We’re continuing our series on Kansas Property taxes this week, with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank, who joined That Podcast in Hutch to discuss property valuations here and across the state. 

Like lots of people, you might still be reeling from the recent valuation statement that came in the mail. And like some, your first instinct might have been to cuss the county appraiser’s office - and I think a good number of people have done just that. 

But Michael helped me understand how those valuations are calculated, and how much of their work in the appraiser’s office is governed by laws dictated by the Kansas Legislature. He unpacks the complicated and heavily mathematical world of valuations in a way that is easy to understand. 

He even offers tips and suggestions on how to appeal your valuations. 

My conversation with Mike is part two in That Podcast In Hutch’s multi-part series on property taxes. Part one is a conversation with Kansas Senator Mike Murphy, who introduced legislation this session aimed at eliminating property taxes in Kansas and replacing it with a surtax, which is a sort of sales tax on consumption. 

Michael Plank unpacks valuations. In coming episodes I visit with former Hutchinson City Council member Jon Richardson and Chris Courtwright, who served for 34 years as the chief economist for the Kansas Legislature. 

This package of episodes of TPIH contains a lot of valuable information for anyone who is interested in learning more about property taxes, tax appraisals, and the ways in which policy decisions from years ago are affecting you today. 

Now up, Michael Plank, to help us better understand the valuation process.