Johnson County, Kansas Appraiser’s Office – What’s in store for the future?

By Charles Young, Manager at Swartz and Associates

For the past 25 years, the Johnson County, Kansas Appraiser’s office has enjoyed remarkable stability with only two head County Appraisers at the helm. Paul Welcome’s leadership was instrumental until his retirement in 2020, after which Beau Boisvert took the position and continued to lead the department with the goal of assessing property values in a fair and equitable manner. Now, as Beau steps into his retirement, the position stands vacant as we head into the 2025 reappraisal year.

What will happen as the 2025 assessed values are issued in Johnson County?

At Swartz + Associates, Inc. (SAI), we anticipate some changes will occur within the department but are confident that the appraiser’s office staff will continue to assess equitably and accurately. Of course, there are different methodologies that can be used to value properties, and that’s where SAI comes in to review the assessments and determine if there are factors that could be presented to the appraiser.

We believe certain sectors of the commercial market – such as multi-family housing, industrial, hotel, and retail spaces – will remain strong, with assessments likely to raise. However, the office sector may continue to be flat or decline, thus assessments could or should likely stay flat or decrease. The residential market within Johnson County is likely to stay strong as real estate sales are still at a good pace which means it is probable that many residential owners will see increases in their assessed values.

Notice of Appraised Values

With Johnson County’s 2025 proposed budget of $1.83 billion, the highest in the state of Kansas, these developments are more important than ever. In mid-to-late February, over 240,000 Notice of Appraised Values will be sent to property owners, and they will have a 30-day window to appeal their assessments. After an appeal is filed, an informal meeting occurs with the Appraiser’s office where evidence can be presented by the property owner or their representative. In many cases, the appraiser’s office will reduce the value if evidence is provided to support a reduction. If there is no agreement, the appeal can be pursued through Small Claims or Regular Division of the Board of Tax Appeals (BOTA).

It’s critical to have an expert to help understand and present valuation details to be successful in the appeals process. At SAI, we have that expertise and would be happy to help you. We work diligently to cultivate and maintain professional working relationships with the Johnson County Appraiser’s office as well as many other appraiser’s offices around the Country. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the new County Appraiser once that position is filled.

Want to know more? Give us a call!