Olathe senior says property tax relief programs still leave some behind

Gary Scott has lived in his Olathe home for 43 years, but rising property values have pushed his tax bill higher despite having his mortgage paid off.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Gary Scott, a 43-year Olathe resident, says he is struggling to keep up with his rising property tax bill despite having his mortgage paid off. While Johnson County and the city of Olathe offer property tax relief programs, Scott says the income thresholds are too low and leave many seniors like him without assistance as property values continue to climb.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges faced by long-time homeowners, particularly seniors on fixed incomes, as property values and taxes rise in growing communities like Olathe. It raises questions about the effectiveness of current tax relief programs in providing meaningful assistance to those who may be 'house rich but cash poor'.

The details

Scott, a widower who works part-time to cover costs, says his property tax bill is now as high as his former mortgage payment. Johnson County offers relief for homes valued under $500,000, but the income limit for a single person is just $39,000. Olathe's rebate program has a higher $62,500 income limit, but Scott says both thresholds are too low in today's economy. Officials say the programs follow federal guidelines, and that property taxes fund important city services, but Scott wishes Kansas would provide more generous relief options for seniors like a partial exemption on home values.

  • Scott has lived in his Olathe home for 43 years.
  • Olathe's property tax rebate application opens on March 2, 2026.
  • Johnson County's property tax relief program is currently open.

The players

Gary Scott

A 43-year resident of Olathe, Kansas who is struggling to pay his rising property tax bill despite having his mortgage paid off.

Mike Kelly

The Johnson County Commission Chair, who says the county has expanded its property tax relief program to try to help more people.

Cody Kennedy

The Olathe Public Information Officer, who says the city's property tax rebate program follows federal income guidelines.

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What they’re saying

“Why is property tax now so high? It's what I used to pay for my mortgage when we moved into the house 43 years ago.”

— Gary Scott (kshb.com)

“Not very much in nowadays economy.”

— Gary Scott (kshb.com)

“To hopefully have more people utilize the program.”

— Mike Kelly, Johnson County Commission Chair (kshb.com)

“Property tax is not something that everybody enjoys paying, but when you realize the services that you get, whether it's quality, when you call 911, your roads are safe and drivable, all of those things come back as an investment and a benefit.”

— Cody Kennedy, Olathe Public Information Officer (kshb.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.