Finney County sales tax rate to change April 1

Garden City, KS(westernkansasnews.com) Sales tax rates in Finney County will increase effective Sunday, April 1.

In November 2017, voters in Finney County authorized a 0.30 percent sales tax to fund improvements to Jennie Barker Road, the construction of a third fire station, the construction of an indoor gun range and improvements at Lee Richardson Zoo.

The new combined sales tax rates in Finney County are as follows:
Finney County, unincorporated areas – 7.95%
Holcomb, inside city limits – 8.45%
Garden City, inside city limits – 8.95%
Garden City Stone Development – 9.95 %

The new tax will expire in 15 years. It is estimated to generate $2.15 million annually. The funds will be used to improve Jennie Barker Road between Schulman Avenue and K-56.

The tax will also fund the construction and staffing of a new fire station located on the east side of Garden City to meet increasing demand for emergency services. The indoor gun range funded by the tax will replace the current facility used by the Garden City Police Department, which is deteriorating and presents safety risks to the officers and public who use it.

Improvements at Lee Richardson Zoo include a new Animal Health Facility, a new primate exhibit, and a new flamingo exhibit. All three projects were recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for the well-being of the zoo’s animals and staff alike.