Auditor Fitzpatrick begins investigation of St. Louis County Board of Equalization property tax appeals process

St. Louis County residents frustrated by the process to appeal the assessed valuation of their property have drawn the attention of Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, who announced today that his office has launched an investigation of the St. Louis County Board of Equalization and the property tax appeals process. Fitzpatrick said whistleblower complaints alleging the appeals process is unfair and potentially unlawful triggered the investigation.

"My office has heard from whistleblowers with concerns about the two board system used in St. Louis County, specifically with how appeals are routed to those boards and the fact one board may resolve appeals in favor of taxpayers at a significantly higher rate than the other. The appeals process exists to protect property owners from unfair and excessive assessed valuations and it is important that this process complies with county code and state law, and is fair to taxpayers," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "Our investigation will look closely at the issues raised by concerned citizens in St. Louis County and we will work to determine if changes to the appeals process are necessary. I encourage anyone who may have information that needs to be brought to our attention during this investigation to contact us through our Whistleblower Hotline."

Fitzpatrick, who earlier this year released an audit of the appeals process in Jackson County that found the process unfairly disadvantaged taxpayers, sent a letter to officials with the St. Louis County Board of Equalization requesting information pertaining to the number and types of appeals referred to each board, how the determination is made on which board appeals are routed to, and records documenting the outcome of all appeals referred to each board.

Individuals may provide information confidentially for consideration during the investigation of the St. Louis County Board of Equalization 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.

Under Section 29.221, RSMo, Auditor Fitzpatrick is authorized to initially review allegations of improper governmental activities. The auditor can then investigate any allegations deemed to be credible. Auditor Fitzpatrick also has the authority to initiate a performance audit of the St. Louis County Board of Equalization if he determines a more comprehensive review is warranted.

The St. Louis County Board of Equalization has until November 6 to respond with the requested documents. If county officials are uncooperative with the request, state law allows Auditor Fitzpatrick to issue subpoenas to ensure all documentation relevant to the investigation can be obtained.