Exclusion (Opt-Out) Instructions

An important limit on exclusion

Because the Court certified certain claims for declaratory and injunctive relief under Missouri Rule of Civil Procedure 52.08(b)(2), those claims apply to all Class members, and you cannot opt out of them. However, you may request exclusion from the claims seeking monetary relief (such as tax refunds and negligence damages) that were certified under Rule 52.08(b)(3).

If you exclude yourself from the monetary claims, you will not share in any monetary recovery obtained by the Class, but you will keep the right to bring your own separate lawsuit against the Defendants at your own expense.

How to request exclusion

To exclude yourself from the case, Wheeler v. Beatty, et al., Case No. 2416-CV25478, mail a letter that includes all of the following:

• The name of this lawsuit (i.e. Wheeler v. Beatty, et al., Case No. 2416-CV25478);
• A statement that you wish to be excluded from this class action lawsuit;
• Your full name and address;
• The address of any residential property for which you paid real property taxes based on a 2023 assessed valuation that increased by more than fifteen percent (15%) over the prior assessment cycle, excluding increases due solely to new construction or improvement; and
• Your signature.

Mail your letter to:

Your letter must be sent by U.S. mail, postmarked no later than July 10, 2026. If you miss the deadline, you will remain in the Class and be bound by the outcome of the lawsuit on all claims.

What happens after I opt out?

Once you are excluded from the monetary claims, you will not be eligible to share in any monetary recovery in this case. You can still pursue your own claims against Jackson County separately, subject to any applicable statutes of limitations. You will still be bound by any judgment on the declaratory and injunctive claims certified under Rule 52.08(b)(2).

Contact the Claims Administrator with any questions about your options before deciding to opt out.