Missouri Taxpayers Unprotected: The Unfilled Ombudsman Challenge Amid Rising Assessments

In this video, we examine the ongoing vacancy in Missouri's State Ombudsman for Property Assessment and Taxation position, as mandated by Missouri Revised Statute 138.435. Revealed during the inaugural meeting of the Missouri House's Special Interim Committee on Property Tax Reform, the State Tax Commission has never filled this essential role, despite its statutory requirement to provide independent advocacy for taxpayers. Amid notifications to 74 counties to raise assessments to meet the 90-110% market value threshold, this absence leaves Missouri residents without a dedicated resource for addressing complaints, investigating inequities, and promoting transparency in property taxation. Featuring insights from a recent House hearing with Chair Gary Romine and Commissioner Debbi McGinnis, questioned by Representatives Dean Van Schoiack and Christopher Warwick, the discussion highlights the urgency of enforcing this law.