An emergency ordinance is expected to be introduced Monday by Jackson County Legislator Sean Smith in response to rising concerns over property tax reclassifications affecting short-term rental (STR) owners.

The proposed measure seeks to temporarily halt the Jackson County Assessor’s practice of reclassifying STR properties from residential to commercial, a change that has significantly increased tax bills for many property owners. If passed, the ordinance would prevent further reclassifications for at least one to two years, extending beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Kansas City is set to host.

Supporters of the ordinance highlight several key points:

1. Timing Concerns – Critics argue that enforcing reclassifications before the World Cup could disrupt local STR operations, many of which are preparing to accommodate out-of-town visitors during the global event.

2. Legal Uniformity – The ordinance cites Article X of the Missouri Constitution, which requires taxes to be “uniform upon the same class or subclass of subjects.” Because Jackson County lacks a countywide registration system for STRs, enforcement is inconsistent—affecting only those properties identified through municipal permitting in cities like Kansas City, Missouri.

3. Lack of Oversight – The Jackson County Assessor is not an elected official, which limits public recourse. Proponents argue that legislative action is the only viable path to pause the reclassifications and allow time for potential statewide policy changes.

The ordinance is expected to draw strong interest from property owners and short-term rental operators across the county.