Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Missouri to require Jackson County to have an elected county assessor instead of an unelected assessment department
Impact
If passed, HJR79 would specifically modify Article VI of the Missouri Constitution, repealing the current provisions that allow for an unelected assessor and establishing a new requirement for an elected position. This change would likely empower voters in Jackson County to have direct influence over who manages property valuations, which could lead to shifts in how assessments are handled and potentially impact tax revenues for the county.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 79 (HJR79) proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of Missouri that mandates the election of the county assessor for Jackson County. Currently, Jackson County employs an unelected assessment department for this role. The primary aim of HJR79 is to enhance accountability and transparency in local governance by ensuring that the county assessor, who plays a crucial role in property assessment and taxation, is elected by the voters rather than appointed by the county government.
Contention
Notably, the resolution may spark discussions regarding the implications of having an elected official in the role of county assessor. Supporters argue that an elected official would be more responsive to the electorate's concerns and interests, fostering public trust in the assessment process. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns regarding the politicization of the office, potentially leading to conflicts of interest or pressures that could compromise the integrity of property assessments.
Proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Missouri to require Jackson County to have an elected county assessor instead of an unelected assessment department