Editor:
The so-called 2025 Platte County Senior Property Tax Freeze did not apply to a qualifying senior citizen’s entire property tax bill. Rather, it covered only certain levies, while assessed property values continued to be updated annually and levies outside Platte County’s jurisdiction remained subject to change.
As a Platte County senior, my total 2025 property tax bill increased 4.9% from 2024. However, a senior credit of nearly $300 was applied, providing some welcome relief.
Specifically, several levies were frozen, including those for the county, State Blind Pension Fund, Mental health Services, Senior Citizens and County Road District No. 1. However, other levies per $100 of assessed value increased, including the Park Hill School District levy 7.4% (from 5.3955 to 5.7955) and the Metropolitan Community Colleges levy 2.2% (from 0.1767 to 0.1806). These increases were passed on to seniors.
I understand that officials recognized this as an error, but it has not been fully corrected, and Platte County seniors have not received the expected refunds. Additionally, specific levies for schools and other entities will vary by residence but still fall into the category for reimbursement.
Based on information I received from the Platte County presiding commissioner, qualifying Platte County seniors should not have been subject to the debt service that is a portion of these levies. The operating portion is not refundable. Hence, there is some expected relief for Platte County seniors, but the citizen has no clue as to the amount since we are not privy to the levy breakdown.
Platte County officials have taken steps toward securing refunds for qualifying seniors, including signing several memorandums of understanding to reduce certain levies outside the county’s jurisdiction over the next three years. Although this is a positive development, seniors still lack clear information about the property tax reductions they can expect during that period.
This issue has been bouncing back and forth among Platte County offices and there will be no adjustments in 2026. In summary, qualifying seniors still have not been told specifically how much they expect to receive as an adjustment, nor the projected timing.
I strongly encourage Platte County officials to fully resolve the issue, clearly communicate the solution to affected seniors and return any money they were incorrectly charged.
Matt Bommarito
Kansas City
