Note from Commissioner Howell:
Media Misinformation May Kill Tax Relief
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In today’s media landscape, complex issues often get reduced to sound bites or skewed interpretations, stirring up unnecessary opposition. A clear example of this is the discussion surrounding a new proposed sales tax aimed at reducing property taxes in Sedgwick County. If this idea were to go forward, it would require legislative action and a vote of county electors. Unfortunately, rather than presenting the full context of the benefits, the media tends to focus on opposition, distorting facts and fostering resistance.
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The core issue is simple: 100% of new sales tax would be dedicated to lowering property taxes, dollar for dollar. Property taxes have increasingly become a burden on homeowners, especially in a housing market where many are already stretched thin. By proposing this sales tax, Sedgwick County could significantly reduce dependency on property taxes, providing immediate relief to homeowners who are shouldering too much of the financial load. The current 1% countywide sales tax is currently reducing the mill levy by 24-mills in Wichita and more than that in Derby. If you support this significant existing property tax relief, why not go a little further in that direction?
What the media often overlooks is that approximately 30% of the new revenue generated by this sales tax would come from visitors, not residents. This means that local taxpayers would not bear the full brunt of the tax. Instead, people passing through or visiting Sedgwick County contribute a significant portion, sharing the burden more equitably.
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Additionally, this new sales tax, if it would become law, would come with a built-in safeguard—a five-year sunset clause. This sunset provision provides assurance to those concerned about long-term tax increases. Yet, media reports often fail to emphasize this crucial aspect, which could alleviate much of the opposition.
By framing the sales tax as a burden, without acknowledging its benefits or the protection offered by the sunset clause, the media fuels unnecessary controversy. The truth is that this initiative offers a balanced approach to addressing an overburdened property tax system, especially in a county where the housing market is already strained.
In the end, sales tax could be part of a sensible solution to alleviate property tax pressure in Sedgwick County, and the built-in sunset provision ensures that residents aren’t snookered into growing government. By stirring up opposition without presenting the full context, the media is killing the idea before anyone understands the proposal.
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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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Learn about issues affecting your community!
You are invited to attend the next District 5 Citizens Advisory Board meeting on Friday, Oct. 4, from 4-6 p.m. at the Oaklawn Community Center.
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Other upcoming events with Commissioner Howell: | |
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Come and go informal discussion on Sedgwick County issues with Commissioner Howell. Coffee & soda provided.
- Monday, Oct. 14, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Range 54, 5725 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, 67218
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For October only, Commissioner Howell will hold this informal discussion on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Coffee & soda provided.
- Tuesday, Oct. 22, 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, Oct. 25, 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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Voters urged to register by Oct. 15 deadline for General Election
Now's the time to get registered to vote! The Sedgwick County Election Office visited USD 265 at Goddard High School to guide students through the voting registration process. If you're over 18, you have until Tuesday, Oct. 15, to register for the 2024 General Election. If you've moved, changed your name, or want to switch party affiliation, you need to update your voter information on file. Register online, by mail, or in-person at the Sedgwick County Election Office, 510 N. Main St., Suite 101. To learn more, watch the video below or visit www.sedgwickcounty.org/elections/.
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Work begins to expand Household Hazardous Waste Facility
The Swap & Shop inside Sedgwick County's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility at 801 Stillwell is temporarily closed until at least December 2024. Construction began Sept. 17 to double the size of the HHW Facility and to add parking on the east side. The $1.9 million expansion will provide more room for staff to store and sort hazardous waste, offer tours and field trips, and add a children's area to the Swap & Shop.
Throughout construction, customers can continue to drop off hazardous materials at HHW. Signs and orange cones will direct traffic to the south gate entrance ONLY. Here is a map of the traffic flow. To learn more and to watch for construction updates, visit https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/.../household-hazardous-waste-facility/.
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IT Professionals honored for critical role in Sedgwick County
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Sept. 17 was IT Professionals Day - two great opportunities to recognize and appreciate the important work done, often behind the scenes, by Information Technology experts in Sedgwick County's public and private sectors. Watch the video above to learn more about the team that keeps 46 County departments running smoothly in this digital world.
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Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Latino culture
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, several Sedgwick County employees shared their stories for the video above.
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EMS crews "deliver" good news for two families in crisis | |
September was a busy and exciting month, as Sedgwick County EMS crews celebrated two success stories with local families. Paramedic Joseph Benchama and EMT Cynthia Arzola (right) earned stork coins for helping to deliver a healthy baby girl who just wouldn't wait for the hospital!
Paramedics also resuscitated cardiac arrest patient, Jeff Flora (below), back in July, and now that he's fully recovered, the 62-year-old wanted to meet and personally thank the first responders who saved his life. EMS delivered lifesaving medications and used the defibrillator on him six times to regain his pulse. Flora was taken to the hospital where doctors put a stent in his heart, and he went home two weeks later!
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Sedgwick County firefighters complete 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
In remembrance of the 343 New York City firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001, 21 Sedgwick County firefighters joined crews from across Kansas for the Wichita 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at the Epic Center. They walked up 110 stories of stairs - the same height as the Twin Towers destroyed in the terrorist attack. The video below shows how each firefighter in the stair climb carried a picture of a fallen comrade with them and rang a bell at the end in their honor.
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Volunteers clean up Sedgwick County Park
In honor of National CleanUp Day on Sept. 21, about two dozen volunteers spent the morning at Sedgwick County Park, picking up trash and tree limbs and painting open shelters. Pitching in for the park like this helps keep it in good condition for nearly a million visitors each year!
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Sheriff demonstrates how to help fentanyl overdose victims
Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter continues to work to educate citizens about the dangers of fentanyl and how to help someone overdosing on the lethal drug. Watch the video above to learn the signs of an overdose and how to administer Narcan. More information and resources are also available at Drug Misuse | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Out and About with Commissioners | |
Congratulations on the 100th flight of the Kansas Honor Flight! Sedgwick County Commissioners and Kansas Governor Laura Kelly greeted the veterans after their trip to Washington D.C. to visit the war memorials inspired by their service. | |
Sedgwick County hosted the Central Plains Quad-County Planning Forum at INTRUST Bank Arena. Representatives from Sedgwick, Reno, Harvey and Butler Counties shared ideas and updates from their region. | |
Connect with Sedgwick County | | | | |
