A new fight is brewing over accountability in latest Jackson County tax assessment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The court battle over the 2023 property tax assessment has yet to be resolved, and already, there’s fighting over the 2025 property tax assessment plan.

In a news release on Monday, Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca expressed frustration with Jackson County Assessor, Gail McCann-Beatty. Abarca says despite “multiple invitations,” neither McCann-Beatty nor anyone from her department have attended scheduled Health and Environment committee meetings.

Abarca said the committee seeks transparency and clarity regarding increases in property assessment values.

“Our goal is to understand the factors driving these increases and how the Assessor’s Office Plans to address taxpayer concerns,” said Abarca in the release. “Open communication with the Assessor’s Office is essential for public accountability.”

Abarca says the matter is urgent as the county is already facing finanical losses due to the state’s disapproval of the 2024 assessment plan. he says the assessor’s absense from the committee meetings leaves questions unanswered and delays the committee’s ability to respond to the community’s concerns.

KCTV5 contacted the county assessor for a response to Abarca’s claims. Her office responded with a statement:

s

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.