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1. How do I know if I need to file an appeal?

Check listings of properties similar to yours in a similar location, check for sales of properties similar to yours, and consider the use of the property. Agriculture use is recognition of an agricultural business. Insubstantial agriculture use does not necessarily qualify a property for an agricultural use appraisal.

2. How do I file an appeal?

An equalization appeal is made in the spring after valuation notices have been mailed. It is started by contacting the Appraiser’s Office, completing the proper forms, and setting an appointment. Appeals to the Court of Tax Appeals are made on Court of Tax Appeals forms available in the County Clerk’s Office. Appeals to the Court of Tax Appeals are made to the court.

A payment under protest appeal may be filed when the taxes are paid if an equalization appeal was not filed for that tax year. The form is available from the Treasurer’s Office to be filed at the time the payment is made.

3. Do I need an attorney?

It is generally not necessary to hire an attorney to represent you at an informal hearing. You may have an attorney or another individual represent you if you choose, or you may wish to have someone accompany you to the informal hearing. You will need to provide a signed Declaration of Representative form to allow someone else appear in your behalf. This form is available in the Appraiser’s Office or in the Treasurer’s Office.

4. What information is needed to help prove my appeal?

If you have checked sales and listings and have determined that you could not sell your property for its appraisal in the current market, provide the documentation that convinced you that it was over appraised. This documentation may include:

• Photos of your property showing damage not considered in the appraisal
  
• Sales or listings of comparable properties with photos
  
• Current sale contract or listing of your property
  
• Documentation of damage or unusual circumstances
  
• You will probably be asked to bring photos of your property that are representative of the overall property from the front, the rear, and some interior photos
  

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1. What is Everbridge and why is it important to me?

Everbridge is an emergency notification service that allows emergency officials to notify residents and businesses by telephone, cell phone, text message, email and social media regarding time-sensitive general and emergency notifications. Only authorized officials have access to the Everbridge system.

2. When will Everbridge be used?

Any message regarding the safety, property or welfare of the community will be disseminated using the Everbridge system. These may include AMBER alerts, notifications of hazardous traffic or road conditions, boil water advisories or evacuation notices.

3. Does the Everbridge system replace other systems that have been used to provide time-sensitive information to residents?

This system is an enhancement to existing means of communication and is meant to supplement current or past systems used for mass notification.

4. Does the Everbridge system already have my telephone number, or do I need to sign up to receive Everbridge notifications?

The Everbridge database contains information received from public databases, including regional phonebooks. However, no resident should assume that their information is in the system. This website has a link to the Everbridge Community Notification Enrollment page where you can register online. If you can not register online, you can call the Miami County Sheriff’s Office (913) 294-3232 and speak with one of our communications specialists to complete your registration over the telephone.

5. I have a business located in Miami County. Can I arrange to have Everbridge contact my business?

Yes. Fill out the Everbridge registration form but be sure to select the "This address is business" option. Please note that emergency calls can only be delivered to a direct dial number. Automated attendants will disrupt the process and the calls will not be delivered. Businesses should register their main number and establish a procedure for distributing the Everbridge message to their workforce.

6. What is I want to register additional numbers for my address?

After you submit the initial registration form, you may start the registration process again and submit more numbers for the same address.

7. Is my personal information protected?

Everbridge is a service of Emergency Communications Network which takes security and privacy concerns very seriously. They will not sell, trade, lease or loan any data citizen supplied data to third parties.

8. What should I do if I receive a Everbridge message?

Listen carefully to the entire message. You will have the option to repeat the message by pressing any key. Do not call 911 for further information unless directed to do so or if you need immediate aid from the police or fire department.

9. I have a cordless phone, and it does not work when the power goes out. How will the system be able to contact me?

Make sure you have at least one working corded telephone-and be sure to turn the ringer on. The Everbridge sign-up form allows you to indicate both a primary and alternate phone number. Cell phone and/or work phone numbers can be entered as alternate phone numbers. Both primary and alternate phone numbers will be contacted when a notification is sent.

