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Finney County officials ask Senate committee to let voters decide half‑percent sales tax for jail and law enforcement center
Summary
Supporters told the Kansas Senate Tax Committee that House Bill 2275 would let Finney County voters decide a 0.5% countywide retailer sales tax to fund a new jail and remodel a law enforcement center. Backers said the projects are a regional necessity; proponents asked for the question to go on the November ballot. Opponents were not recorded in
House Bill 2275 would authorize Finney County to place before its voters a countywide retailer sales tax of one-half percent, with revenues pledged to finance construction or remodeling of a courthouse, jail, law enforcement center or other county administrative facility, committee staff said.
Representative Fishney, a former Finney County commissioner, told the Kansas Senate Tax Committee he was asking the legislature to permit the county’s voters to decide the question; passage would not itself impose the tax. "This is not a request for a sales tax but a request to vote, to allow our voters to vote on a sales tax," Fishney said. He said the county has been planning the project for more than a year and estimated the cost at about $60 million.
Senator Clifford described a tour of the county law enforcement center and relayed testimony from county officials about building problems, including leaking ceilings, plumbing issues and evidence-room concerns. Commissioner Gerald Schultz, appearing by WebEx, said the request was a need, not a want, and asked the committee to send the bill to the full Senate so voters can decide the project in November. Fishney and Schultz both said the county would not use a special election but would seek placement on the regular November ballot.
Amelia, committee staff, noted the bill passed the Kansas House on Feb. 20, 2025, on a vote of 118 to 4. Committee members asked clarifying questions about timing and project scope; supporters said the proposed sales tax would sunset when the pledged projects were completed.
No opponents testified in person; the committee closed the hearing on HB 2275 after noting written proponent testimony and stating there was no additional in-person opposition.
