Notes from Commissioner Howell:
Property Tax Frustrations Start Once Again
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Are you frustrated by your county tax appraisal? Sedgwick County mailed out 181,000 valuation notices on March 1, and starting March 2, I started getting my annual surge of angry emails and phone calls.
Most of the ‘feedback’ is about the double digit increases in property appraisals based on the reasonable assumption that future tax levies will follow suit.
First of all, if you think the appraiser made a mistake, it is a good idea to schedule an informal hearing to review the details. On the back side of your notification, the instructions are easy to follow. If you did not receive a notification, it is likely you did not have a change but to make sure, you can check your appraisal online at SedgwickCounty.org under the Appraiser tab.
Many have voiced concern over their large percentage increase over a single-year or large increases year after year. Some say their value jumped as much as 50% or more and they say there were no improvements that would cause that giant jump in value. When that sort of huge increase happens, it is a good idea to meet with the appraiser's staff to get an explanation.
The Appraiser is not so interested in the amount of change, but his responsibility is always to determine the Fair Market Value of each property on January 1 of each year. The Appraiser targets a 95% FMV, although statistical analysis shows on average, the appraiser typically undervalues most properties by 10% or more.
The Sedgwick County Appraiser does have an employment contract with the County, but the County Commission has no authority over the Appraiser. Instead, the entire staff works for the Kansas Property Valuation Division under the Kansas Department of Revenue. The County does pay the staff salary. It is deemed unethical for a County Commissioner to pressure the appraiser to adjust property values.
About 20% of your property tax dollars fund county government. Nevertheless, if you want to advocate for smaller government, I ask you to help us thoughtfully trim the size and scope of government when we debate the proposed budget. That is my only opportunity to impact your taxes.
Over the last several years, no one advocated for less spending, but many asked for more. Anecdotally, many people simply say - "Just cut government!" Local government is not exempt from the economic pressures we all are feeling, and most of the things we do with your property tax dollars is non-discretionary.
If you have questions about property taxes, I would like to stand for questions. Reach out to me at Jim.Howell@Sedgwick.gov.
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Advocating for Sedgwick County in the State Legislature |
The Kansas legislative session is moving ahead quickly, with the veto session starting April 26, 2023. This year, I have made many trips to Topeka, as I passionately advocate for Sedgwick County on several issues - everything from juvenile justice reform and election security to mental healthcare initiatives. I have testified at hearings on eight different bills, and on a few of them, more than once! Now, at least two pieces of legislation our delegation worked on are headed to the Governor's desk.
This process, specifically tax policy, can be confusing, so I have created a presentation to educate people, especially on appraisals and property taxes. I am happy to present this information to any community group that requests it, and I already have two speaking engagements scheduled that are open to the public:
- Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. - Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) gathering at the Antioch Christian Church, 3741 W. 15th N, Wichita, 67203.
- Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. - Park City Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Park City Library, 2107 East 61st St. N, Park City, 67219. Please call ahead at 316-312-7335 to reserve a meal for $10. Otherwise, attendance is free, and no RSVP is needed.
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The views expressed by Commissioner Jim Howell in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the governing body of the Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners or Sedgwick County Government. |
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Public Works starts preventative road maintenance program |
Over the next few months, drivers can expect to see our Public Works crews sealing cracks in the streets all over Sedgwick County. It's the first step in a preventative maintenance program that keeps our roads in good condition. Drivers won't encounter any road closures, since crews will move to different locations each day. |
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Upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: |
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District 5 Citizen's Advisory Board
- Friday, April 7, 4 - 6 p.m.
- Oaklawn Community Center, 2937 E. Oaklawn Dr., Wichita, 67216
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, April 10, 4 - 5:30 p.m.
- Range 54, 5725 E Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee provided.
- Friday, April 28, 7 - 9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee and soda provided.
- Tuesday, April 18, 7 - 9 a.m.
- The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., Mulvane
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Homestead & Safe Senior Refunds offer property tax relief |
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With many families facing an increase in their property valuations this year, the Kansas Homestead, SVR Homestead and Safe Senior Refunds could offer property tax relief to low-income seniors, veterans and disabled residents who qualify. A claim must be filed by the deadline of April 15 of each year.
