Kansas Centralizes Data Collected Statewide

Organization Profile

• Client: Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Property Valuations
• Number of Counties: 105
• Location: Topeka, Kansas
• Population: 2.9 million
• Tyler Client Since: 2022
• Tyler Products/Solutions: Assessment & Tax Pro, Assessment Connect, Digital Solutions

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CHALLENGE

For the Kansas Department of Revenue’s Division of Property Valuations, the ability to swiftly access statewide appraisal data in real time had become a pressing necessity. Increasing requests from the Kansas State Legislature and Kansas taxpayers, highlighted the urgent need for a centralized data management system. Despite being a statewide Tyler Assessment & Tax Pro client, centralizing statewide data required generating separate reports for all counties and could take weeks to compile. By the time the reports were compiled and ready to be analyzed, the data was outdated.

In addition, appraisal methodology was challenging to monitor across the state, with natural variations between rural and urban counties, as well as land, commercial, and industrial properties. This lack of uniformity, coupled with limited transparency for citizens, fueled a surge in inquiries for property valuation data.

Centralizing their data would be the first big step to reduce manual processes, provide real-time accurate valuation data across counties, and improve transparency and timely reporting to the legislature.

SOLUTION

Tyler was able to adapt Assessment Connect to meet these challenges. This adaptation included the development of the Enterprise Data portal which centralized the data. In addition, 50+ new metrics were put in place to serve as analytical tools for counties and the state.

The statewide solution is comprised of four distinct modules:

1. Assessment Connect Dashboard:
   By consolidating data into a centralized hub, the AC Dashboard streamlines operations by eliminating the need for redundant queries. This streamlined access ensures pertinent data is readily available, fostering efficiency and informed decision-making.
2. Comparable Module:
   Empowering counties with a comprehensive database of comparable properties statewide, this module streamlines property assessment processes. Offering near real-time data accessibility to all counties, it facilitates uniformity and accuracy in property valuations. Counties can now compare their own data with that of their peers, leveraging unsold property data to enhance consistency and precision.
3. Enterprise Data Portal:
   Centralizing data from all counties into a singular dataset, the portal simplifies data retrieval processes and enables the Property Valuation Director to execute a single data query, effortlessly generating statewide results. This efficiency streamlines operations, saving time and resources.
4. Open Data Portal/Public Reports Website:
   Enhancing transparency and accountability, this portal grants public access to comprehensive datasets. By making data readily available to citizens, it fosters trust and understanding, ensuring stakeholders are informed and engaged in the valuation process.

RESULTS

With these solutions being put in place, the department is witnessing shifts in its operations and outcomes and has ushered in a new era of efficiency and accessibility.

“We’re particularly thrilled about the prospect of conducting regional studies. Previously, appraisal data uniformity among 105 county appraisers posed a significant challenge,” said David Harper, the property valuation director for the Kansas Department of Revenue. Moreover, the implementation of a more regulated system has instilled consistency and equity in property tax and assessment efforts, which is expected to mitigate valuation appeals, and also facilitate a more efficient process for justifying valuations.

“This initiative has truly positioned us for success,” Harper explained. “With all our data consolidated into one centralized hub, the potential for enhancing transparency with the public and legislature is boundless. It’s like laying a solid foundation here, opening up a multitude of possibilities for the future.”

The state’s pioneering efforts have attracted attention from other jurisdictions, positioning Kansas as a model for comprehensive and innovative assessment systems.

Anticipated future developments, including the incorporation of more detailed data and additional property types, are set to further elevate the utility and effectiveness of the system, ensuring that Kansas remains at the forefront of assessment excellence.