Seward County Tax Appeal Process Remains Unresolved Amid Appraisal Disputes

The Seward County Town Hall Meeting held on August 14, 2025, focused on pressing financial issues, particularly concerning property tax assessments and ongoing appeals related to the Board of Tax Appeals.

A significant topic of discussion was the county's handling of tax appraisals, which have been under scrutiny due to a lengthy appeal process. The Board of Tax Appeals initially ruled that the county's property appraisals were somewhat inflated, leading to a taxpayer appeal. This situation has created uncertainty for both the county and taxpayers, as the appeals process has been prolonged, partly due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants raised concerns about the county's approach to tax increases. One speaker questioned why the county was considering a large tax increase instead of implementing gradual adjustments over the years. The current commission acknowledged that previous administrations had not set aside funds for future needs, opting instead to spend as they incurred costs. This has left the current commission in a position where they must address the financial shortfall.

Additionally, it was noted that while the county had previously lowered the mill levy, this reduction did not significantly decrease overall tax bills due to other taxing entities potentially raising their rates. The county is now facing the necessity of increasing taxes to cover its financial obligations.

The meeting also touched on the ongoing dispute involving Conestoga, where the county may owe approximately $1.25 million, excluding interest. This figure is significantly lower than the initially anticipated $6 million, but the situation remains unresolved as appeals continue.

In conclusion, the discussions highlighted the complexities of Seward County's financial management and the challenges posed by ongoing tax disputes. The commission's commitment to addressing these issues will be crucial as they navigate the implications for taxpayers and the county's financial health moving forward.