OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) – Johnson County residents could expect to see higher property taxes. County officials say more than 230,000 residents received notices over the weekend notifying them of potential increases.
“The intent behind this is to create more transparency in the budgeting process so this really allows taxpayers to see those proposed rates by each taxing authority, look at those public hearings, dates, times, and locations potentially attend those or ask questions of those taxing authorities and their proposed increases and what’s needed for their upcoming budgets,” said Johnson County clerk Amy Meeker-Berg.
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The revenue neutral tax rate represents the mill levy rate that would generate the same property tax revenue as levied the previous year, based on the current tax year’s June 1 certified assessed valuation. The notices provide the dates, times and locations for public hearings to be held by each taxing authority intending to exceed their revenue neutral rate.
The proposed tax rates vary depending on the city where residents live. As of now, the city with the highest proposed tax rate is Bonner Springs with a rate of 39.8 mills. Cities like Westwood Hills and Mission Woods as of now have the lowest proposed rate of 0 mills.
Olathe homeowners could see a proposed tax rate of 23.3 mills and some homeowners say this could be driving them out.
“The property taxes have increased. They’ve about doubled since I bought the house 30 years ago,” said Olathe homeowner Ken Kasten.
With each passing year, Kasten says the rising costs have forced him to explore relocating to more rural areas even though he doesn’t feel he has the option.
“I don’t think I could afford to leave here and buy somewhere else right now. The interest rates are high so I’m stuck,” said Kasten.
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The property tax dollars are used for roads, parks, fire protection, law enforcement, and other local services. Meanwhile, residents are waiting to see how and if they’ll be affected.
“I don’t know if they’re gonna raise taxes even more now just because prices are going up even more,” said Kasten.
There are public hearings scheduled later this month and in the month of September. The rates are subject to change by November 1. You can view details about the proposed rates, and dates and times for hearings on the Johnson County website.
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