Board reviews first‑known KSA 79‑16‑13 application seeking abatement after fire‑destroyed homestead

Treasury, Taxation & Vehicles staff presented what they said is the first application the commission has received under KSA 79‑16‑13 seeking abatement of real property taxes after a homestead was destroyed by fire.

Tom Franzen said the homeowner’s dwelling was destroyed by fire in January. The homeowner appealed the January 1 valuation to the appraiser’s office and then to the Board of Tax Appeals in Topeka and was denied; staff then advised the homeowner of the relief available under KSA 79‑16‑13 for homestead property destroyed after January 1 but before August 15. Staff reviewed the application materials (building estimate and photographs in the packet) and concluded they meet the statute’s requirements. Franzen said the allowable relief in this case is $10,489.65 and the estimated county fiscal impact is roughly $2,100.

Chairman Kelly framed the matter as a policy decision for the board, noting different counties handle such requests differently. Commissioners discussed whether to treat this as a one‑off relief for this homeowner or to develop a formal county policy; legal counsel Peg Trent advised that the issue is a policy decision and staff can return with recommended policy language. Board members directed staff to contact the affected jurisdictions named in the item (Overland Park and Blue Valley School District) for comment and to consult the county fire services administrator for historical fire data. Several commissioners said they supported granting one‑time relief to avoid delaying the homeowner while staff develops a formal policy.

Franzen said staff had notified impacted jurisdictions as required and would follow up with more focused outreach and data collection before the next meeting.