L&T staff report

The Kansas Board of Tax Appeals recently issued a stay order, clearing the way for Seward County Treasurer Mary Rose to reduce property tax to revenue neutral in the county and issue refunds and credits.

The order comes with an improved settlement that initiated property tax relief for county residents following a decision by the county to reverse significant property tax increases.

The settlement reverses a 17-mill property tax increase previously approved by the Seward County Commission,. The ruling affects all the estimated 59,000 parcels in the county.

Rose’s office began processing refunds and credits late last week, and she estimated office workers will be working many hours to process statements by May 1.

Refunds will be issued for taxes already paid in full, and credits will be applied to outstanding spring tax bills. Taxpayers do not have to pay their second half until they receive a new statement with the new amount due. Watch for updates throughout the process in the Leader & Times.