Auditor Galloway finds a Dardenne Prairie community overcharged thousands in property taxes

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway revealed the BaratHaven Community Improvement District in Dardenne Prairie improperly imposed and collected property taxes since it was established in 2006.

“Special taxing districts like CIDs must be held accountable for how public dollars are collected and spent,” Auditor Galloway said. “In this case, lack of oversight led to a critical error that left residents paying thousands in extra taxes. It’s imperative these citizens are refunded their money.”

The district was established in 2006 to construct public infrastructure improvements and facilitate a residential and commercial development.

The audit found the CID and St. Charles County failed to certify the tax rate with the State Auditor’s Office.

Since 2006, the CID imposed and collected $1.3 million in property taxes that did not comply with state law, according to the audit.

The audit showed the property tax for the district exceeded the allowable rate in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016, resulting in $34,397 in excess collections.

The report also found that the taxing district has failed to generate enough revenue to make required principal and interest payments on the project.