Where Is Our Tax Relief? It’s Time for the Collector to Act

Platte County voters overwhelmingly approved local tax relief, and the County Commissioners have already done their job by passing the necessary ordinances to authorize property tax credit programs. The Commissioners have even brought up the issue publicly, noting that the delays sit squarely with the Collector's office.

Yet, as we look toward upcoming property tax statements, taxpayers are left asking the same critical questions:

• Where are the Senior Tax Credit refunds or adjustments for those who overpaid?
• When will the Homestead Act tax caps actually be reflected on our bills?

Every year of administrative delay is another year that working families and seniors on fixed incomes pay full, uncredited tax bills on relief they are legally owed. Bureaucratic foot-dragging shouldn't keep taxpayers' money sitting in county accounts.

A Barrier to Transparency: No Public Emails Provided

Adding to the frustration, the Collector and Auditor web pages do not list a single email address, just an office phone number.  Why no email addresses?

In a digital age, basic local government transparency requires offering taxpayers a clear, written channel to ask questions and document official responses. Forcing citizens to physically travel to the courthouse or navigate automated phone lines just to inquire about voter-approved tax relief creates an unnecessary hurdle for working families and mobility-impaired seniors.

The other offices are varying degrees of contact information and range from right up front contact information on the Commissioner’s, Recorder’s and Treasurer’s pages to other offices buried a click or two deep.  The County needs to direct the county IT department to remedy this situation and setup formatting rules to make access to contact information easy for the citizen to find and use.  Of course, the current culture at the Courthouse will fight such protocols because they operate as separate silos and believe they each can independently control their office sites.  Its one government folks, let’s present it as a cohesive institution.

Take Action: Demand Answers From the Collector

The County Commission has laid the legal groundwork; now it is up to the Collector to execute. If you are tired of waiting for the relief you voted for, reach out directly:

Call to Action for Platte County Citizens:

• Call the Collector's Office: Phone the administration office directly at (816) 858-3356. Ask specifically when property tax statements will reflect approved Senior Tax Freeze credits and Homestead Act adjustments.
• Visit in Person: If you are near the courthouse, visit the Collector’s Office in person (Platte County Administration Building, 415 3rd St., Room 212, Platte City, MO).
• Demand Digital Access: Ask why the Collector's office does not provide a direct, functional email address on their primary webpage for constituent inquiries and official correspondence.

Let your voice be heard. It’s your hard-earned money—demand that the Collector's office follow through on county orders and obey the law!