Notes from Commissioner Howell:
A Fairer, More Objective Way to Value Property for Tax Purposes
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A few days ago, the Sedgwick County Commission once again discussed property tax reform in Kansas. Our commission has developed several promising ideas, and I hope we can package them into recommendations for our South-Central Kansas legislative delegation. As lawmakers consider reforms, they should seek input from county officials who administer the property tax system every day.
That discussion reminded me of an idea I’ve been thinking about for the past month.
One of the greatest frustrations with property taxes is the subjective nature of property appraisals. This is especially true for residential homes. Every year, thousands of Kansas homeowners challenge their valuations because they believe their homes have been overvalued. Whether they win or lose, many leave convinced the system is unfair because estimating what a home would sell for is ultimately a matter of professional judgment. Whenever judgment is involved, disagreements are inevitable.
That led me to think about California’s Proposition 13. To be clear, I am not suggesting Kansas adopt California’s system. Proposition 13 permanently limits annual increases in assessed value, which has created significant inequities between longtime homeowners and those who purchased recently. Any Kansas proposal would need to avoid those unintended consequences.
However, there is one aspect of that system that deserves serious consideration because it replaces something subjective with something objective: the starting point for valuation.
Instead of beginning with an appraiser’s opinion of market value, what if we began with something we know to be true—the actual purchase price? After all, a property’s sale price is the amount a willing buyer and a willing seller voluntarily agreed upon in an open market.
From that point forward, the property’s taxable value could simply be adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rather than requiring a new estimate of market value every year. For example, suppose someone purchased a home in 2016 for $200,000. Under today’s system, that home might now be appraised at $300,000, but if its value simply tracked inflation using CPI, its taxable value today would be approximately $277,500.
Would that equal today’s market value? Probably not. But perhaps that’s asking the wrong question.
The purpose of the appraisal system is not to predict what every home would sell for tomorrow. Its purpose is to fairly distribute the tax levy among property owners. If every owner is subject to the same objective formula, everyone shares the tax burden according to the same transparent rules rather than relying on thousands of individual opinions about market value.
Of course, such a system would require safeguards. Significant home additions, remodels or improvements would need to trigger a new appraisal. Protections would also be necessary to discourage artificially low sales prices between related parties or other attempts to manipulate taxable values. Restricting this approach to owner-occupied homes, similar to Florida’s homestead system, might also deserve consideration.
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I don’t know whether this is the right answer, but I do believe it is an idea worth studying. I also recognize that many people are advocating for eliminating property taxes altogether. That discussion isn’t limited to Kansas; it is taking place across the country. If property taxes disappeared, however, the revenue would almost certainly have to be replaced through higher income taxes, higher sales taxes or significant reductions in government services. There are really only two choices: shift the tax burden somewhere else or reduce spending.
Personally, I believe reducing government spending should always remain part of the conversation. Every dollar government spends must first come from taxpayers, and we owe it to them to provide only those services that are truly demanded, expected or legally required - and to provide those services as efficiently as possible.
There is no perfect tax system. Families are struggling in today’s economy, and every form of taxation places a burden on them. But while we continue working to keep government spending—and therefore, taxes—as low as possible, we should also strive to make whatever tax system remains as objective, transparent, predictable and fair as possible.
At the end of the day, much of the frustration surrounding property taxes isn’t simply about paying taxes. It’s about the perception that the underlying valuation process is subjective, inconsistent and sometimes arbitrary. When people don’t understand how their home’s value was determined - or believe it depends too heavily on human judgment - they naturally lose confidence in the system.
That’s why I find this idea intriguing. Perhaps moving from subjective estimates of market value toward a more objective, formula-based approach could improve both fairness and public confidence. I’m not advocating this proposal today. I’m simply asking whether it’s worth exploring.
What do YOU think?
| | 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. | | Upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | | |
Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, July 13, 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, July 21, 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, July 31, 7-9 a.m.
- Calvary Baptist Church, Gymnasium. Enter at the glass doors on east side at 1636 E. Patriot, Derby 67037
| | City and County to hold En Banc Meeting June 30 | | |
Sedgwick County Commissioners and the Wichita City Council will hold an En Banc Meeting on Tuesday, June 30, to discuss several topics that affect our community, including The Pinnacle First Responder Health & Wellness Center, the local law school need & homelessness.
You're invited to attend in-person at 9 a.m. at Wichita City Hall, 455 N. Main St., or watch the livestream on the City of Wichita YouTube channel. Learn more about the meeting agenda in this video.
| | Never miss a City, County or School District meeting again! | | |
It's now easier than EVER to stay connected in your community and engage with local leaders. We have created a place that provides access to all available meetings for municipalities and school districts in Sedgwick County. It includes the meeting frequency, days and times, and links to the site if the meeting is streamed. Click Sedgwick County meetings to check it out!
| | Feedback from the 2027 Budget Simulator | | |
In May, Sedgwick County invited citizens to fill out the 2027 Budget Simulator and tell us what services they want to prioritize next year. Using the interactive tool, residents shared what matters most to them, choosing whether to increase, decrease or maintain funding levels for County departments and services.