10. Will the Everbridge system leave a message on an answering machine?

Yes, the Everbridge system will leave a message on a machine or on voicemail. The Everbridge system will leave the entire message in one pass.

11. What happens if the line is busy?

If the line is busy, Everbridge will try two more times to connect.

12. What circumstances might prevent a message from being delivered to me?

* If your contact information has changed and you have not registered your new information. * If you have only cordless phones in your residence, the power is out and you did not register an alternate phone number. * If your line is busy for an extended time and your calls do not forward to voicemail or an answering machine. * If you have a privacy manager on your main phone and you did not register an alternate phone number. Miami County will receive a report of undelivered calls and can instruct the Everbridge system to begin another round of calls to busy numbers. It is best to have an alternate phone number in the calling database for these situations.

13. Is there an app for Everbridge?

Yes. The Everbridge Mobile Alert app can be downloaded for free on Google Play and iTunes. It provides advanced, real-time, hyperlocal alerts to subscribers within the reach of a given location generated by public safety officials across the United States and Canada. The Everbridge Mobile Alert app also comes with a complimentary 30-day trial of Everbridge Weather Warning, a program that sends subscribers mobile communications when they are in the projected path of severe weather in the United States. The Everbridge Weather Warning add-on is an additional $4.99 per year but is not required to purchase to receive emergency, general and missing person alerts.

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1. Can I purchase an Ownership Map?

You may purchase an Ownership Map in the Register of Deeds Office for $25.

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1. Is induced hypothermia painful for the patient?

No. Our protocol allows for liberal use of sedation and pain control. The patient is sedated similar to undergoing anesthesia for surgery.

2. Do all cardiac arrest patients receive induced hypothermia?

No. Currently only patients who have a return of a circulation receive induced hypothermia.

3. Does the American Heart Association recommend induced hypothermia?

Yes. The American Heart Association recommends induced hypothermia for post cardiac arrest care.

4. How does induced hypothermia help?

Induced hypothermia slows the body’s metabolism down. This allows the body to compensate for injury to the brain and heart while the patient was not breathing and the heart was not beating.

5. Does induced hypothermia save all patients?

Unfortunately, induced hypothermia will not save all patients. Cardiac arrest has many causes and each patient is different. Induced hypothermia provides the greatest chance of a positive recovery in patients with post cardiac arrest syndrome.

6. Do all hospitals currently accept induced hypothermia patients?

At this time, not all hospitals accept induced hypothermia patients. Patients are transported to the closest facility that meets criteria for handling induced hypothermia patients. Hospital criteria for receiving induced hypothermia patients include having an intensive care unit, a cardiac catheterization lab, and induced hypothermia capabilities.

7. How long will be patients be hypothermic?

Patients generally are cooled for 24 hours. After 24 hours the patient is slowly rewarmed.

8. How cold do patients get when they receive induced hypothermia?

The goal temperature for induced hypothermia is 89.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

9. How long does it take for a patient to reach the goal temperature?

Reaching goal temperature varies between patients, but generally takes several hours.

10. How do you induce hypothermia in the field?

We use ice packs and refrigerated intravenous fluids to start cooling patients in the field prior to reaching the hospital.

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. How can my property be developed?

Development of your property depends on several factors such as your zoning district, size of property, available infrastructure, etc. Please contact the planning department for more information.

2. Besides building, sanitation and entrance permits, what else should I check into in order to develop my property?

On undeveloped property, you should contact the utility companies to make sure service is available to your property (rural water is not available to all areas of the county). You should also check for any easements or deed restrictions that may affect the property (utility, drainage, ingress/egress, etc.).

3. Can I build an apartment in my barn?

The majority of the county is zoned for single-family residential use, meaning that only one residence is allowed per tract of land. A residential area built in a barn will be considered the house and must meet the same minimum requirements as a house. No other residential structures will be allowed on the same property except as provided for in the regulations. An accessory dwelling may be constructed as defined and outlined in the zoning regulations. Duplexes and multiple-family dwellings are only allowed in the planned development district, which would require rezoning on most properties in the county.

