Homeowners in Platte County just got a rare thing in local government: a property tax increase that actually makes sense. County officials announced a 6.835% bump in residential property values for 2024, a far cry from the eyebrow-raising hikes seen in Jackson and Clay counties.
For once, the numbers line up. Housing data shows Platte County homes have been climbing about 7.75% a year from 2019 through 2024, so the increase keeps pace with reality. Compare that to Jackson and Clay, where residents have been hit with what many call “fantasyland” assessments — massive double-digit spikes that leave taxpayers wondering if the assessors are looking at Zillow or a crystal ball.
The State Tax Commission (STC) had originally ordered Platte County to slap everyone with a 15% across-the-board increase back on July 30. Instead, the county pushed back, trimming the hike to less than half of that. Taxpayers are calling it a welcome dose of common sense in a season of sticker shock.
While Jackson and Clay property owners are gearing up for appeal hearings and venting at public meetings, Platte County’s move suggests local officials still believe taxes should at least resemble real-world economics.
In short, Platte’s playing it straight. Jackson and Clay? They’re playing Monopoly.
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