AGAINST TWO EPIC DECISIONS & THE MAJORITY OF HIS COLLEAGUES!!! 

The reality of this situation . . . 

As it stands now, the Legislature doesn't have the votes for an override. 

And so . . .

Agree or disagree . . . It's important to understand where the Exec is coming from given that this decision could impact TENS OF THOUSANDS of local property owners . . . 

Via TKC . . . Check the statement & support dox: 

Jackson County Executive reaffirms commitment to fairness and transparency in property assessment process

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued a letter to the Jackson County Legislature addressing the continued legal uncertainty surrounding the State Tax Commission’s (STC) order to retroactively roll back 2023 property assessments.

The letter comes amid the Legislature’s passage of Ordinance 5958, which directs the County to comply with the STC’s order despite conflicting court rulings and a lack of clear guidance from the STC. County Executive White’s letter outlines the County’s legal concerns, the complexity of the situation and the significant risks associated with moving forward under the current circumstances. Among those risks is an estimated $200 million immediate impact on local taxing jurisdictions, funding that may not be recoverable for agencies such as Kansas City Public Schools and the State Blind Pension Fund.

“I commend the Legislature for holding today’s public hearing and for openly acknowledging the serious complications associated with implementing the State Tax Commission’s order,” White said. “For the first time, a public body has recognized what we’ve long known, that this is not about tax savings but about shifting the burden onto others. If implemented, this would likely result in the highest tax bills in Jackson County’s history. While this ordinance may not affect the legal outcome, it reflects the kind of serious discussion this issue demands. The consequences are real, and we must take them seriously. I will review the ordinance carefully and take appropriate action moving forward.”

In the letter, County Executive White reaffirmed the County’s position that the STC’s order is unlawful and sets a concerning precedent. He also noted that the STC has yet to respond to key questions submitted by the County in August 2024 that are essential to understanding whether the rollback can be implemented in a way that is both legal and equitable.

“We are hopeful that upcoming discussions with the STC will help provide the clarity needed to responsibly resolve this issue,” White said. “But we will not rush into any decision that could misapply the law or create further inequity in our property tax system.”

County Executive White emphasized that Jackson County remains committed to working in partnership with the Legislature, the State Tax Commission and local taxing jurisdictions to find a responsible path forward that follows the law, treats everyone fairly and keeps our community informed.

The County Executive’s letter to the Legislature is attached, along with the County’s outstanding questions to the STC, along with estimates of the potential revenue losses if the rollback is implemented.

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Developing . . .