Sedgwick County politicians consider additional sales tax option for property tax reduction
WICHITA, Kansas (KWCH) – As Sedgwick County looks for ways to keep property taxes low, Sedgwick County cities and county leaders are working together on a solution, including discussions about a property tax abatement through the implementation of a sales tax.
On Wednesday, representatives from 15 towns gathered at a Sedgwick County Commission meeting with Commissioner Ryan Baty, whose district includes areas of the county north of Wichita. The question remains how to move forward with aid.
“We hear loud and clear from our voters that they need property tax relief,” Baty said.
The issue has become such a hot topic that Baty, chairman of the Sedgwick County Commission, called together city and county leaders for a discussion.
“Is there a way to offset property tax revenues with a sales tax of one-eighth of a cent, one-quarter of a cent or one-half of a cent?” Baty wondered.
The chairman of the commission described the meeting, which was attended by representatives from 15 Sedgwick County towns, as productive.
“By and large, city representatives said, ‘Yes, let’s continue this conversation,'” Baty said.
How exactly a sales tax would work is not yet clear. It could be levied nationwide or at the city level, but Baty said no matter what, the tax should not negatively impact citizens.
“Whatever plan we discuss, ultimately the network cannot lead to an increase for our voters,” he said.
The city of Kechi already collects a 1% sales tax for a special road construction project. Kechi Mayor Ashley Valazquez said she is still open to further discussions.
“We are still working on Kechi and having discussions about what that might look like for us,” she said.
Regardless of what the district leaders discuss regarding a possible sales tax, the decision as to whether and how it will be implemented ultimately lies with the citizens.
“Ultimately, the language of the vote must make it very clear that any type of sales tax offers the same level of compensation as the property tax,” said Baty.
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