Wichita City Council approves budget with first property tax rate cut in decades

Property owners in Wichita will see their first city mill levy reduction in decades after the city council approved the 2026 budget Tuesday.

Amid calls for tax relief from property owners, the budget was created using a half mill reduction. That equates to $5.75 in savings for every $100,000 in appraised value.

“I believe that we’re called from this bench to deliver essential services efficiently, spend responsibly and build public trust,” council member Dalton Glasscock said. “I believe this budget does just that.”

The city’s budget grew to $776 million, up from $763 million last year, which the city said is largely due to rising staff wages and benefits.

The approved budget includes funding for 42 positions in the fire department that had been funded by the federal SAFER grant. The $3,988,166 will now come from general funds.

“Where you allocate your time and treasure is a reflection of your values,” council member Becky Tuttle said. “I think that this budget is a true reflection of the city of Wichita and what we think the community wants us to do.”

Despite the mill levy reduction, very few property owners are likely to see a decrease in their taxes as appraised values continue to climb.

The city is now projecting budget deficits for 2028 and 2029; it had projected deficits earlier but increased revenue based on climbing property valuations helped push the deficits into the future.

Wichita Mayor Lily Wu was the only vote against approving the budget, citing projected upcoming budget deficits. She also voted against approving the budget last year.

“I want to make sure that we are always cognizant that there are not unlimited dollars that we can collect from taxpayers,” Wu said.