4. Can I place a mobile home on the property while I build my house?

No. There is however, a provision for temporary use of a recreational vehicle during construction of your house. A permit is required for this use.

5. How much land do I need to build a house?

Countywide zoning and subdivision regulations went into effect in 1991, and the minimum requirements have varied since that time. The county recognizes the legal descriptions of deeds and surveys that were recorded in the register of deeds office prior to January 1, 1992. Any change in the legal description or size of the property since that date would require county approval as outlined in the zoning and subdivision regulations that were in place when the lot was created or changed.

For written confirmation as to whether an existing lot or tract is “buildable”, a Zoning Verification application can be submitted for the property in question. This will verify whether the property was legally created, and whether or not the lot/tract is eligible to receive building permits per the zoning and subdivision standards that were in place when the lot was created. The Zoning Verification application can be submitted free of charge if submitted in conjunction with a Soil Profile Analysis application (soil test for sanitation purposes), a Building Permit application, or an Entrance Permit application (driveway entrance from the county right-of-way). If the Zoning Verification is submitted without another application, a $50.00 fee will be charged.

Please keep in mind that other factors such as entrance standards, sanitation requirements, floodplain, etc., may restrict a lot from being developed. The Zoning Verification only verifies the legality of the lot for zoning purposes.

6. Can I build in the floodplain?

Although it may be possible to build in a designated flood zone, development in such areas is restricted and the county highly encourages you NOT to do so. In accordance with Federal, State and county regulations, a Floodplain Development Permit, must be obtained for ANY development in a designated flood zone, including houses, barns, accessory structures, ponds, culverts, bridges, utilities, etc. Other permits may also apply. Please contact the planning department for detailed information.

7. Do I need a permit to build a pond?

Unless a pond is proposed to be constructed in the floodplain, no permit is required by the county. Please note however, that no part of the pond can be located within the right-of-way. Please contact the planning department or road and bridge department to determine the right-of-way width. Permits may be required through the state for pond construction. Please contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Division of Water Resources for information and state permitting procedures. For helpful advice on pond construction and soil conservation, please contact the local Natural Resources Conservation Service at 913-294-3751, extension 3, or robert.allen@ks.nacdnet.net.

8. Can I run a business from my home or property?

Business activity in a residential zoning district is prohibited except for certain home occupations or conditional use permits that may be allowed under specific conditions. Please contact the planning department for more information.

9. What uses are allowed on my property?

The uses allowed vary by zoning district. Agricultural, single-family residential structures and certain home occupations are among the more common uses allowed in the Countryside and Agricultural zoning districts.

10. What uses are NOT allowed on my property?

In residential zoning districts commercial and industrial uses are typically prohibited. These can include, but are not limited to the following:

Contractor’s shops and/or yards; boat and recreational vehicle storage; trucking facilities; public or private airports or landing fields; horse boarding facilities; dog kennels; the keeping of wild animals; preschool nurseries or day cares; junk yards; salvage yards; junked, dismantled, inoperable or abandoned vehicles; quarries; dump or dumping ground; landfills; commercial feedlots, semi-truck trailers or shipping containers; manufactured homes not used as a residence; a second residence, guesthouse or apartment; etc.

Certain commercial/business type uses may only be permitted via conditional use permit. Please refer to the zoning regulations and contact the planning department for details.

11. How many horses can I have?

Although the county does not restrict the number of horses allowed on a property for personal use, zoning restrictions do apply to commercial uses such as boarding, training, etc. Please contact the planning department for a definition of commercial stables.

Please contact the local extension office at 913-294-4306 for help in determining an adequate amount of land area needed per horse to properly care for the animal and to avoid destruction of grass and soil.

12. How many dogs and/or cats can I have?

There is no restriction on the number of dogs or cats someone can own for personal use, but the county does have laws regarding vicious and/or dangerous dogs. Zoning regulations do apply to commercial kennels used for breeding, boarding, training and distribution, animal shelters and pounds. Please contact the planning department for more information.

