Linn County Residents Protest Sharp Tax Increases Amid Financial Strain

The Linn County Kansas Commissioner’s Budget Hearing held on August 25, 2025, featured significant concerns from residents regarding rising property taxes. The meeting provided a platform for community members to voice their frustrations about the financial burden imposed by increasing assessments.

The session began with a resident expressing discontent over a 23% increase in taxes on their farmland and a 30% rise on their residential property. The individual highlighted the strain this places on their fixed income, particularly as they are 81 years old and facing rising costs in other areas, such as insurance.

Another resident, Rhonda Crump, shared her experience of a staggering 100% increase in property taxes within a single year, despite no improvements to her home. She emphasized the challenges faced by those on fixed incomes, particularly seniors, and questioned the fairness of tax assessments that compare her modest home to those of wealthier neighbors.

Sherry Nutt, a resident of Sugar Valley Lake, also raised concerns about her property tax assessment, which increased by $70,000 for her 600 square foot home. She criticized the county for not providing adequate services in return for the taxes collected and expressed fears that such increases would force long-time residents out of their homes.

Robert Tyson, representing a long-standing family ranch, pointed out that despite a significant contribution from a local power plant to the tax base, Linn County's property taxes remain higher than those of surrounding counties. He attributed this to an expanding government and excessive spending, suggesting that a 20% reduction in spending could help alleviate the tax burden.

Throughout the meeting, residents called for action from the commissioners to address the escalating property taxes that threaten their financial stability and community ties. The discussions underscored a growing concern among Linn County residents about the sustainability of living in the area amid rising costs. The commissioners acknowledged the issues raised and indicated that they are working on potential solutions to ease the financial strain on constituents.