01-05-2025
Jackson Co. assessor could become elected position if MO voters pass amendment
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With the passage of a Missouri House joint resolution Thursday, voters will be asked to consider a constitutional amendment that, if approved, would allow Jackson County residents to elect their county assessor.
Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson, R-Lee's Summit, said HJR 23 and HJR 3 proposed a constitutional amendment that, pending the approval of Missouri voters, would require the Jackson County assessor to be an elected position.
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Currently, Patterson said, Jackson County is the only charter county in the state that is not required to elect its assessor.
The passage of the HJR comes amid concerns among residents and legislators regarding how property value assessments have been handled.
Last month, the Missouri State Tax Commission ordered that the county roll back its 2023 assessments, a move County Executive Frank White called 'shocking' and 'dangerous.' The county on April 22 said it was evaluating the order.
The county also recently announced that it has agreed to limit 2025 residential property assessment increases to 'no more than 15%.'
'This is an important step forward in the fight against unfair taxes,' Speaker Patterson said in a statement Thursday. 'With the passage of this legislation, voters in Missouri will get the chance to give Jackson County the right to have its own elected assessor, just like every other county in the state does. It improves accountability, cuts property taxes, and ensures the kind of transparency taxpayers deserve. The days of unchecked overreach by the Jackson County Tax Assessor need to come to an end.'
FOX4 has emailed the county executive's office for comment as well as Legislators Manny Abarca and Sean Smith.
FOX4 has also asked Patterson's office when voters can expect to see the amendment on the ballot.
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