During the recent City Commission meeting held on September 8, 2025, in Pittsburg, Kansas, residents voiced significant concerns regarding rising property taxes and the implications for the community, particularly for senior citizens. The meeting highlighted a growing frustration among citizens about the increasing financial burden of local taxes, which have reportedly risen by over 25% in the last five years.

One resident, Martin Dubslaugh, expressed his discontent, stating that the consistent annual tax increases—averaging over 5%—are becoming unsustainable for many families in the city. He emphasized the need for the commission to take action to lower taxes, arguing that the current trajectory is untenable for residents.

Another speaker, John Lair, pointed out that a substantial portion of Pittsburg's population is over 65 years old, many of whom rely on fixed incomes such as Social Security. Lair urged the commission to reconsider the budgetary priorities, suggesting that while there is a desire for more services and benefits, the community must also address the essential needs of its aging population. He called for a thorough review of the budget process, criticizing the tendency for department heads to inflate budget requests by 10% to 25% each year without sufficient scrutiny.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a broader concern about fiscal responsibility and the need for the city to balance growth and development with the financial realities faced by its residents. As the commission prepares to address these issues, the community is keenly watching for potential changes that could alleviate the tax burden and ensure a more equitable approach to budgeting and resource allocation. The next steps from the commission will be crucial in determining how these concerns will be addressed moving forward.