The Homestead Refund is a rebate program for the property taxes paid by homeowners prior to Jan. 1, 2022. The maximum refund is $700. To be eligible, you must be a Kansas resident, living in Kansas the entire year. Your total household income must be $37,750 or less. You must also meet one of the following requirements:
- Born before Jan. 1, 1967.
- Totally and permanently disabled or blind for the entire year of 2022.
- Had a dependent child living with you who was born before Jan. 1, 2022 and was under the age of 18 the entire year of 2022.
The SVR Homestead is a new and supplemental property tax refund for seniors and disabled veterans who were residents of Kansas the entire year. To be eligible, you must be:
- Born before Jan. 1, 1957.
- Disabled veteran the entire year of 2022.
- Household income for the year cannot exceed $50,000.
The Safe Senior Refund is for low-income residents 65 years or older. It refunds 75% of the 2022 general property tax to be paid. A claimant may receive either a Homestead or Safe Senior refund, but not both. To qualify for a Safe Senior Tax Refund, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Owned a home and resided in Kansas all of 2022.
- Born before Jan. 1, 1957.
- Household income $22,000 or less in 2022.
- Property taxes cannot delinquent.
For help filing these tax refund forms, visit:
Sedgwick County Clerk's Office
100 N. Broadway, Suite 620
Wichita, KS 67202
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
316-660-9221
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March declared Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month |
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The Sedgwick County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and presented a certificate to Ability Point Executive Director, Kevin Fish, and 2022 Miss Unstoppable, Kirsten Robinson. She recited a poem she wrote about her life and special challenges. Click here to listen to that reading. The BoCC also shared the video below to honor several employees with developmental disabilities.
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Reverse Job Fair connects employers with Project Search graduates |
Together, the Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization and Project SEARCH sites in Wichita, Maize and Derby will host their Virtual Reverse Job Fair from April 1 through May 15, 2023. This unique opportunity connects employers and skilled candidates who thrive in typically high-turnover positions.
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Sedgwick County leaders recognized for Women's History Month |
From public safety, public services and public health to our appointed and elected positions, women play a key role in every Sedgwick County department and office. In recognition of Women's History Month, several of our leading ladies are featured on the Sedgwick County social pages. You can read these profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and learn more about the smart and strong women in leadership positions! |
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Severe Weather Awareness Week urged families to prepare |
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Kansas is now in severe weather season, and Sedgwick County Emergency Management urges residents to "Make a Plan, Get a Kit, Be Informed." During Severe Weather Awareness Week, March 6-10, 2023, SCEM highlighted the dangers of possible high winds, hail, lightning, tornadoes and floods in Kansas. Learn more by visiting their website on sedgwickcounty.org.
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Emergency Management launches Civic Ready Alerts
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Sedgwick County Emergency Management (SCEM) rolled out the first phase of a free service called Civic Ready Alerts. This notifies residents by phone or email of emergencies or important news in their community. Initially, the public can sign up for notifications from only two test cities – Wichita and Mt. Hope, but eventually a dozen more cities across Sedgwick County are expected to participate.
Click https://buff.ly/3XmNXya to opt-in, customize how you want to be contacted and which notifications you want to receive!
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Sedgwick County needs YOU on an advisory board or committee!
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Out and About with Commissioners |
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Four of the world's oldest Thunderbolt sirens now have permanent homes across Sedgwick County. One of the outdoor warning devices will be used in a traveling exhibit, shown behind the Commissioners. Another is mounted outside Sedgwick County Fire Station #32 in Park City, where a ribbon-cutting event was held. |
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The return of the Paddy Day Parade in the Delano District brought out a big crowd, including some Commissioners and their families, sporting plenty of green and smiles! The St. Patrick's Day event had not been held since 2019 because of the pandemic, and thousands of people braved chilly weather this year to celebrate. |
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Contact Commissioner Jim Howell
316-660-9300
100 N. Broadway, Ste. 660, Wichita, KS 67202
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Connect with Sedgwick County |
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