Sedgwick County survey shows affordability worries; commissioners discuss county sales‑tax to offset property taxes

Sedgwick County staff on Dec. 16 reviewed preliminary results from a countywide community survey that found affordability and property taxes among residents’ top concerns while public safety remains the county’s strongest service.

Britney Bluthart of Walker told commissioners the online Qualtrics survey—open Nov. 6–Dec. 1 and promoted via 15,000 postcards, 75,000+ emails, 50,000 texts and other channels—returned 6,171 completed responses. "In total, we received 6,171 completed surveys, providing us with a strong dataset across districts and topic areas," Bluthart said.

The survey reported three headline findings: affordability under pressure (82% flagged affordability as a top concern), public safety rated very important and trusted by residents, and low trust and satisfaction for human services and mental‑health supports. Bluthart said residents expressed a preference for pairing sales‑tax measures with property‑tax relief and called for clearer communication about how tax dollars are spent.

The results prompted extended discussion of revenue options. "I would put this on the November ballot," said Mister Hart, outlining a proposal for a 0.25% county sales tax he said could be fully earmarked to reduce property taxes on discretionary items, fund cultural attractions such as the county zoo and Intrust Bank Arena, and sit in a rolling discretionary fund overseen by a voter‑appointed advisory board. Hart asked staff to pursue legislative authorization so the county could have the option of pursuing a ballot measure in November.

Commissioners emphasized avoiding public confusion with the City of Wichita’s sales‑tax conversations and sought legal clarity on timing and permitted increments for county ballot measures. Staff said they would research election‑timing constraints and noted that 0.25% increments are the standard unit for local sales‑tax measures.

Several commissioners and the Walker team urged more public education on how property‑tax calculations and mill levies work, noting that some residents see year‑to‑year increases without understanding assessment or multi‑jurisdiction tax drivers. Bluthart and staff recommended follow‑up engagement—a pulse survey every two years and a full survey every four—to track trends and the impact of communications and policy changes.

The county did not take any formal votes during the meeting. Staff said they would prepare legislative positioning and draft materials for the commission to consider at future meetings.

What’s next: staff will research election timing and legal constraints for a county sales tax, prepare legislative outreach materials and return with more detailed fiscal and implementation options for commissioners to consider.