Commission approves revised transient-guest tax charter resolution; discussion includes sports-complex funding language

The Geary County Commission voted to approve a revised charter resolution updating transient-guest tax collection language to conform with guidance from the Kansas Department of Revenue, county staff said.

Betsy, who presented the item, said rates and amounts remain the same as the county’s July 7, 2025 charter resolution but the Department of Revenue preferred a different collection format. "They ... preliminarily said that this is an acceptable format for the resolution," Betsy said, and staff will publish the resolution twice and wait 61 days before submitting it to the department so taxpayers can challenge it if they wish.

A point of discussion among commissioners centered on the resolution’s treatment of an added 1% earmarked for a sports complex. One commissioner asked whether the 1% could be used to fund a feasibility study; staff said the language would allow using collected funds for feasibility work if a sports complex proved unworkable. Commissioners agreed that further local work on feasibility and potential task-force formation would be appropriate.

Motion and outcome: a commissioner moved "that we accept the charter resolution 02022026" and the motion was seconded; the commission approved the resolution by voice vote. The staff presentation advised that, if the resolution is published and no successful challenge is filed during the waiting period, collections could begin as early as July 1.

Why it matters: the resolution does not change tax rates but clarifies collection mechanics and preserves the county’s option to direct funds toward a sports complex or related studies; it also starts the statutory publishing and challenge period required by state guidance.