Frequently Asked Questions

Show All Answers

1. How much do I owe for this year on personal property or real estate?

For information on personal property or real estate taxes, contact the Buchanan County Collector's office at 816-271-1402. That office is also responsible for tax assessments.

2. Where do I purchase a garage sale permit? How much do they cost? How many days can my garage sale be? How many garage sales may I have per year?

You purchase garage sale permits at City Hall, 1100 Frederick, Room 101A at a cost of $5.00. Garage sales can last no more than four consecutive days and can only be held four times per calendar year at the same location. For more information, please call Customer Assistance at 271-4751.
NOTE: You are only allowed one garage sale sign. It is to be displayed at the place of the sale only. They are prohibited from being displayed on utility poles, etc.

3. When and where did I get this parking ticket? Who do I call for information on it? Where do I pay this ticket?

For information regarding a parking ticket please call customer services at 271-4751. To pay for a parking ticket either mail it or bring it to Customer Services, 1100 Frederick Ave., Room 101A, St Joseph, MO 64501

4. Does this business have a business license? When is my license fee due? How do I figure my license fee?

License fees are due June 30th of the current year. For information on whether a business has a business license or on how to figure your license fee, call Customer Services at 816-271-4751. Again direct license fee payments to Customer Services, 1100 Frederick Ave., Room 106, St Joseph, MO 64501.

5. How much do I owe for this year on personal property or real estate? Why did you increase my assessments?

For both of these questions, please contact the Buchanan County Collector's office at 816-271-1402. They handle personal property and real estate taxes. They also handle the tax assessments.

6. Do I owe any taxes on my personal property or cars?

For tax years 1998 to current, please call the Buchanan County Collector's office at 816-271-1402. For tax years 1997 or prior, please call Customer Services at 816-271-4751.

7. What work was performed for the special assessment billing I've received?

For information regarding the specifics of the Special Assessment billing you've received, please contact the Property Maintenance Division at 816-271-5342.

8. Why do I need an alarm permit when I pay an alarm company to monitor my system?

This is a cost recovery mechanism for the Police Department's cost of excessive false alarms at a residence or business passed on directly to them.

9. What does my alarm fee give me?

You are allowed six free false alarms within a 12-month period before excess charges are assessed.