Boone County Commission Implements Senior Property Tax Freeze and Approves Kraft Heinz Tax Break

The Boone County Commission made a significant decision at its Thursday meeting by implementing a senior property tax freeze following the approval of voters on April 2. This new policy will benefit eligible seniors who are 62 years old, own or have legal interest in a residence, and are liable to pay property taxes in Boone County.

Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick explained that the tax freeze will be applied as a credit on the property taxes of eligible seniors. The assessed value of their property will continue to increase, and the credit amount will be the difference between the senior’s 2024 assessed value and the new value of the current year. However, there are exceptions to the freeze, including the state’s blind pension fund and any voter-approved bonds, which are required under the Missouri Constitution.

During the meeting, Rep. Cheri Toalson Reisch expressed her disapproval of these exemptions, stating that she felt the commission was “deceiving the public.” She had previously gathered signatures for an initiative that would have put a full senior property tax freeze on the ballot. Despite the exemptions, Kendrick noted that all seven counties that implemented a senior tax freeze included similar exceptions.

In addition to the exemptions, other exceptions to the freeze include improvements to a home and changes in taxing jurisdiction if a home is annexed. The application window for taxpayers to apply for the tax freeze for 2024 is from July 1 to Oct. 1, with applications required annually.

The commission also addressed a separate tax issue by approving a Chapter 100 bond agreement that will provide Kraft Heinz with a 75% abatement on property taxes for $49 million of equipment for updates on Columbia’s Oscar Mayer facility. This decision was made in recognition of the potential impact on jobs and families in the area.

Overall, the implementation of the senior property tax freeze and the tax abatement for Kraft Heinz demonstrate the commission’s commitment to addressing tax issues and supporting the community.