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1. How do I get on the vendor list?

Miami County does not keep a vendor list. 

Our new e-Procurement Portal will allow interested parties to do the following:

 Register to bid and receive notifications of future opportunities in the e-Procurement Portal by selecting Subscribe to create an account.

• Follow updates to existing solicitations by finding the solicitation and clicking the Follow button. This will allow all interested parties to receive amendments and addenda automatically.
• Submit questions and receive answers for open solicitations.
• Guide vendors through the process of responding electronically to RFPs, bids, etc. to ensure submissions have been accurately completed.
• Ultimately, be your one location for all bid opportunities issued by the Miami County, KS.  

 To get started, click here to sign up. You’ll receive an email to activate your account. For more information about how to register, please see our help file here.

2. How do I bid with Miami County

Our e-Procurement Portal will allow interested parties to do the following: 

• Register to bid and receive notifications of future opportunities in the e-Procurement Portal by selecting Subscribe to create an account.
• Follow updates to existing solicitations by finding the solicitation and clicking the Follow button. This will allow all interested parties to receive amendments and addenda automatically.
• Submit questions and receive answers for open solicitations.
• Guide vendors through responding electronically to RFPs, bids, etc., to ensure submissions have been accurately completed.
• Ultimately, be your one location for all bid opportunities issued by Miami County, KS.   

To get started, click here to sign up. You’ll receive an email to activate your account. For more information about registering, please see our help file here.

3. How do I find active bids with the county?

You can see all active bids via the link on the procurement page. 

Our e-Procurement Portal will allow interested parties to do the following: 

• Register to bid and receive notifications of future opportunities in the e-Procurement Portal by selecting Subscribe to create an account.
• Follow updates to existing solicitations by finding the solicitation and clicking the Follow button. This will allow all interested parties to receive amendments and addenda automatically.
• Submit questions and receive answers for open solicitations.
• Guide vendors through responding electronically to RFPs, bids, etc. to ensure submissions have been accurately completed.
• Receive notifications of any new and upcoming bids pertaining to your area of preference by choosing codes specific to your area of work.
• Ultimately, be your one location for all bid opportunities issued by Miami County, KS.  

 To get started, click here to sign up. You’ll receive an email to activate your account. For more information about registering, please see our help file here.

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1. When and where are the sales held?

Sales are held every Wednesday at 10am on the Miami County Courthouse steps (120 S. Pearl, Paola, Kansas).

2. Where can I get the addresses for the foreclosed properties?

There are two places that you may be able to obtain the address:

1) The Clerk of the District Court maintains the court file for each case. You will need the case number to look up the file. The court file contains the legal documents that have been filed with that particular case. Looking through out that file you should be able to find a physical address.

2) The Register of Deeds may be able to provide a physical address as well. You will need the Defendants (home owners) name in order to obtain a physical address on a property.

3. Can I get access to the properties listed for sale?

No. There is NO legal access to the property. It is considered an "as is" sale with no implied or expressed warranty. The homeowner still has legal possession of the property and may still be living there. Please be respectful of that.

4. Do you have opening bids prior to the sale?

The attorney for the Plaintiff, usually the lending institution, will make the opening bid, the bidding is then open to the public. The property is sold to the highest bidder. We do not have information on the opening bid prior to the state of the sale.

5. If I am the successful bidder how do I pay for the property?

The property is advertised and sold as cash in hand or cashiers check at the time of sale. The cashiers check is made payable to the Miami County District Court and must be received no later than noon on the day following the sale.

6. What are the redemption rights?

In every case the judge sets a redemption period in accordance to state statute. Most redemption periods are 3 to 12 months depending on how much is still owed on the loan. The redemption period allows the defendant to exercise their redemption rights. The redemption rights allow the defendant to pay off the bid amount and any associated cost thereby they retain the possession of the property. During the redemption period you have no legal right of access to the property and the defendant can still reside and maintain possession of the property.