12.19.23 Missouri Supreme Court dismisses property assessment lawsuit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2023
Following a politically charged lawsuit, Jackson County bolsters its property assessment defense
with a unanimous Supreme Court victory
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Supreme Court of Missouri today issued a unanimous ruling dismissing a class action lawsuit filed against Jackson County regarding property assessments. The lawsuit was based, in part, on inspection requirements when a property’s value has increased more than 15%.
“Today’s unanimous Supreme Court decision reaffirms our steadfast commitment to lawful and fair property assessments,” said County Executive Frank White, Jr. “While we respect the role of oversight, it’s clear that this recent lawsuit is an improper and politically motivated attack on our process. These efforts have been about rectifying injustices and ensuring fair taxation for our residents.”
Earlier this year, property owners filed a class-action lawsuit against the County, alleging unlawful increases to property values because the county failed to provide adequate notice of valuation increases and failed to conduct physical inspections of properties with increased value of 15% or more.
The County argued that the case be dismissed because the taxpayers who filed the lawsuit failed to fully complete the administrative process available to them, including appealing to the county board of equalization or the state tax commission for relief. Though the Circuit Court overruled the County’s motion to dismiss, the Supreme Court unanimously agreed with the County’s position and ordered the case dismissed.
“We extended the deadline for appeals to July 31, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and taxpayer rights,” White said. “Assertions of impropriety in our assessment process ignore this fact and only serve to create unfounded fear and confusion among our residents.”
“From day one of my tenure, my focus has always been on accuracy and fairness in property assessments. Since then, my department has worked diligently to correct inaccuracies in property valuations that have unfairly burdened thousands of Jackson County residents,” said County Assessor Gail McCann Beatty. “Any claims of wrongdoing are not only baseless but are a disservice to the taxpayers of Jackson County who we serve with integrity.”
Because it is now pending litigation, the County will not offer further comment other than it will vigorously and successfully defend this lawsuit as it has every lawsuit challenging its assessment process.
“It’s disappointing to see legal actions being used as tools for political gain, especially when they create confusion and unfairly reduce the community’s confidence in public institutions. Today’s lawsuit is another sad example of this unfortunate trend,” said County Administrator Troy Schulte. “We call upon every news agency to provide equitable coverage of our successful defense in these legal battles, just as they report on the filing of lawsuits.”
A copy of today’s Supreme Court decision is attached.