Platte County Assessor David Cox this week announced his retirement at the end of his current term in office.
Cox has served three terms as assessor. His term will expire in December of this year.
“At the time I assumed office, I immediately restructured my team and prioritized quality, service and modernization,” Cox said in a statement released Monday, Jan. 29. “I moved all property data from papers in a box to an electronic format, produced streamlined and understandable filing forms, built an online filing system that is now used by over 50% of filers, and implemented annual performance reviews for my staff. Additionally, my team is diligent in monitoring Missouri statutes to ensure the office is in compliance with the law.
“As promised when I sought the assessor position in 2012, property valuations are now calculated in an objective and equitable fashion to reflect their current fair market value. As I look toward retirement, I am very proud of all my accomplishments and am honored to have served the citizens of Platte County.”
Cox’s retirement plans open the field for the one candidate that has already announced a run for the office – current district commissioner Dagmar Wood.
Wood has stated her campaign will work toward changing the culture of the assessor’s office and “get back to respecting taxpayers.”
In November 2023 Wood announced her plans to run for the office, noting she had spearheaded implementation of Senate Bill 190 in Platte County, which freezes the amount senior citizens pay in property taxes. Passage of the ordinance is expected to be effective this year.
“If elected, my priority will be to restore respectful treatment to all who reach out to the assessor’s office,” Wood said.