LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Jefferson County's property valuation administrator is speaking out about how recent voter changes could affect property taxes for hundreds of residents.
Colleen Younger, who has served as the PVA since 2018, said the Kentucky State Board of Elections did not consider all of the consequences before making the change.
"They didn't really have a chance to have a voice," Younger said. "I have a problem with that."
The issue affects 211 Oldham County residents who received letters from the state saying they do not physically live in Oldham County and will now vote in Jefferson County.
Eleven voters in Hardin County, two in Spencer County and 67 in Bullitt County received similar letters.
The change stems from a 2022 state law requiring counties to use the same mapping system. Jefferson County Clerk David Yates previously said the county lines did not change, but "the technology got better."
But where residents vote is only one question. It's still unclear whether the change will affect where they pay property taxes, what county services they receive or where their children attend school.
Younger said those questions should have been addressed first.
"I really think it's a gross disservice to not do all of the due diligence," Younger said.
For now, Younger said she won't move the affected properties onto Jefferson County's tax rolls unless she's ordered to do so.
"I, as the PVA, unless I'm ordered to do it, I'm not going to move those properties until next year," Younger said.
The Oldham County property valuation administrator also said she plans to continue assessing the affected homes as Oldham County properties.
Jennifer Hill is one of the Oldham County residents who received a letter. Her child attends school in Oldham County and she pays taxes there, but she has now been told to vote in Jefferson County.
"There is a fundamental issue of representation," Hill said. "We pay our taxes. We should be able to vote in Oldham County."
Oldham County Schools said affected students can continue attending school in the district while the issue is unresolved.
Yates has filed a petition for a declaration of rights asking a judge to provide guidance on the county dispute, including questions involving taxes, schools and county services.
"My hope is that we pump the brakes," Yates said.
Younger warned the issue may eventually affect more properties than those identified so far.
"There could be a lot more to come," Younger said. "This could be a big mess and it probably will be."
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