Note from Commissioner Howell:
The Real Property Tax Problem - Spending, Not Just Appraisals
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People are angrier about taxes - especially property taxes - than I have ever seen before. We are all feeling fiscally overburdened, and taxpayers often don’t know where their tax dollars go. I understand the frustration.
The question is: how do we fix the problem? The Kansas Legislature has proposed capping appraisal spikes by limiting annual growth to 3% or by calculating a rolling average on appraisals. Both approaches attempt to address the appraisal system, which determines property values to fairly apportion the tax levy.
At its core, the system is meant to distribute the tax burden based on demonstrated wealth, using fair market value as a measure. It’s understandable that rapid spikes in property values make people question the appraisal process. The truth is, approximately 1/8 of homes are overvalued while 7/8 are undervalued. Those with overvalued homes pay a disproportionately high share of taxes. Instead of addressing this imbalance, legislative efforts focus on capping or smoothing out appraisals, which can shift the tax burden in unintended ways. The real issue is appraisal accuracy; yet because property valuation is inherently subjective, errors are inevitable. The best solution would be to improve the appraisal system itself, making it more precise and equitable.
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Beyond appraisals, the broader concern should be the efficiency of government spending. Property taxes fund essential services, and in Sedgwick County, much of our budget is mandated and non-discretionary. While I support reducing spending, cutting services is easier said than done. I can count on one hand the services people suggest we eliminate; yet I would need both hands and feet twice over to list the new spending requests we receive. There is a strong public demand for more services, but financial realities force us to say "no" most of the time.
Ultimately, there is no magic solution. Without a “money tree” or the ability to print money like the federal government, we must balance the budget through responsible spending and fair taxation.
People need to understand that property taxes fund multiple jurisdictions, not just the county. In my own case, I pay into nine different jurisdictions; yet Sedgwick County takes the brunt of the blame simply because the bill comes in a county envelope.
The frustration with property taxes is real and justified, but real tax relief won’t come from simply adjusting appraisals. It requires tackling inefficiencies in government spending. That is the real challenge ahead.
| | 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, April 14, 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, April 15, 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, April 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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Sedgwick County bans most open burning in April
During the month of April, many counties in Kansas - including Sedgwick County - have burn bans in place. Watch the video above to find out why the ban exists and what that means for Sedgwick County residents.
With this spring’s dry, windy conditions elevating the fire risk in our region, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 demonstrates some preventive measures in the video below that residents can take to protect their property from the threat of wildfires. For more information, visit https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/fire.
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Advance voting is underway in USD 261 & 263 bond elections
Registered voters who live in USD 261 (Haysville) and USD 263 (Mulvane) can now cast a ballot in bond elections to decide whether to approve funding for school improvements. Advance ballots started mailing March 19, and early in-person voting begins April 1 at the Sedgwick County Election Office, 510 N. Main St., Suite 101. Polls will be open on Election Day, April 8, from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. To see a sample ballot or check your polling place, visit Special Election Information | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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Health Department plans measles vaccination clinic
Even though Sedgwick County has NO reported cases of measles at this time, the Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) is responding proactively to a measles outbreak in other parts of Kansas and the nation. As part of its Healthy Babies Community Baby Shower already planned for Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., staff will provide a walk-in Measles (MMR) Vaccination Clinic at 1900 E. 9th St. No appointment is necessary, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to residents. Adults should bring identification, vaccination records and insurance information, if applicable. Visit Measles Vaccination Clinic | Sedgwick County, Kansas for more information.
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Deadline to apply for 2025 Homestead Refunds is April 15
If you are a senior, veteran, low-income or disabled homeowner, time is running out for you to apply for a significant property tax refund through the Kansas Department of Revenue's Homestead Refund program. Contact the Sedgwick County Clerk's Office for free help determining if you are eligible and filing the forms. For more information, watch the video below and visit Homestead Refunds | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
| | Commissioner testifies at Kansas Statehouse | | |
As the 2025 legislative session winds down at the Kansas Statehouse, Sedgwick County continues to track several bills that could affect residents in this region. Commissioner Jim Howell has made several trips to Topeka to testify on numerous tax bills in both the Kansas House and Senate. He is advocating for new laws that could offer some property tax relief to citizens who feel financially fatigued and want reform to the system.
