Butts pleads for lower property values

Sedalia landlord Quentin Butts went before Pettis County’s Board of Equalization on Friday seeking a slew of assessment reductions for his properties.

Butts, joined by local Realtor Terry Hunter, pleaded his case for the reduction of   taxes on 25 properties ranging from conversions housing multiply families to small two-bedrooms.

The landlord argued that many of the homes were outdated, and pointed out that in several cases the amount he paid for the homes was far below their assessed market value.

The board tentatively discussed Butts’ issues and some possible solutions, but held off on any vote to allow board members to see the homes in person.

The board will likely make a decision on Butts’ and other unfinished complaints at a Monday meeting, said Pettis County Assessor Dean Dohrman.

Also at the meeting, the board heard from Brian Herrick, who said his 16541 state Route 52 building was assessed as a commercial property when it was being used for personal storage.

The board changed the classification, dropping the market value from $207,800 to $177,360.