Resident faults county for late tax statements; commissioners outline limited remedies

A resident identified in the transcript as Bill told the Atchison County Commission on Dec. 17 that many taxpayers had not received property tax statements and urged the county clerk and treasurer to resolve the problem. "I've received 4 out of about 20," Bill said, adding: "If you don't mind, then we can hear you. I'm here to complain about our tax statements ... the clerk and the treasurer do their goddamn job."

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the issue and described steps residents can take to avoid penalties. County officials said the treasurer had contacted state officials and the county had limited ability to waive state-imposed penalties; the chair and other commissioners asked residents who had not received all statements to provide a count and come into the treasurer's office or use the courthouse drop box by midnight of the 20th to ensure acceptance without penalty. One commissioner said the office can look up missing statements and work with taxpayers to reconcile accounts.

The commission discussed whether late mailings could justify waivers. Staff explained that the secretary of state and other state authorities place limits on exceptions and that if statements were mailed prior to five days before the due date, the county may be unable to retroactively waive penalties. Commissioners said they recognized the inconvenience to taxpayers and emphasized the county's goal was to remedy the problem and reduce burden where possible.

No formal policy decision or penalty-waiver was made during the meeting; commissioners directed staff to assist residents who come forward, to document the pattern of missed statements, and to continue outreach to state officials as needed.