County reports 5 percent average increase in residential property appraisals

County appraisals fall short of state-mandated minimum ratio

Taxpayers reminded of deadlines for property valuation appeals

Commissioners request public list of tax-exempt properties

County pushes for better burn ban communication after weekend fires

County reports 5 percent average increase in residential property appraisals

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. - Crawford County residential property appraisals for 2026 have increased by an average of nearly 5 percent, County Appraiser Zach Edwards reported to commissioners. Appraisals for commercial properties saw a higher average increase of 7 percent, while agricultural land and vacant lots remained relatively steady. Edwards noted that while crop land valuations decreased slightly, grass ground saw an approximate 1 percent increase, emphasizing that local sales data determines the fair market value adjustments.

County appraisals fall short of state-mandated minimum ratio

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. - The county's preliminary property appraisal ratio currently sits at 85 percent, falling short of the Kansas state minimum requirement of 90 percent. County Appraiser Zach Edwards said recent winter property sales show promise for raising that ratio, but the county must continue working to align appraised values with local sale prices to avoid potential state intervention. The state grades counties on a 90 percent to 110 percent compliance scale over a three-year period, and falling out of compliance can lead to the state stepping in to set appraisals.

Taxpayers reminded of deadlines for property valuation appeals

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. - With 2026 property valuation notices mailed on Feb. 27, residents have until March 30 to request an informal hearing with the Crawford County Appraiser's Office if they disagree with their property's assessed value. For residents who miss the informal hearing deadline, officials reminded taxpayers that they still retain the right to formally file a payment under protest when paying their property taxes in May or December.

Commissioners request public list of tax-exempt properties

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. - In response to rising property taxes and shifting mill levies, county commissioners formally requested the Crawford County Appraiser's Office provide a comprehensive, public list of large tax-exempt properties in Crawford County, including schools, churches and local colleges. County Appraiser Zach Edwards agreed to provide the open-record list but clarified that while his office makes recommendations, the Kansas State Board of Tax Appeals ultimately holds the sole authority to grant nonprofit tax exemptions.

County pushes for better burn ban communication after weekend fires

CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioner Carl Wood initiated a policy directive requesting that the Crawford County Emergency Management Department expand its public communication regarding the active burn ban after area volunteer fire departments were exhausted battling blazes over the weekend. Wood emphasized the need for Emergency Management Director Quinton Parsons and his department to provide daily updates on the county website, social media, and local newspapers, noting that dry conditions and a lack of rain are expected to persist over the next 10 days, putting extreme wear and tear on local volunteer crews.

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