Kingfisher County Assessor Carrie Turner stopped by the All About Network studio this week to discuss three important topics affecting local property owners.
First, Turner addressed Senate Bill 841, currently being discussed at the State Capitol. The bill proposes eliminating property taxes for homeowners with a homestead exemption. While that may sound appealing, Turner said the impact locally could be significant.
In Kingfisher County alone, eliminating homestead property taxes could remove roughly $5 million from local funding. Those dollars currently support schools, fire departments and EMS, county roads and equipment, the sheriff’s office and jail, libraries, and other county services.
If the funding disappears, Turner said the revenue would have to be replaced, possibly through higher sales taxes or shifting more of the burden to businesses and rental property owners.
Turner also reminded residents that the Assessor’s Office is conducting property inspections in Hennessey this year. State law requires every property in the county to be visually inspected once every four years. Assessor staff will be in marked vehicles, wearing identification badges and safety vests, and may be seen walking around properties, including backyards, to document structures.
Finally, Turner encouraged residents age 65 and older to check into a program that allows qualifying homeowners to freeze the taxable value of their home. To qualify, household income must be $85,000 or less. The program freezes the assessed value of the home, not the total tax bill, which can still change depending on school levies or bond issues.
Residents with questions can contact the Kingfisher County Assessor’s Office at the courthouse by calling (405) 375-3884.
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