Riley County Treasurer advocates reallocating motor vehicle fees for county funding

The Kansas Senate Committee on Transportation meeting on February 11, 2025, spotlighted a pressing issue for county treasurers: the need for a reallocation of motor vehicle registration fees. Shiloh Hager, the Riley County Treasurer and legislative chair for the Kansas County Treasurer's Association, emphasized the critical nature of this discussion, highlighting that county treasurers have been grappling with funding challenges for years.

Hager pointed out that since the implementation of the movers system in 2012, responsibilities have shifted from the Department of Revenue to county treasurers, who now handle title approvals and other services without a corresponding increase in funding. The fees for vehicle registrations—75 cents per registration and $2 per title—have remained unchanged for over 40 years, despite rising operational costs. This stagnation has led to a significant financial burden on counties, with an estimated annual loss of $13 million that must be covered by local property taxes.

The treasurers are advocating for a reallocation of the existing fees, which currently favor the state’s Department of Transportation (KDOT). Hager urged the committee to consider whether these funds could be redirected to support county operations instead. The discussion reflects a broader concern about the sustainability of county funding and the reliance on property taxes to cover essential services.

As the committee continues to explore solutions, the outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for county treasurers and the financial health of local governments across Kansas.