Note from Commissioner Howell:
Why Property Taxes Make People Angry & What We Can Do About It
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As someone who has studied tax policy for years, I’ve noticed a pattern: no tax sparks more frustration than the property tax. And honestly, can you blame people? While the overall tax burden seems to grow with every new bond issue or sales tax initiative, it’s the property tax that ignites the deepest anger. Why?
Unlike other taxes, property taxes are visible and painful. Sales taxes are tucked into everyday purchases, and few of us track how much we pay in a year. Income taxes are automatically withheld, and most people focus only on their refund. Excise taxes on fuel, tobacco, and alcohol are buried in the price tag. But property taxes? Those come in the form of a large, unmistakable bill. Whether paid directly or through escrow, we see the amount, and it stings.
It stings even more because we often don’t understand where that money goes. Many taxpayers assume it’s wasted or used to fund programs they don’t value. That perception— combined with an appraisal system that can seem arbitrary or unfair — creates a toxic mix of confusion and resentment. People feel like victims of a system they didn’t design and can’t trust.
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So how do we fix this?
First, we must be transparent. If taxpayers don’t know what their money is funding, we shouldn’t be surprised when they get frustrated and angry every time they receive mail from the Sedgwick County. Clear, accessible information about how revenue is used, paired with evidence that it funds essential, high-impact services the community actually wants, can go a long way.
Second, let’s rethink what we ask property taxes to support. Core services like public safety and infrastructure make sense. But for cultural amenities, economic development, or parks and recreation, a modest consumption tax might be a more equitable alternative. People are often more comfortable paying, when they see a direct connection between the cost and the benefit and when they choose to spend.
Finally, the burden is on government to demonstrate that it is efficient and effective. Taxpayers aren’t just angry about what they pay — they’re angry about how they think those dollars are spent. If local governments can show they deliver value, the appraisal system is fair, and they’re investing in what our community truly values, we may begin to earn back the public's trust.
Until then, we shouldn’t ignore the frustration. We should listen, understand and do better.
| | 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. | | Other upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | | |
Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, June 9, 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 & soda provided.
- Tuesday, June 17, 7-9 a.m.
- The Grill, 222 N. 2nd Ave., Mulvane, 67110
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee provided.
- Friday, June 27, 7-9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
| | Law Enforcement Memorial pays tribute to fallen officers | | |
On May 16, Sedgwick County remembered its brave deputies and officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our community. The annual Law Enforcement Memorial service honors the dedicated men and women who have died in the line of duty. Watch this short video to hear Sheriff Jeff Easter led the crowd in a time of reflection and respect for those who will never be forgotten.
| | Tag Offices Work to Streamline End-of-Month Renewals | | |
Sedgwick County Tag Offices are making changes to improve the customer experience during the busiest days of the month. Starting in June, Tag Offices will no longer handle walk-in title work from the 27th through the 2nd each month and will instead focus on renewals and select services, to reduce wait times and keep lines moving. During these peak business dates, customers needing title transactions will be required to schedule an appointment.
End-of-month renewal traffic is especially high, and renewals are typically much quicker to process than title transactions. By focusing on these faster services during high demand days, Sedgwick County Tag Offices can serve more customers efficiently.
From the 27th through the 2nd each month, our team will continue to provide the following services on a walk-in basis:
- Renewals
- Plate refunds
- Lien releases
- 1-day inspection permits
- Temporary and permanent disabled placards/plates
- Replacement plates/decals
- Duplicate registrations
While Sedgwick County Tag Offices will no longer handle walk-in title transactions from the 27th through the 2nd each month, customers can schedule an appointment for title work, renewals and other services at one of the following locations:
- 2525 W. Douglas Ave., Wichita
- 5620 E. Kellogg St., Wichita
- 610 S. Tyler Rd., Wichita
- 1941 E. 61st St. North, Park City
- 620 N. Rock Road, Suite 300, Derby
Appointments can be scheduled online at Reserve Your Spot In Line | Sedgwick County, Kansas or by using the QLess app - QLess on Google Play or QLess on the App Store. For more information on Tag Office services, visit Sedgwick County Tag Office | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
Sedgwick County appreciates the understanding and patience of our citizens, as we make this change to serve you better!
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EMS crews given Challenge Coins for their lifesaving work
In May, Wesley Medical Center (WMC) presented Challenge Coins to Sedgwick County EMS crews for their outstanding responses on two separate trauma calls.
