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City reviews quarter of half-cent sales tax; public-safety and parks projects highlighted
Summary
City staff reported on the half-cent sales tax collections and spending since 2018, noting collections have outperformed projections and outlining completed and continuing capital projects in public safety, streets and parks categories.
City staff presented the quarterly report on the half-cent sales tax approved by Shawnee voters in June 2018 and allocated for capital improvements, and commissioners discussed recent investments and remaining projects.
Assistant City Manager (presenting) summarized the history: the half-cent tax took effect Oct. 1, 2018, and is set to expire Sept. 30, 2028. The tax is allocated 25% to public safety, 25% to streets and roads, and 50% to parks and public facilities.
Staff reported total collections since inception and noted investments to date: collections have exceeded original projections, and the city previously used loans to accelerate early project delivery. In fiscal years 2024 and 2025 the city spent roughly $3.8 million and $3.5 million, respectively, from the half-cent proceeds (staff provided those figures as part of the presentation).
Updates given in the presentation included: near-completion of Fire Station 3 (staff said a ribbon-cutting is expected within the next month or two), planning for a Station 1 remodel, and work to scope an upgraded fire training structure (staff said the original $300,000 estimate is insufficient and additional planning is required). On streets and roads the 45th Street project is approaching right-of-way acquisition completion and utility relocation. Parks investments highlighted included Kids' Space and Woodland Veteran park work and several Expo Center upgrades.
Staff emphasized progress in sidewalk and trail projects (Highland, Kickapoo and Independence among locations) and noted some projects lagged behind collections but that funds remain to complete outstanding items before the tax expires. No new appropriations or votes were taken during the presentation; staff asked for questions and discussion.
Commissioners praised the city’s approach to sequencing projects and discussed tradeoffs between borrowing to start projects sooner versus waiting to collect funds to avoid interest expense.
