Voters in this Wichita suburb have a tax referendum on the ballot. Here’s what it means
While Wichita residents will vote Tuesday on which mayoral candidates will move forward to the General Election, as well as an at-large school board seat and a city council spot, Park City voters have a sales tax referendum on the primary ballot.
Polls are open in Sedgwick County from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and you must have your photo ID with you to vote.
Those who live in Park City limits will get to vote on whether to increase the local sales tax by 1%.
The language on the ballot reads, “Shall the City of Park City, Kansas, be authorized to impose a one percent (1%) Citywide retailers’ sales tax, the revenue from which will be used for the purposes of providing mill levy support and paying the costs of public improvements of the City, including payment of debt service on financing issued for such purposes, with the collection of such sales tax to commence on January 1, 2024, or as soon thereafter as permitted by law; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187 et seq., as amended?”
In response, voters can select “yes” or “no.”
Park City’s website said the increase would amount to an additional roughly $2.47 per month for each household
The referendum will not raise the property tax rate, and it will not be applied to sales of prescription drugs, medical devices or food for the elderly or homebound, according to the city’s website.
According to Mayor John Lehnherr, if the referendum passes to add a 1% local sales tax, it would bring the overall sales tax rate in Park City to 8.5%, which would match many cities in the county, he said.
“Should it pass, we will be seeking additional community input on the best ways the new revenue can be used including property tax relief, economic development and job growth, and maintaining city services like roads, parks, and police services,” Park City Mayor John Lehnherr said in a statement published to the city’s tax referendum page.
On the site, Park City officials contend the additional revenue will be paid mainly by visitors, with only 12% coming from shoppers who live in the Park City area.
Where to vote in Park City
Park City has two polling places, city hall and Word of Life Church in Wichita. You can visit the Kansas Secretary of State’s website to view which one is your polling place.
If you voted by mail, you can drop off your advance ballot in any of the county’s drop boxes before polls close. You can also send your ballot to the Sedgwick County election office, but it has to be postmarked by Election Day and received by Friday to be counted.
To find more information on Tuesday’s election, visit the Wichita Eagle’s voting guide.
This story was originally published August 1, 2023 at 10:38 AM.