Paramedics Kelie Byers and Rosemary Snow (above) cared for a 12-year-old boy critically injured in a dirt bike accident. Because of their efforts, the child went home from the hospital just three days later.
WMC also praised the work of EMS District Chief Erica Morgan, Paramedic Seaira Ralstin and AEMT Chase Rogers (below). The crew worked with Wichita firefighters to revive a baby boy, just 12 days old, in cardiac arrest. The infant went on to make a full recovery.
The challenge coins serve as a meaningful reminder of the crews’ dedication, professionalism and quick action during critical calls.
| | Overdose Data to Action program addresses substance abuse | | Recently the Sedgwick County Health Department’s (SCHD) Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program team spoke at a community event hosted by the Association of People Against Lethal Drugs (APALD) in Old Town Square. They discussed SCHD’s efforts to prevent overdoses in the community, including connecting people to treatment, harm reduction resources and support. They also shared important data on overdoses and substance use in Sedgwick County. | | |
International Firefighters Day highlights global effort
On May 4th, International Firefighters Day called attention to the many ways fire crews around the world serve and protect our communities. Sedgwick County created the video above to highlight the incredible accomplishments of Fire District 1 (SCFD1) and its impact on local residents.
| | COMCARE marks Mental Health Awareness Month in many ways | | |
Sedgwick County COMCARE spent the month of May encouraging people of all ages to make their emotional well-being a priority. As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, COMCARE hosted a circus-themed fun day for children. Kids enjoyed games, food and face painting, while their parents and guardians learned more about the resources available locally to treat children with anxiety, depression, ADHD and other mental health issues.
COMCARE also produced short videos, like the one below, that debunks many common myths about mental illness and its treatment. Watch more videos at Learn about Mental Health | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Emergency Communications welcomes new 9-1-1 Call Takers
Congratulations to our newest Sedgwick County 9-1-1 Call Takers! The class of 14 graduated in May after six weeks of classes, followed by four weeks of training on the job. Their dedication and commitment have prepared them to officially join the ranks of those who answer the calls for help in our community.
| | Sedgwick County employees honored as Hometown Heroes | | |
KAKE-TV and the Wichita Wind Surge named two Sedgwick County employees as Hometown Heroes in May. Joshua Zimmerman (above left) works for the Department of Corrections and serves in the Kansas National Guard. Deputy Paul Scarpitta (above right) works for the Sheriff's Office in the detention facility. Scarpitta helped subdue an inmate after the man threw scalding hot water on the deputy.
As a Hometown Hero, each man won a personalized baseball jersey and four tickets to a Wind Surge game, where a video about them played on the big screen. You can watch the videos at Hometown Hero | kake.com.
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Sedgwick County recognizes World Facilities Management Day
In honor of World Facilities Management Day on May 14, Sedgwick County created this short video to show all the ways our Facilities team keeps more than 50 buildings and its systems running smoothly and efficiently!
| | Out and About with Commissioners: | | Commissioners recently attended the Greater Wichita Partnership’s (GWP) 10-year anniversary event, celebrating a decade of progress. The event highlighted the Partnership’s achievements, including over $3.5 billion in investments and 14,000+ jobs created. | | Family, friends, and co-workers gathered to celebrate Julie Stimson, Director of Sedgwick County Emergency Management, who won the 2025 Excellence in Public Service Award. She accepted a plaque and check from the DeVore Foundation, which sponsors this annual award. | | During National Public Works Week May 18-24, Sedgwick County rewarded its dedicated Public Works staff with a special lunch and fun prizes. We are grateful for their hard work behind the scenes that makes a big impact in our daily lives! | | At the bi-monthly Sedgwick County Association of Cities (SCAC) meeting in Park City, Representative Sandy Pickert, who is Vice Chair of the South-Central Kansas Delegation, gave a legislative update. Commissioner Howell also briefed local leaders on Sedgwick County issues and new developments. | | Sedgwick County offices will close on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Emergency services will be available by dialing or texting 911. | |
Show your support with a zoo license plate!
You can now take your Sedgwick County Zoo pride on the road with an all-new specialty license plate. It's a great way to support SCZ and its mission. For each tag that’s registered, an annual $50 goes towards the zoo's conservation efforts. Learn more at Zoo Plate Pride – Sedgwick County Zoo.
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