New Platte County Assessor Marcus Farr has released a statement to Platte County taxpayers.
Last week, Farr issued a release regarding the 6.8 percent increase in property taxes instituted by the Missouri State Tax Commission. Farr’s message appears in full below.
In short, as Farr took office at the first of September and the tax increase was voted on in August, Farr himself had no input on this decision.
Farr
“Looking back, I truly wish I could have engaged with the Commission and with Platte County officials collaboratively before the Equalization Order and Understanding were signed in August 2025,” Farr said. “Had I been given that opportunity, I would have worked to help design an approach that achieved the State Tax Commission’s goals while also ensuring fairness and accuracy for our taxpayers.”
The increase came about after accusations made between the county commission office and the assessor, also involving the board of equalization, whose members former assessor David Cox accused of unethical behavior. Cox’s alleged inaction on completing reassessments led to state intervention.
In August, a negotiated agreement was reached that requires the county to raise all residential property values 6.835% over the 2024 assessed values. The State Tax Commission originally ordered Platte County to increase property values by 15 percent.
Cox reacted to this arrangement by criticizing the commission, and the board of equalization, which he said is the root of assessment problems in the county.
Dear Platte County Citizens,
As many of you are aware, in August of this year the Platte County Board of Equalization voted unanimously to implement a 6.835% increase in residential valuations across the county.
This increase will be reflected in your 2025 assessed valuations, which are used by the Collector’s Office in preparing tax bills.
When this matter was considered, I had not yet assumed office as Platte County Assessor, and therefore had no opportunity to participate in discussions or provide input on behalf of my office. I took office on September 1, 2025, and only afterward became aware of the full scope and implications of the Order.
Looking back, I truly wish I could have engaged with the Commission and with Platte County officials collaboratively before the Equalization Order and Understanding were signed in August 2025.
Had I been given that opportunity, I would have worked to help design an approach that achieved the State Tax Commission’s goals while also ensuring fairness and accuracy for our taxpayers.
After taking office, I believed it was my responsibility to act on behalf of Platte County taxpayers. I appealed directly to the Missouri State Tax Commission, urging them to reconsider this across-the-board increase.
Although the Commission ultimately chose to uphold the original 6.835% adjustment, I felt it was important to pursue every possible avenue to advocate for fairness and transparency.
While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, this effort reflects my ongoing commitment to you—the citizens and taxpayers I serve.
When decisions arise that impact your household and your family’s financial well-being, you can count on me to take action, to speak up, and to ensure that your concerns are represented.
This raise in assessed valuations is not being undertaken by the Assessor’s Office, but through a collaborative process involving the Board of Equalization, the County Clerk, and the County Collector’s Office.
If you have questions about your valuation increase, which will appear on your tax bill at the end of this year, you should contact the Board of Equalization or the County Commission who appointed them. My role, as your Assessor, is to ensure that property valuations are fair, accurate, and consistent with constitutional requirements, state statutes, and regulations.
My pledge is to continue serving with transparency, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the taxpayers of Platte County.
With respect and commitment,
Marcus Farr
Platte County Assessor