Residents Demand Accountability Amid Rising Property Taxes in Leavenworth County

The Leavenworth County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting held on August 20, 2025, focused primarily on the pressing issue of rising property taxes and the management of taxpayer funds. The meeting featured a series of public comments from residents expressing their concerns about the increasing financial burden on homeowners and the perceived mismanagement of county resources.

The session began with a critical statement regarding the Leavenworth County Development Corporation (LCDC), where a resident voiced concerns about the organization operating more like a non-governmental organization (NGO) rather than an accountable economic development commission. The speaker urged the commissioners to either defund the LCDC or ensure stricter oversight of its financial activities, emphasizing the need for transparency in how taxpayer dollars are utilized.

Several residents followed with personal testimonies about their experiences with rising property taxes. Sharon Plumb highlighted that her real estate taxes had doubled over the past decade, questioning the necessity of further tax increases given the substantial rise in property valuations. Lauren Gotchalk echoed these sentiments, urging the commissioners to consider living within the county's means rather than continually asking for more from constituents.

Virginia Stewart, a new resident, expressed her distress over proposed tax increases that could force her family to sell their home, while Sherry Jaster shared her concerns about the impact of rising taxes on middle-class tenants in the community. David Espin Shade recounted his own struggles with property taxes, noting that his current tax burden on a smaller home was equivalent to what he paid on a much larger property just a few years prior.

The discussion also touched on the broader implications of property tax policies, with one resident suggesting that the county should explore alternative taxation methods, such as income tax, to alleviate the pressure on property owners. This sentiment was echoed by others who argued that the current reliance on property taxes disproportionately affects those who are already struggling financially.

In response to the public outcry, a county official explained that the high property taxes are not solely a result of county budget mismanagement but are also influenced by state policies that exempt a significant portion of property from taxation. The official noted that approximately 56% of property in Leavenworth County is tax-exempt, placing a heavier burden on the remaining taxpayers.

The meeting concluded with a call for the commissioners to consider the long-term effects of their decisions on the community, emphasizing the importance of listening to constituents and making informed choices that reflect the needs of the residents. The discussions underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding the sustainability of current tax policies and the need for more effective management of public funds.