04.01.25 County statement re: conflicting court rulings on STC Order

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2025

Jackson County issues statement following conflicting court rulings on STC Order

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County acknowledges the recent decision by a state court judge regarding the State Tax Commission’s (STC) August 2024 order. Despite the court’s finding in this case, that same order had previously been ruled unenforceable in a separate proceeding. The inconsistency between rulings highlights the complexity of the situation and underscores why the County is carefully determining its next steps.

The STC issued its order more than a year after Jackson County completed its state-mandated 2023 reassessment, and nearly a year after property taxes had already been billed, collected, and distributed to cities, schools, fire districts, and other essential services. The STC order was issued without a hearing, without notice to the County, and was based on inaccurate information. Many of the same claims were already rejected in court when the Missouri Attorney General’s lawsuit against the County was dismissed with prejudice.

Even if the County were in agreement with the order, unwinding the 2023 assessments would have significant and unequal consequences. Revisiting assessments now could cause some residents, particularly those in neighborhoods that haven’t appreciated as rapidly, to pay more in taxes than the actual market value of their homes would justify.

“We understand this ruling has caused confusion and concern,” said Jackson County Assessor Gail McCann Beatty. “Our mission remains what it has always been: to ensure every property is assessed fairly, based on real market data, and in accordance with the law. That commitment has not changed.”

Jackson County will continue to work with the County Legislature, the State Tax Commission and local taxing jurisdictions to determine the best path forward. We are committed to updating the public throughout this process in a clear, transparent and timely manner.