Sedgwick County commissioners talk about tax relief for disaster victims
Sedgwick County commissioners want to lobby the Kansas Legislature for property tax relief for people who lose their homes to tornadoes or other natural disasters.
Some residents in Oaklawn have received tax bills for homes that were destroyed in the April 14 tornado.
Commissioner Jim Skelton said he has heard support for the idea from some state lawmakers. Skelton said something needs to be done, because "it makes zero sense to me to provide (tornado victims) governmental assistance so they can rebuild their lives and then tax it back from them."
Commissioner Karl Peterjohn wanted to add wording in the county's legislative agenda to call for property tax relief, but commission chairman Tim Norton wanted to get the agenda approved Wednesday. Norton said there would be time to discuss the issue in a workshop, and determine if it will apply to victims of house fires and other disasters.
Commissioners approved a 2013 legislative agenda that will include a call for state funding to keep the Judge Riddel Boys Ranch open for juvenile offenders.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.