Unpacking Property Taxes - Chapter 2
Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank explains property valuation process
We’re continuing our series on Kansas Property taxes this week, with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank, who joined That Podcast in Hutch to discuss property valuations here and across the state.
Like lots of people, you might still be reeling from the recent valuation statement that came in the mail. And like some, your first instinct might have been to cuss the county appraiser’s office - and I think a good number of people have done just that.
I asked Michael to help me better understand how those valuations are calculated. He also explained how much of their work in the appraiser’s office is governed by laws created by the Kansas Legislature. Michale unpacks the complicated and heavily mathematical world of valuations in a way that is easy to understand.
He even offers tips and suggestions on how to appeal your valuations.
No matter how you feel about your valuations, it’s important to acknowledge Michael’s openness to the community about his work - which during a time of inflationary pressure and increasing demands on all of us is among the most unpopular roles in government. He could easily stay in his office and avoid the public altogether, instead he has held events across the county to help people understand the property valuation process.
My conversation with Mike is part two in That Podcast In Hutch’s multi-part series on property taxes. Part one is a conversation with Kansas Senator Mike Murphy, who introduced legislation this session aimed at eliminating property taxes in Kansas and replacing it with a surtax, which is a sort of sales tax on consumption. In coming episodes I visit with former Hutchinson City Council member Jon Richardson and Chris Courtwright, who served for 34 years as the chief economist for the Kansas Legislature.
This package of episodes of TPIH contains a lot of valuable information for anyone who is interested in learning more about property taxes, tax appraisals, and the ways in which policy decisions from years ago are affecting you today.
Now up, Michael Plank, to help us better understand the valuation process.