Homeowners worry they’ll lose their home because of 2023 property tax assessment

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Thousands of Jackson County residents are frustrated as county leaders say there will be no refunds in the 2023 property tax assessment.

County leaders said the money has already been spent. This comes after the State Tax Commission ordered the county to fix the assessment. On Monday, leaders defended the assessment and said they did nothing wrong.

Also Read: Looking for a refund on Jackson County property tax payments? ‘It’s not going to happen’

Laura Carey, a Lee’s Summit resident, is devastated by this as she’s spent the last year fighting the country. Her property tax went up 69%, and because of that, her mortgage increased by roughly $500 a month.

“I’m frustrated with it,” Carey said. “But I’m going to continue to fight.”

She’s worried that she might lose the home she raised her five kids in.

“A decision that would have never been made before is now on the table,” Carey said.” When you’re retired, on a fixed income, you can’t roll out some more money. You can’t go to work on overtime. You have to figure out what to do.”

Carey believes the county is stalling even though the county said it’s political.

More Coverage: WATCH: Jackson County leaders address State Tax Commission order regarding assessments

“I think it’s Frank White and McCann Beatty who are trying to save their rear end for what they did; it’s not political at all.”

She hopes the state will hold local leaders accountable.

“I am hoping that the STC makes Jackson County not delay it and fall it back to 2022 and only add 15%. Do I expect to see a refund? No. Would I like to see a credit? Sure,” Carey said.

Like thousands of others, she waits skeptically for this next assessment.

“It’s very depressing. It’s very frustrating. You have a lot of people; I know a lot of people who have sold their homes and left the county. There’s a lot to think about,” Carey said.

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