Mar. 31, 2019
Tribune Staff
In the last few days leading up to the Lee’s Summit R-7 School Board election, questions have risen regarding unpaid taxes and other legal issues surrounding school board candidates Amy Turgon, Paul Dornon and Bill Birmingham.
The state of Missouri issued liens against Amy Turgon in 2013, 2015 and 2016. In 2013, the state issued a lien for $1,490.95 for unpaid property taxes from 2007 and for interest and additions. In 2015, the state issued a lien in the amount of $1,685.83 for unpaid property taxes from 2010 and 2013 and for interest and additions. In 2016, the state issued a lien in the amount of $1,331.31 for unpaid property taxes from 2014 and 2015 and for interest and additions. County tax records indicate Turgon paid property taxes in 2018, but it’s unclear whether she still owns the vehicles that she paid the taxes on. Jackson County records indicate she paid property taxes 1/2018 and 3/2018, but also indicate she still owes taxes. It is not clear whether all tax liens from the past have been resolved. Tribune staff tried to contact Turgon for a comment to verify, but got no response from phone messages and email.
County tax records show that April 1, 2019, Paul Dornon paid $1,498.11 in property taxes and delinquent fees for 2014 and 2015. Dornan told the Tribune that his property tax bills had gone to a property he lived in Blue Springs before he moved to Lee’s Summit 10 years ago. Dornan said once he was made aware of the unpaid bill, he went this morning to Lee’s Summit City Hall, paid it and made the correction to his address.
Bill Birmingham has also faced legal issues. Casenet.org, the online repository for Missouri courts, lists a tax lien, wage garnishments and a home foreclosure. When contacted by the Tribune, Birmingham said, “I had a vehicle that I no longer own and didn’t believe owed taxes on and those tax bills were going to his previous address. According to Birmingham that was cleared up on April 1. “As for the foreclosure, I had a severe loss of income that was the root cause. I also traveled a lot in my career and missed a court date. The warrants were mailed to my previous address. To that end, those issues are being addressed and corrected, and I’ll own that. What I will also do is continue working for the betterment of all young people. What I will also continue to do is remain positive when those more concerned with losing power than helping kids refuse to do so.”
A letter from the Jackson County Election Board to the Tribune states that concerns regarding a candidate’s unpaid taxes should be forwarded to the Missouri Department of Revenue which has investigative authority over non-payment of taxes. Candidates are given 30 days to pay the taxes or correct the problem after being notified.
Tuesday, April 2, is election day.
