Homeowners call Jackson County Assessor liar following testimony in tax assessment trial

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Heated homeowners are calling for some accountability after Jackson County Assessor Gail McCann Beatty took the stand in the 2023 tax assessment trial.

Under oath, McCann Beatty testified claiming data collectors knocked on doors, and measured every property that had a value increase of 15% or more.

She also agreed that they typically spent 10-to-15 minutes on each outside assessment.

A testimony homeowners Dottie and Glen Williams told KCTV5 was not true.

“I can’t believe a word that she said in testimony yesterday,” Glen said. “I can’t fathom it.”

A KCTV5 investigation showed county employees spent an average of 41 seconds at each property in one Independence neighborhood.

Physical inspections are required by state law if a property increases in value by more than 15%.

READ MORE: ‘Mind boggling’: Jackson County tax assessment data questioned as trial continues

McCann Beatty, has previously explained numerous times the in-person inspections involve measuring, a photo and documentation in the field.

Her department even produced videos showing the process.

“There wasn’t ever a door knocker,” Dottie said. “There were no people from the assessments office that ever came through this neighborhood. Nobody ever knocked on our door.”

The Williams’ property tax went up significantly. They have Ring doorbell cameras and surrounding cameras on their property and so do their neighbors.

“None of us can find any videos of anybody being out here to not only measure our house but the houses directly around us,” Glen said.

The Williams’ said they just want the truth in court and on their records.

“When you are in a position to be held accountable, by God, be accountable to these people that expect you to be truthful,” Dottie said.

McCann Beatty refused to answer questions after she testified. She will be back in court on Aug. 9.

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