Nance: Higher Assessment Values

“People try to live within their income so they can afford to pay taxes to a government that can't live within its income.” –Robert Half

Has your home value increased?

In a recent letter, the Clay County Assessor suggested that it was your Representatives’ fault that some vehicle values increased. The increase in used car values was a result of the “ Cash for Clunkers” program.

To increase values of homes for tax purposes in these difficult times is shocking.

I have received many calls from residents of Clay County that they have received notification of an increase in assessed value of their homes ranging from 10-30 percent. You do have a right to appeal and should make those plans if you feel your home’s assessed value is too high.

In Statute; “Whenever any assessor shall increase the valuation of any real property he shall forthwith notify the record owner of such increase, either in person, or by mail directed to the last known address; every such increase in assessed valuation made by the assessor shall be subject to review by the county board of equalization whereat the landowner shall be entitled to be heard, and the notice to the landowner shall so state.

Any person aggrieved by the assessment of his property may appeal to the county board of equalization. An appeal shall be in writing and the forms to be used for this purpose shall be furnished by the county clerk. Such appeal shall be lodged with the county clerk as secretary of the board of equalization before the third Monday in June; provided, that the board may in its discretion extend the time for filing such appeals.”

You can get a form on the County Clerk Website. http://www.claycountymo.gov/County_Clerk/Taxes

Passed Through the House this Week

HB 677, which would remove the June 30, 2012 expiration date of the provisions requiring every child enrolling in kindergarten or first grade in a public school to receive one comprehensive vision examination. It passed 146-2.

HB 546, which would require the Missouri Housing Development Commission’s executive director or chief executive officer to reside within 40 miles of Jefferson City. It passed 128-28.

HB 641, which would change the laws regarding controlled substances. Many new drugs are being marketed as bath salt and air fresheners. It passed 145-12.

On Wednesday I was able to amend a bill on the floor with HB 793. It requires the Department of Social Services to establish an administrative renewal process for a child eligible for MO HealthNet or State Children's Health Insurance Program benefits. It will streamline the renewal process for children on the program. I worked with “Partnership for Children” on this bill. It was perfected and is now in Fiscal Review.

HB 656 passed by a vote of 99-57. The bill changes the laws regarding unsecured loans of $500 or less, commonly known as payday loans.

HSS SCS SB 113 passed through the House on Wednesday by a vote of 85-71. It fixed the constitutionality of PROP B and it is now on the Governor’s desk. Attached is a letter that further explains the PROP B fix.

Visitors

Al Davies visited the Capitol to discuss illegal immigration issues.

Many realtors were in the Capitol to hear a bill I sponsored. HB 553 would require “Home Inspectors” to be licensed.