During the Lenexa City Council meeting on September 2, 2025, a pressing issue emerged as residents voiced concerns over property taxes impacting senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Several speakers, including Jennifer Haynes and John Herman, urged the council to consider implementing tax relief measures for older residents, highlighting the financial strain that rising property taxes impose on their ability to remain in their homes.

Haynes, a retired public servant, emphasized the need for a property tax break for seniors, noting that while Lenexa offers a rebate program, it is limited to certain income levels. She pointed out that many seniors are struggling as property values rise, making it increasingly difficult to afford living in the city. "It will become unaffordable for us to live in Lenexa," she warned.

Herman echoed these sentiments, sharing his own experience as a recent retiree. He proposed a system where property taxes for residents aged 65 and older could be capped at their current levels, preventing future increases that could force them out of their homes. "I don't want to be taxed out of my house," he stated, reflecting a common fear among seniors in the community.

The discussion also touched on the limitations of the Homestead Act, which caps property assessments at $350,000, a figure that many seniors find outdated given the current housing market. Residents expressed frustration that while property taxes continue to rise, the cap has not been adjusted, leaving many seniors without the financial relief they had anticipated.

As the council considers these concerns, the call for action is clear: residents are seeking solutions that will allow them to age in place without the fear of being priced out of their homes. The council's response to these appeals could significantly impact the quality of life for Lenexa's senior citizens in the years to come.