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Sorting out taxing district errors could mean hikes for some Lexington residents

Josh James
/
WUKY

A Lexington working group has found that hundreds of parcels of property in Fayette County have been lumped into incorrect taxing districts, meaning some residents and owners will be paying more to bolster city coffers.

The city places properties in different taxing districts based on the services they receive, but an outdated system has led to many parcels falling outside their proper district. The result: owners receiving services they’re not paying for or paying for services they’re not receiving.

In all, Eve Miller with the city reported, "We identified 1,181 parcels that are in the incorrect tax district for the services they are either receiving or they are paying for."

Once the mistakes are corrected, the city anticipates nearly $400,000 in additional funds for city services, like street lights, trash pickup, and street cleaning.

Efforts to fix the problem have been delayed over the years, with the pandemic further slowing the process.

While the changes will result in higher taxes for some residents, the city won’t be seeking back-pay from those affected.

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and program director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.