Property values are set to increase by 13% in 2025 according to Warren County Assessor Katie Smith. She said the increase comes in light of findings from the Missouri State Tax Commission that property values in Warren County were well below market value. 

“Property values have experienced a significant increase,” said Smith. 

Warren County taxpayers were mailed impact statements on their property values earlier this month by the assessor’s office. 

The Missouri State Tax Commission and the assessor’s office agreed to a memorandum of understanding earlier this year requiring a parcel-by-parcel review of property values in 2025. 

Property values are reassessed in each odd-numbered year in Missouri. 

According to the memorandum of understanding, a state tax commission study in 2023-24 found that property values in Warren County were only at an average of roughly 50% of market value and well below the commission’s “acceptable parameters” of 90-110%. 

The agreement also required the assessor’s office to raise property values by 13-15% in 2025. 

“The goal for the 2025 County Assessment Roll is to make progress towards fair market value,” reads the memorandum of understanding. 

Smith did note that just because property values are increasing does not necessarily mean Warren County residents will see an increase in their tax bills in November. 

“It’s important to note that while assessed values have increased, this doesn’t automatically translate to a 13% rise in property taxes,” said Smith. “The actual tax impact will depend on the tax rates set by local taxing entities.”

These entities, like ambulance and fire districts, municipalities and school districts are bound by the Hancock Amendment, a Missouri law passed in 1980 regulating tax increases when property values rise. 

According to Smith, the amendment limits tax revenue increases for taxing entities to either the rate of inflation or 5%, whichever is lower, unless voters have approved higher tax rates. 

The Consumer Price Index, or inflation rate, was at 2.4% as of May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

There is recourse for property owners who believe their assessments are too high, and they have the right to appeal before the Board of Equalization. Those appeals are due by July 14 and require evidence like recent sales data, fee appraisals or documentation of property issues that will affect the value, according to Smith. 

Smith also noted that eligible seniors who have applied for the senior tax credit this year will see the difference between their 2024 and 2025 tax bills as a credit when they receive their tax bills in November. That tax credit excludes the state tax portion and any taxes related to bond indebtedness from local taxing entities. 

For more information, or to file an appeal, Smith directed taxpayers to visit the Warren County assessor’s office on the first floor of the county administration building or contact the office at 636-456-8885.