Dodge City residents to vote on various tax initiatives

Dodge City, Kan (WesternKansasNews.Com) — On November 8, 2022, Dodge City voters will have the opportunity to consider a one-halfpercent, or 0.50% retail sales tax increase on the ballot.The City of Dodge City Commission approved Resolution No. 2022-30 at the August 15 meeting. This resolutionauthorized the question to be submitted to the Ford County Election Clerk and be placed on the 2022 electionballot for citizens to vote on.

This special dedicated sales tax can only be used to provide City of Dodge City property tax relief (4 mills in 2024), costs of street improvements and associated utilities. Associated utilities refer to water and sewer lines, most of which are 50 to 100+ years old and located within the streets to be reconstructed and repaired.

If approved, the Sales Tax will generate approximately $3.5 million dollars a year to be used to reduce property tax and for street improvements.  Collections of the additional sales tax increment would begin in April 2023and the City will begin applying the funds to meet the committed community street infrastructure needs as early as late 2023. 

“We continue to hear our residents ask for street improvements more than anything else,” said Mayor Kent Smoll. “Passing a street sales tax, fixes streets while providing critical property tax relief for our citizens.”

“This is why the City is committing to spend a significant portion of the new revenue on residential streets alone, increasing street funding from a few hundred thousand dollars to over $2 million annually,” said Vice Mayor Michael Burns. Also, the current City Commission is committed to lowering the mill levy 4 additional mills in 2024 if the sales tax passes.”

The ballot question limits the use of the increased sales tax to the items mentioned above. A Town Hall session to answer questions and provide information on the proposed Property Tax Relief (4 mills in 2024)and Street Sales Tax Initiative will be held on October 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers/City Court located at 806 N. 2nd Avenue. 

More information on the Property Tax Relief and Street Sales Tax can be viewed at https://www.dodgecity.org/1023/Street-Sales-Tax-Initiative