Finney County commissioners adopt resolution to put half-cent sales tax for jail improvements on November ballot

Finney County commissioners voted to adopt a resolution placing a half-cent countywide sales tax question on the Nov. 4 general election ballot to finance construction, furnishing and renovation of the county jail and law enforcement center and to authorize bonds not to exceed $87,500,000.

The question, contained in Resolution 20-2025, asks whether the county should issue general obligation bonds up to $87,500,000, impose a one-half cent countywide retail sales tax to pay for project costs and debt service, and authorizes sales-tax collections to begin on or about April 1, 2026. The resolution states the tax shall terminate when all costs and bond repayments are paid.

The county’s interim administrator, Gary Meager, told commissioners that a multi-agency work group recommended building a new standalone jail to eliminate chronic flooding and to remodel the existing law enforcement center for staff workspace because the existing building’s mechanical, plumbing and utility systems — some in place for more than 40 years — have contributed to repeated water and sewage flooding in lower-level offices. Meager presented the resolution and recommended adopting it as written.

Commissioner Gherman, who said he had been involved in prior courthouse projects and described repeated flooding in evidence rooms below the jail, moved to adopt the resolution. He said the ground-level jail would remove a recurring risk to evidence and personnel and described the project as “very necessary.” The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote; no opposing votes were recorded.

County leaders said the county and city signed an interlocal agreement to create a sales tax oversight committee, modeled on the committee used after the county’s 2017 sales tax, to ensure tax revenues are used only for the project the voters approve. The resolution also authorizes temporary relocations related to construction and payment of issuance costs for any bonds.

The resolution cites K.S.A. 12-187a (as amended) as the statutory authority for calling the special election. Meager told the commission the work group included a private firm for needs assessments and an architectural firm that recommended a new jail and renovation of the sound existing structure.

No formal roll-call tally was recorded in the minutes; the chair called for “all in favor,” commissioners answered “aye,” and the chair declared the motion carried.

The county staff recommended the sales-tax question be presented to voters as one financing option; commissioners noted the alternative of using ad valorem (property) taxes. The commission’s action sends the sales tax question to the ballot for voter approval or rejection on Nov. 4.