09/29/2023 - Jefferson City, MO
State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick
announced today that his office has started a comprehensive review of the
process used in Jackson County to assess property values. The State Auditor's
Office officially began the audit of the Jackson County Assessment Department
on Monday, September 25.
"Our team will conduct a
thorough examination of the assessment process with a focus on the red flags
and serious concerns raised by homeowners throughout Jackson County. We realize
time is of the essence and will move as efficiently as possible to conduct our
review, but it's important for everyone to understand that a comprehensive
audit is a lengthy process that will take months to complete," said
Auditor Fitzpatrick. "We will work diligently and as quickly as we can to
provide much-needed answers to the tens of thousands of concerned Jackson
County homeowners."
After receiving numerous
complaints from Jackson County residents who were alarmed by significantly
higher assessed valuations of their homes, Fitzpatrick announced an initial
investigation of the assessment process on August 4. The investigation was
focused on the large increases in assessed value, issues with the appeal
process, and questions about the qualifications of Tyler Technologies personnel
to make reassessment decisions.
Because
state law does not provide the State Auditor's Office with the discretion to
initiate an audit in Jackson County, the office was originally limited to
conducting an investigation. However, on August 21 the Jackson County
Legislature adopted a resolution formally inviting the State Auditor's Office
to conduct a comprehensive audit of the 2023 property assessment process.
Individuals may provide confidential information for
consideration during the audit to the State Auditor's Whistleblower Hotline at
800-347-8597, by email at moaudit@auditor.mo.gov or by visiting www.auditor.mo.gov/hotline.
