Platte County Commission votes to approve expansion of its Senior Property Tax Relief Program

PLATTE COUNTY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Platte County Commission voted Monday to approve a major expansion in its Senior Property Tax Relief Program.

The two approved orders will:

• Remove the current exclusion of bonded indebtedness increases from the program, ensuring seniors receive full relief on all property tax increases
• Provide retroactive property tax credits for any increased bond indebtedness paid by approved seniors in tax year 2025, with credits applied to future tax bills
• Eliminate the annual renewal requirement starting in 2026, allowing approved seniors to remain in the program without yearly reapplication

"These program updates will make the Senior Property Tax Relief Program simpler and more comprehensive for Platte County seniors," Presiding Commissioner Scott Fricker said. "By no longer excluding bond levy increases and ending the renewal process, we are removing unnecessary barriers and ensuring more of our seniors keep more of their hard-earned money."

Fricker said the Commission planned to design a program that would provide seniors with the maximum property tax relief allowed by law. He said the program originally implemented didn't accomplish the goal the commission is now trying to fix.

Fricker also said the program shouldn't be considered a "freeze." If a property owner improves their property, the value will still go up, as will taxes.

However, because of the changes to the program, property taxes will not go up if a property tax owner lives in a jurisdiction that increases the debt service levy used to pay their voter-approved bonds, commonly referred to as an increase in bonded indebtedness.

"If you're a senior who was approved for the tax relief program this year and your tax payment includes an amount for increased bond indebtedness, then you're going to get that money back on your 2025 property tax bill as an additional credit," said Fricker, in a news release. "First, you must pay your tax bill this year and you need to still live in your home next year."

Fricker said that getting rid of the annual renewal process will be simpler for Platte County seniors.

"We ask that you notify us if you move, and we'll conduct annual program audits, but there's nothing else for you to do," said Fricker.

Fricker continued to say the changes to the county's Senior Property Tax Relief Program will be just one small step in "what needs to be comprehensive tax reform." He also cited a few things he hopes the state legislature can take action on.

Eliminating the assessment process is at the top of Fricker's list of changes to be made.

"Identical houses are often appraised at significantly different amounts," said Fricker. "Without the assessment process, your home would be valued at the purchase price. Simple as that."

Reforming Missouri's Hancock Amendment would be next, as Fircker cited loopholes in the amendment that allow school districts to shift excess tax revenues from operating levies to debt service levies.

The Amendment allows districts to avoid lowering their operating levies when increases in property valuations result in a windfall of property tax revenues.

Fricker also seeks to reform economic development finance laws.

"Too often, large corporations are granted huge tax breaks in the name of economic development," said Fricker.

According to Fricker, the tax liability is then transferred to average taxpayers.