Voters in Missouri counties will decide April 7 whether to limit future increases in property taxes on primary residents, with measures varying by county between a full freeze or a capped annual increase.
What is SB 3?
Senate Bill 3 is a state law that requires voters in certain Missouri counties to decide whether to limit how much property taxes on primary residences can increase over time.
Rather than directly cutting taxes, the proposal limits future growth in property tax bills through a tax credit mechanism tied to a base year.
What will voters see on the ballot?
The ballot question varies by county but falls into two categories:
- 0% Counties (Freeze)
- Property taxes on qualifying homes would not increase
- Taxes would remain at a base-year level unless specific changes occur
- Includes Dade, Lawrence, Christian, Barry, Stone, Taney & Webster Counties
- 5% Counties (Cap)
- Property taxes could still increase
- BUT limited to:
- 5% per year, or
- Inflation (Consumer Price Index), whichever is higher
- Includes Polk and Dallas County
Why does this matter?
Counties within the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership are included in this ballot measure, with them voting on either a full freeze (0%) or a capped increase (5%).
Property taxes play a significant role in how local communities across the region are funded.
In Missouri, local sources make up more than half of school funding (approximately 54%), with property taxes accounting for the majority of that local share.
Property tax revenue also supports public safety, senior services, infrastructure, and other locally funded programs
Regional considerations:
- Limiting property tax growth may provide greater predictability for homeowners
- At the same time, it may reduce the pace of revenue growth for:
- School districts
- Fire protection districts
- Local governments
- Property tax revenue also supports public safety, senior services, infrastructure, and other locally funded programs
As voters consider this measure, understanding how it may impact both homeowners and local communities can help inform decisions at the ballot box.
