Attorneys from Humphrey, Farrington & McClain, on behalf of Nancy Wheeler and Jackson County property owners, have filed a counterclaim against Jackson County and its officials in relation to the 2023 property tax assessments in the County’s ongoing lawsuit against the State Tax Commission.
The counterclaim challenges the legality of the County’s 2023 reassessment, specifically regarding properties whose value increased more than 15%, as the County failed to perform physical inspections as required by Missouri statute. According to the suit, these actions threaten Jackson County residents with unwarranted tax hikes and financial harm.
Last December, the Missouri Supreme Court dismissed a prior class-action lawsuit filed by Humphrey, Farrington & McClain on behalf of all affected Jackson County property owners, citing the plaintiffs’ need to pursue administrative remedies through the Missouri State Tax Commission before pursuing their claims in court.
But in August, when the Missouri State Tax Commission agreed that increases above 15% were unlawful, Jackson County sought to haul property owners back into court, the exact opposite of what it had previously argued. The State Tax Commission ordered Jackson County to cap 2023 property tax increases at no more than 15%, aligning with the arguments previously made by Humphrey, Farrington & McClain to the Supreme Court. The Commission found that Jackson County’s failure to conduct physical inspections and provide adequate notice violated rendered any increases above 15% unlawful.
Despite the Commission’s clear order, Jackson County has publicly denounced it as “inaccurate” and “politicized,” declaring intentions to disregard compliance with the Order. This counterclaim, therefore, seeks both injunctive relief, to prevent the unlawful tax hikes from being implemented, and demands compensation for affected property owners as well.
This counterclaim reflects Humphrey, Farrington & McClain’s continued dedication to defending the property rights and protecting Jackson County residents from excessive and improperly imposed tax burdens.
The case is scheduled for trial on January 13, 2025. As the legal process unfolds, Humphrey, Farrington & McClain remains steadfast in seeking equitable treatment for all affected property owners and will continue to advocate on their behalf and seek enforcement of the State Tax Commission’s Order.
