Atchison County Commission has approved a property tax mill levy of 59.201, a reduction from the initially proposed 68.951, following a thorough review of budget requests from elected officials and department heads. This decision, made during the meeting on September 21, 2025, will result in approximately $14.8 million in ad valorem taxes, down from a requested $16.6 million.

The commission's adjustments came after a public hearing where community feedback was taken into account. In response, the commission identified areas for budget cuts, particularly in personnel expenses and capital outlay for vehicles and equipment. Some planned expenditures for road reconstruction and bridge projects have been deferred to better align with available funding sources.

The commission also addressed appropriations for 2026, initially estimated at nearly $600,000, which were successfully reduced to $366,000 through extensive discussions. This strategic decision-making led to an overall decrease of nearly 10 mills, translating to a reduction of about $2.2 million in the tax levy compared to the original proposal.

As a result, the new mill levy reflects a 7.33% increase from the previous year’s rate of 54.861, indicating a modest rise in funding needs while still prioritizing fiscal responsibility. The commission's efforts to balance community needs with budgetary constraints demonstrate a commitment to prudent financial management in Atchison County.