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County compares peer counties: assessed valuation, mill levies and 'pull factor' explain lower per-mill revenue
Summary
Finance staff presented side-by-side comparisons with similar Kansas counties, showing Bourbon County has a low assessed valuation per mill, limited pull factor and fewer commercial/utility assessments — factors that constrain tax revenue despite similar mill levies.
County finance staff compared Bourbon County's assessed valuation and levy structure against peer counties and told commissioners those comparisons help explain why the county collects less per mill than some neighbors.
The presenter said she used a Kansas government journal and state property valuation reports to pull comparable counties by population and assessed valuation. "We're a poor county," she said, noting Bourbon County ranks low on assessed valuation while ranking higher in population among the comparables.
The presenter showed examples: "Pratt County only got 9,000 people and their property tax generated is almost $12,000,000 a year," then contrasted Marion County's per-mill yield. She told commissioners to note the difference between the county's mill levy (the county portion only) and the full tax bill residents receive, which also includes school, city and college levies.
Staff used the term "pull factor" to describe how much local income is spent in the county. The presenter said Bourbon County's pull factor is about 79% — meaning a smaller share of residents' spending occurs inside county borders — while a county such as Allen had a pull factor above 100% because it draws shoppers from surrounding areas.
Why it matters: assessed valuation, industrial or utility assessments, colleges and commercial activity determine how many dollars a mill produces; counties with higher assessed valuations or with major utilities or industry collect more revenue at the same mill rate.
Ending: Staff offered to bring more detailed PVD (property valuation division) reports and budget comparisons to a future meeting so commissioners could see where mill dollars go and to help them explain levy choices to constituents.
