Why some Kansas communities are pushing for a sales tax increase

WICHITA, Kan (KSNW) – The November general election is one week away. Besides the candidates, thousands of Kansas voters will vote on ballot matters.

From new fire stations to the best parks and even mental health services, several community leaders have said they need additional funds for some essential upgrades.

“The fire station is just too small. We have firefighters sleeping in spaces that were once closets, so it’s late, it’s time, ”said Andover Fire Chief Chad Russell.

On the ballot in Andover, there is a sales tax increase of 1%. This increase will fund major improvements to the park and a new fire station and upgrade to the current one. To know more, Click here.

“We have a long history of being good stewards of this money and able to use that money for very good community purposes,” Russell said.

The City of Great Bend is hoping to add up to a 0.45% increase to its sales tax. To know more, Click here.

“It’s the fairest tax that everyone pays the same amount, including people who are not from Great Bend,” said Great Bend City administrator Kendal Francis.

The people of Great Bend will vote on three different sales tax increases. One for a new police station and court, another to improve parks and recreation and other quality of life amenities, and an increase in first responders’ pensions.

“It’s a great way for us to generate a significant amount of income to pay for things we badly need at Great Bend,” said Francis.

Sumner County, which hopes to continue selling half a cent, is paying taxes for mental health resources, health care, and emergency medical services.

“We all want to be able to know that when we pick up the phone and call 911 that EMS is coming, we don’t want to have to say ‘oh sorry’,” said Debra Norris, an election official for Sumner. county.