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Property values are rapidly on the rise in Kansas City, which means many homeowners are bracing for another round of sticker shock as property tax bills are set to drop around November first. If last year’s double-digit increases weren’t enough, this year coronavirus-induced budget shortfalls could spell trouble for homeowners already struggling to pay off last year’s bill.

The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) through the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) offers homeowners the opportunity for a property tax abatement, allowing those who live within a designated Urban Renewal Area (URA) within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo. to apply to have property tax rates locked in for a period of 10 years. Every single-family home located in Northeast qualifies for LCRA.

The process, according to Bob Long, a Senior Development Services Specialist with EDC is simple and straightforward.

“The process is quick, simple and inexpensive and freezes the assessed value for ten years,” Long said, who added that ongoing projects can also qualify. “If residents recently made improvements and are still making improvements, those can be included in the total project cost.”

To qualify for the residential property tax abatement, property taxes must be current and paid in full. Additionally, a minimum of $5,000 for repairs and construction must be performed, addressing exterior conditions first. These repairs could include foundation repair, fixing a damaged roof or soffits, upgrading deteriorated electrical or plumbing systems, HVAC upgrades, window replacement, and exterior paint.

Corky Williams, an HVAC Specialist at Bob Hamilton Plumbing with over 40 years of experience, offered some excellent advice on how furnace and A/C upgrades can actually pay for themselves in utility savings as well as helping to freeze property taxes.

“These newer systems can literally save homeowners hundreds of dollars over the course of a year,” Williams said. “The added bonus is it qualifies to get those property taxes frozen and we all know where those are headed.”

If you’re not looking for a new furnace or air conditioner, home owners may also qualify for grants, discounts and other assistance programs that can help them afford costly repairs to their homes.

The City of Kansas City, Mo. offers a Paint Program each year which provides free paint and supplies to qualifying homeowners who live within city limits. There is no income requirement for this program. They have currently stopped accepting applications for this year, but will resume in 2021.

The city also offers a Home Repair program to single-family homeowners who have not received home repair services from the city within the last five years. Program eligibility is determined by combining household income with a small percentage of the value of assets in accordance with Chapter 5 of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations and could include plumbing, electrical systems, exterior painting, and roofing. Inquiries for those services can be made by calling 816-513-3200.

For more information on these programs, contact:

Bob Long:
rlong@edckc.com

Corky Williams:
corkyw@bobhamilton.com

Roger Stewart, City Program Manager:
CHR@kcmo.org