KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jackson County Executive Phil LeVota said Wednesday that County Assessor Gail McCann Beatty has 24 hours to resign or she will be fired.
"I have listened. We have learned. And I am taking action," LeVota said at an afternoon news conference.
It’s the latest development in the ongoing fallout of Jackson County’s 2023 property assessment cycle.
"On August 7, 2024, the Missouri State Tax Commission issued an official order to the former Jackson County Executive," LeVota said. "That order, pursuant to the powers vested in the State Commission by the Constitution and statutes of the State of Missouri, directed Jackson County — including the Executive, the Board of Equalization, and the Assessor — to take specific corrective actions."
On Tuesday night, Jackson County voters overwhelmingly approved a measure that makes the county assessor position an elected office.
In September, Jackson County voters overwhelmingly recalled County Executive Frank White Jr., with many citing property assessments as the reason for their vote.
"The past few years have been challenging for the people of Jackson County," LeVota said. "Citizens have shouldered the burden of confusing assessments, inconsistent messaging, and an overall lack of confidence in the process."
LeVota said he's given specific instructions on dealing with the property tax issue.
"My Jackson County assessing officials have been directed to correct the 2023 assessment roll to reflect assessed valuations for all personal property parcels that do not exceed a 15% increase," LeVota said."This correction represents a significant and necessary step toward restoring public trust."
He said his commitment is to lead Jackson County to a bright financial future.
"This administration has met extensively with the Assessor’s Office, the Board of Equalization, and our legal and financial teams to ensure that we are aligned and ready to move forward," he said.
LeVota pointed out the county cannot return tax money that's already been spent, but it can provide accountability and fairness moving forward.
"My Jackson County assessing officials have been directed to correct the 2023 assessment roll to reflect assessed valuations for all personal property parcels that do not exceed a 15% increase," he said.
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