Last week, Sedgwick County Commissioners voted to set a target property tax rate (commonly known as a mill levy) of 29.359 mills for County budgets in 2017 – 2022. In 2023, the mill levy rate is expected to drop to 28.758 and remain in subsequent years. The certified tax rate for this year is 29.383 mills; it funds the 2016 budget. 

Commissioners also voted to adopt a revised debt policy that will reduce the County’s debt capacity and limit the issuance of future debt. This policy prohibits the use of debt to finance operations or maintenance activities and sets criteria under which debt is to be used for capital improvements or unusual equipment purchases. Chairman Jim Howell commented that Sedgwick County is “intentionally going into a more responsible direction” in regards to the debt issuance limit.  

Over the past few years, Sedgwick County’s debt has been about ten percent of budgeted expenditures. The County’s current debt equals 9.67 percent of budgeted expenditures, more than the new maximum of debt. Therefore, the County will be unable to issue debt until the existing amount falls below the nine percent threshold; this is estimated to occur in 2017. Sedgwick County will be able to issue over $7 million in new debt in 2017 and remain under the new debt capacity.  

Commissioner Richard Ranzau added, “By controlling our spending, and setting our priorities, we can borrow less and either use it on existing programs or perhaps give it back to the taxpayers in the form of a tax reduction.” 

Sedgwick County is consistently working to lessen the property tax burden on citizens, especially the poor or citizens on a fixed income. High property taxes are also harmful to economic growth in the community. By approving the two items, Commissioners have proven that they are listening to their constituents and keeping government spending under control and being good stewards of taxpayer money.  Hear more about this story at this link.