The results of are now in! Wichita State University Professor Dr. David Guo gave a presentation to Sedgwick County Commissioners, explaining what the feedback means. Watch the video on our website at 2027 Budget Simulator results.
The simulator is part of Sedgwick County’s ongoing commitment to transparency and public engagement. The feedback collected will help influence development of the County’s 2027 budget.
| | Fireworks sales and safety reminders | | |
With fireworks sales already underway in Sedgwick County, Fire District 1 reminds residents that each municipality determines its own rules when fireworks can be discharged and what kinds are allowed. Residents are encouraged to buy fireworks where they plan to discharge them. Visit 2026 Firework Sales and Discharge Dates | Sedgwick County, Kansas for a list of cities and dates to legally buy and shoot fireworks, or check with the municipality for specific fireworks regulations.
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Sedgwick County Emergency Communications will also have a non-emergency phone line available around the holiday. This line is designed to take calls that do not involve a threat to life or property and allows 911 dispatchers to focus on emergencies.
CALL: 316-290-1011
DATES: Now through Sunday, July 5
TIMES: 6 p.m.-3 a.m.
WHEN TO CALL: Nuisances such as fireworks, parties and excess noise.
| | Emergency services are available by calling or texting 911. | | Turn Around - Don't Drown! | | |
Sedgwick County is soggy from all the rain we've received the last few weeks, so it's important to remember that floods kill more Americans each year than any other severe weather event.
If you see running water across a roadway, don't drive through it! Turn around and take a different route. Not only will this protect you and your loved ones, but it will save your vehicle from damage like this:
- Engine Damage: Water entering the engine intake causes immediate stalling and severe internal engine damage (hydrolock).
- Electrical Failure: Deep water can short-circuit crucial vehicle computers and electrical components.
- Loss of Control: Shallow water can make a vehicle buoyant, turning it into a boat with no steering control.
To learn more about severe weather safety, watch this video and visit Sedgwick County Emergency Management's website.
| | Insurance help available for storm damage claims | | |
Are you having issues submitting an insurance claim after the recent storms? The Kansas Department of Insurance is ready to assist you!
If you have any questions or problems regarding your insurance coverage, call the state office at 1-800-432-2484 or visit their website at Kansas Dept. of Insurance.
| | Make Waves, Boat Safely with SCFD 1 | | Headed to the lake for the holiday weekend? Before the fun begins, watch this video from Sedgwick County Fire District 1 to learn how to keep your crew safe all summer long. | | Fun, Friends and New Adventures at LAW Camp | | Another action-packed LAW (Leaders, Achievers and Winners) Camp is in the books! Organized by volunteers from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, Fire District 1, the Wichita Police Department and McConnell Air Force Base, this free event gave campers, ages 10-14, a chance to kayak, fish, play games and take part in K-9 demonstrations and defensive tactics. The kids also made strong connections with local law enforcement and first responders and gained self-esteem, leadership and teamwork skills along the way! | | Sheriff's Office welcomes new Detention Deputies | | The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the graduation of Detention Academy Class 2 of 2026 during a commencement ceremony earlier this month. Five new detention deputies were recognized for successfully completing 10 weeks of intensive training. The newly sworn deputies will now enter field training, where they will work alongside experienced staff within the detention facility. Congratulations! | | New Hire Academy begins for EMS Recruits | | Sedgwick County EMS kicked of its New Hire Academy in June. Over a seven-week period, recruits will learn the skills they need to serve our community. Check out the video to see how they practiced moving patients safely and comfortably through a variety of methods. | | Sedgwick County Finance earns prestigious distinction | |
The Sedgwick County Division of Finance has earned the Triple Crown award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the fiscal year ending 2024.
The award recognizes local governments that received GFOA’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award and Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for a fiscal year. Sedgwick County is one of just 441 governments to achieve this special recognition out of 35,000 members, marking a significant achievement. Only 0.004% of local governments in North America earn the Triple Crown. Kudos to our Finance team!
| Protect your family and pets from ticks | Everyone loves summer, right? That includes ticks! June through August is peak season for ticks in Kansas, so you, your family and pets need protection against the diseases these parasites carry. Watch this video from Sedgwick County Parks and the Health Department to learn the best ways to avoid ticks. | | Sign up now for 2026 Fatherhood Summit | | |
Registration is now open for The Power of Presence: 2026 Fatherhood Summit, happening July 10–11. This no-cost event is open to everyone and will feature inspiring speakers, meaningful conversations, and practical tools for strengthening families and communities.
- Free to attend
- Meals provided
- Open to all
Reserve your spot today and discover the power of presence. Learn more at www.schd.online/Fatherhood-Summit.
| | Out and About with Commissioners | | Commissioners and other county leaders had a flipping good time serving breakfast at Hotcakes for Hopecare. Proceeds go directly to GraceMed Health Clinic to support uninsured adults and children. | | Look who showed up at Jim Howell's Coffee at the Grill event in Mulvane! Former Commissioner Ben Sciortino served Sedgwick County from 2003-2007 and is still engaged in his community! | | Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