Sedgwick County is also lobbying for better housing options for juvenile corrections, as they try to help troubled youth get back on a positive track. Commissioner Howell spent several days this winter at the state capitol, testifying for Juvenile Justice House Bill 2329. Sedgwick County leaders and community partners came together to draft this critical legislation that passed the Kansas House, by a vote of 106 to 16. The bill is working its way through the Senate now, so we'll soon know its fate. Legislative advocacy like this is an integral part of the commission's work because it has such a powerful impact on the services Sedgwick County can offer back here at home.
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Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office in the spotlight
The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office is proud to partner with the Wichita Police Department and Wesley Children's Hospital to provide free gun locks to residents - no identification required, and no questions asked. To get one, simply stop by the jail lobby, any WPD station or ask a deputy on patrol.
Also in March, the Wichita Metro Crime Commission named Deputy Nathaniel Trout "Officer of the Year" (below on left with Sheriff Jeff Easter) at its 71st Annual Awards Dinner. Deputy Jamie Converse (below on right) was honored as "Willard Garvey Crime Prevention Officer of the Year."
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Dispose of old tires at free event April 10-12, 2025
Sedgwick County residents can get rid of old tires at a three-day collection event hosted by Environmental Resources at its West Yard, 4701 S. West St., April 10-12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Each load is limited to 50 tires, and no tires will be accepted from businesses.
Environmental Resources is also preparing to unveil its newly expanded Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility at 801 Stillwell, after months of construction. The photos below show the final stages of work in progress. Fittingly, the grand opening will be on Earth Day - April 22 at 10 a.m.! The public is invited to check out the new space, including a bigger Swap and Shop, to see firsthand how our staff will be able to offer improved services. To learn more, visit Environmental Resources | Sedgwick County, Kansas.
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American Legion honors Sedgwick County EMS, firefighters
Congratulations to EMS Col. Shannon Reed, who was named "Paramedic of the Year" by American Legion Post #408. The veterans group also honored Paramedic Jacob Oswald, Lt. Paramedics Matthew Pike and Jewel Yoder, Lt. Firefighter/EMT Arlan Spexarth, and Firefighter/EMTs Brian Allen and Stephanie Swope for rescuing a man with a spinal cord injury last fall.
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Sedgwick County celebrates Women's History Month in March
In honor of Women's History Month, some Sedgwick County leaders reflect on their careers in public service and the role models who inspired them. Watch the video below to hear their stories.
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Emergency Management coordinates emergency exercise
Sedgwick County first responders participated in an active shooter exercise at Century II, hosted by Emergency Management and supported by FEMA. The scenario simulated an emergency response involving local law enforcement, fire departments, medical teams and the media working together to secure the scene, provide medical care, inform the public and ensure the safety of everyone involved. This training helps responders prepare for real-life emergencies to protect and assist our community.
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Sedgwick County wins IT Innovation Award
Congratulations to Sedgwick County Information Technology (IT) for receiving the 2025 Wichita Business Journal (WBJ) Innovation Award for the Community Dashboard they created on our website, Sedgwick County Community Dashboard | Sedgwick County, Kansas. These annual awards recognize individuals, teams and companies that have developed innovative solutions in the workplace.
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Derby celebrates the arts with 3rd Thursday fun
Head to the City of Derby on the third Thursday of April (April 18) to enjoy free entertainment at Madison Avenue Park, 512 E. Madison Ave., from 5-8 p.m. The Derby Children's Theater, Field Station: Dinosaurs and musician Molly Neeley will perform, while several food trucks sell delicious snacks and drinks. Children can enjoy crafts, face-painting and balloon animals and check out a book from the BookBike mobile library! Other activities, including art displays, will be at participating locations around Derby. More information is available at Third Thursday | Derby, KS - Official Website.
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