property taxes

In 1940, Works Progress Administration workers took photos of every building in Kansas City — houses, restaurants, shops, gas stations and more. Kansas City Public Library maintains more than 50,000 of the images, and a new website is making them easier than ever to browse.

Two factions within the Jackson County legislature risk losing $70 million in federal relief funds because they can't agree on how to spend them. It’s the latest point of contention in a consistently difficult relationship between legislators and the county executive.

Two factions within the Jackson County Legislature risk losing federal relief funds because they can’t agree on how to spend them. It’s the latest point of contention in a consistently difficult relationship between legislators and the county executive.

Officials have refined the details of how the school district would spend a $474 million bond that Jackson County voters will decide on in April. It would be the first time since 1967 that Kansas City’s school district would get tax revenue for building improvements and new construction.

The county no longer has to make property assessment changes that would have upended a process mired by lawsuits and criticism from residents and county legislators.

Of the $474 million bond on April's ballot, up to $50 million in funding would go to participating charter schools to address facility needs. The charters' agreements with the district will go before the KCPS board on November 20.

This is the second effort from Platte County to lower property tax rates for its residents. Commissioners plan to use excess sales tax money to fund major programs.

Kansas City Public Schools hasn’t passed a bond measure since 1967, and hopes to win over enough voters between now and April to change its luck with feedback from students, staff and the community. The district is asking for $474 million to address deferred maintenance and update school buildings.

Kansas City Public Schools wants to "level the playing field" for its students by investing hundreds of millions to improve facilities and learning environments. Voters have not passed a bond to support building deferred maintenance and improvements since 1967.

The order issued last week threatens to upend an assessment process that has already caused frustration for many homeowners and served as another flashpoint between Jackson County Executive Frank White and members of the county legislature.

A ruling from the State Tax Commission said Jackson County did not correctly conduct its property assessment or appeal process. County legislators and city leaders say it’s a big win for taxpayers and transparency. Jackson County Executive Frank White said it’s a political stunt. Either way, the order could mean budget shortfalls for schools and cities across the county.

If the amendment had passed, Missouri legislators could have introduced laws exempting child care providers from paying property taxes.