Seward County Faces $5.9M Tax Appeal Payback Amid Stagnant Valuations

The Seward County Town Hall Meeting held on August 14, 2025, addressed significant financial challenges facing the county, particularly concerning property valuations and potential tax implications. The meeting highlighted the county's reliance on oil, gas, and agricultural valuations, which have remained stagnant over the past two decades. This stagnation has led to a flat mill levy and taxes, forcing the county to dip into reserves to maintain budgetary stability without raising property taxes.

A key point of discussion was the potential payback of $5,955,361.12 due to an ongoing Board of Tax Appeals case. This figure represents a worst-case scenario stemming from a taxpayer's protest of property values from 2018 to 2020, which remains unresolved. The uncertainty surrounding this case complicates budget planning for the county and other taxing entities, including local fire districts and schools.

The county has been awaiting a ruling from a district court in Sedgwick County, as the case was transferred due to a conflict of interest. The judge overseeing the case has requested an extension, delaying a final decision. This ruling is critical, as it will influence the county's budget, which must be certified by October 1. The county is currently preparing for the worst-case scenario, which includes a proposed mill levy increase of 21 mills to cover potential payback costs.

The meeting underscored the interconnectedness of the county's financial situation with various local entities, emphasizing that the outcome of the tax appeal case will have widespread implications for the community. As the county navigates these financial uncertainties, officials expressed the need for clarity to set a realistic budget moving forward.