Five Missouri Counties Sue State Over Property Assessment Increases

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Five Missouri counties have filed a lawsuit against the State Tax Commission, challenging recent directives to raise property valuations.

The suit, filed in Polk County, comes from Audrain, DeKalb, Pike, Polk, and Reynolds counties. It argues that the Commission’s order to raise property values to between 90 and 110 percent of market rates is unfair and exceeds the agency’s authority. County officials say the mandated adjustments don’t reflect actual conditions in their communities and could result in steep tax increases for residents.

The counties are asking the court to block the Commission from enforcing the changes and from withholding state funding as a penalty for noncompliance.