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Swisher council sets March 4 special election for 1% local-option sales tax; ballot language designates 50% for property-tax relief
Summary
Council approved Resolutions 69 and 70 to place a 1% local-option sales tax on the March 4, 2025 special election ballot, with 50% required for property-tax relief and 50% for city purposes (public safety, parks, infrastructure, economic development).
The Swisher City Council voted Oct. 14 to place a 1% local option sales tax question on the March 4, 2025 special election ballot and approved ballot wording setting intended uses.
Under state scheduling rules the council must hold the measure on a special election day and meet county filing deadlines; staff told council the city must submit the measure to the county roughly 90 days before the election and estimated the election cost at about $1,700–$2,000. Councilmembers stressed the need to be ready to answer public questions once the measure is certified for the ballot.
The measure’s proposed distribution follows state guidance for qualified counties: 50% of revenue must be used for property-tax relief and the other 50% may be used for lawful city purposes, including public safety, parks and recreation, public infrastructure and economic development; the ballot language as presented reflects that split and council approved Resolution 70 to finalize the wording.
Council members noted the county already collects the 1% tax in Johnson County; a citizen vote would allow the city to collect the city portion locally. The council approved Resolutions 69 and 70 on roll-call votes.
Next steps: staff will submit the ballot language and election paperwork to Johnson County and prepare public information for residents before the March vote.
