Voters in this Sedgwick County community say yes to one-cent sales tax

Voters in Maize overwhelmingly approved a one-cent sales tax Tuesday.

The unofficial vote was 241 to 124.

The sales tax is to take effect Jan. 1 and last until 2036. It will add to existing state and county sales taxes — 6.5% from Kansas and 1% from Sedgwick County — for a total tax of 8.5% on purchases of goods or services in the city of Maize.

Maize joins Haysville, Derby and Park City, all of which already have their own 1% taxes.

The city plans to use 85% of the revenue to maintain and improve roads and sidewalks, and for related drainage projects. The other 15% will be used to lower the property tax rate, though how it would affect property’ owners taxes also depends on how appraisal values change.

City manager Nick Gregory said the city estimates the tax would raise over $670,000 a year, at least $6.7 million over the decade.