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Atchison County commissioners adopt resolution to place dedicated 1% sales tax for EMS on Aug. 4, 2026 ballot
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution Nov. 25 to place a dedicated 1% countywide retailer sales tax on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot to fund countywide emergency medical services. If approved, the tax would begin Jan. 1, 2027 and expire 10 years later.
Speaker 1 (presiding official) read and the board adopted a resolution Nov. 25 to submit to Atchison County voters a question asking whether to impose a dedicated 1% countywide retailer sales tax to finance countywide emergency medical services (EMS).
The resolution calls for a special election on Aug. 4, 2026. The ballot question as read by Speaker 1 states: “Shall Atchison County, Kansas be authorized to impose a dedicated 1% countywide retailer sales tax with all revenues to be derived therefrom to be retained by Atchison County and the revenues therefrom be used exclusively for financing countywide emergency medical services, EMS, including rescue operations, pursuant to KSA 12‑1,187(b)(5), commencing on 01/01/2027 and expiring 10 years after commencement.” The board voted 3–0 to adopt the resolution; the item was recorded for adoption that same day (resolution number discussed as 1560).
Why it matters: County officials said they want voters to know the revenue would be dedicated to EMS so voters understand how the dollars would be used and how the plan compares with property‑tax changes. Commissioners and staff discussed preparing outreach materials that compare current budgets with a scenario that shifts EMS funding to a 1% sales tax so voters can see effects on mill levies and county budgets.
Discussion and edits: Before adoption, commissioners debated wording and clarity. Speaker 1 proposed adding the word “dedicated” to the ballot question to make it explicit that proceeds would be used exclusively for EMS, and suggested changing phrasing to read “retained by Atchison County” for clarity. Speaker 6 urged that outreach materials explain how a sales tax would differ from property tax changes and suggested framing the measure in part as property‑tax relief or equitable funding. Speaker 5 recommended using current fiscal‑year budget figures as a template to show voters the practical budget impact.
Legal and timing details: The resolution cites state law (KSA 12‑1,187(b)(5) and related KSA sections) authorizing a county to submit a retail sales‑tax question to voters and to pledge revenues for health services. If voters approve the measure, the resolution as read would have the tax commence Jan. 1, 2027 and sunset 10 years after commencement; the county election officer is responsible for certifying results and the county clerk for publishing required notices.
Next steps: County staff agreed to circulate the finalized ballot language and to develop outreach materials showing budget comparisons and anticipated impacts for residents. The board scheduled preliminary outreach planning ahead of the August 2026 election. The board adjourned the meeting into a workshop after completing business.
