The Kansas Board of Tax Appeals in November rejected a Riley County request for reconsideration of a ruling that would refund more than $88,000 to Home Depot. County Counselor Clancy Holeman says Riley County is evaluating its next steps regarding a possible new appeal in court, but if things remain as is then the sum will be deducted from future tax distributions to area taxing entities. Riley County had submitted a petition for reconsideration of the BOTA’s March 2021 ruling, in which Home Depot was awarded a refund of $87,849 and 8 percent annually in interest on its $239,000 2018 tax bill. Home Depot had appealed its appraisal value with the board, arguing that the property was overvalued by 40 percent and instead should be appraised as if it were vacant. The approach is what is referred to as the ‘dark store theory’ being employed in similar cases by big box retailers across Kansas and the U.S.
Source: 1350 KMAN
