Commission approves $1,673.86 property-tax abatement after Newton building fire

Harvey County commissioners approved a property-tax disaster relief abatement for a property at 923 E. Broadway St., Newton, that was destroyed by fire on March 5, 2024.

Under Kansas statute, staff calculate taxes based on the January 1 valuation for the portion of the year before the loss and reappraise the parcel after the fire to determine the adjusted tax for the remainder of the year. Finance staff presented calculations showing taxes to be rebated totaled $1,673.86. The commission adopted a resolution authorizing the abatement.

Finance staff told the commission the option for tax relief is rarely used; the county coordinated appraisal and documentation and notified the property owner of the meeting. The owner did not attend. Commissioners approved the abatement by voice vote and instructed staff to complete the paperwork for signature and records.