Webster County voters would decide on a home tax break

The proposed measure would exempt part of eligible homes' value from Webster County property taxes. It would cover residents' homestead property in the Webster County special district and county taxes for all purposes. The exempt amount would be based each year on net proceeds from the local sales and use tax collected in the special district. A homeowner would generally need to apply. People already receiving another county homestead exemption for the same home could qualify without applying again if they remain eligible. The exemption would be added to other homestead exemptions, and any value above the exempt amount would remain taxable. If approved by voters and receiving the required two-thirds vote in both chambers, the exemption would apply to tax years beginning January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2039. The local sales tax would run from January 1, 2028, through December 31, 2037.

The proposal would put the tax and exemption plan to Webster County voters. Webster County voters would decide whether to approve the measure. More than half of votes cast on the question would have to support the measure, and it would also need a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate. If voters rejected it or the election was not held as required, the measure would not take effect and would be repealed. The proposal calls for an election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026. If approved, its exemption section would take effect January 1, 2027.