Lyon County’s property valuations drew heavy questions and lengthy discussions between Lyon County Commissioners and area residents Thursday morning.
During the public comment portion of the commission’s weekly action session, numerous residents were in attendance seeking answers regarding property valuation increases within Lyon County. Comments by residents were fueled by recent numbers from the Kansas Policy Institute which indicated a 174 percent increase in property taxes and stated the mill rate is currently 35 percent higher in Lyon County over a 22-year span.
The information refers to this 139 point gap as the “Honesty Gap.” Lyon County Commissioner Scott Briggs says many of the individuals are only looking at the numbers and not the whole issue.
Briggs says while tax and valuation increases are not desired they are needed as they supply funding to essential county programs and departments.
Briggs adds, if individuals do have a dispute regarding their valuations, they are welcome to file an appeal with the county appraiser’s office who will then conduct a survey on their property.
Separately, AAA Kansas took time during the meeting to recognize the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office with the AAA Platinum award for the seventh consecutive year. The annual award is presented as a recognition of law enforcement agencies across the state that work to improve traffic safety.
AAA Kansas spokesman Shawn Steward says the Sheriff’s Office deserves to be proud as receiving the award for seven consecutive years is a unique accomplishment they do not see in many other counties.
In other business, commissioners approved the purchase of new computers, monitors and additional cords and mounts for the Lyon County Emergency Communications Center for a total of $18,296.07. Commissioners also approved a request from Jim Johnson for an entrance at 4 Locust Lane in Thorndale.
The Lyon County Commission will reconvene for their weekly action session next Thursday at 9 am.
