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Commission grants 70% prorated property-tax relief for fire-damaged Haysville home
Summary
Under KSA 79-16-113, the Board granted a 70% prorated abatement for a Haysville homestead that was 88% damaged by fire; staff noted the statute is discretionary and the commission balanced weeks out of the home and insurance/repair timing in its decision.
The Board of County Commissioners approved a partial property-tax abatement—70% prorated—for a Haysville single-family home that county staff found 88% damaged in a Jan. 29 fire. County Counselor Justin Wagner briefed the commission on KSA 79-16-113, which permits—but does not require—the commission to abate taxes when a structure is destroyed or substantially destroyed (defined as repair costs exceeding 50% of pre-damage value).
Wagner said the homeowner had insurance proceeds that covered reconstruction costs and reported living back in the property Oct. 13, 2024. Commissioners debated whether full abatement was appropriate given the owner had some use of the house in 2024; Commissioner Dennis moved to grant a prorated abatement of 70%, asking staff to calculate the precise amount and prepare an order for the chairman to sign. The motion was seconded and adopted by roll call.
Key legal and factual points: staff reported the county appraiser's post-fire review concluded the structure was 88% damaged; Wagner advised the board that it can grant full, partial or no relief and may consider budgetary impacts to other taxing jurisdictions when exercising discretion under the statute.
