Labette County approves 2026 budget and resolutions to exceed revenue-neutral rates

The Labette County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 15 adopted the countys 2026 budget and approved resolutions allowing the county and Richland Township to levy property tax rates above their calculated revenue-neutral rates.

Chairman Vincent B. Schibi moved to adopt Resolution 2025-39-A, which found that Labette County would levy a property tax rate exceeding the calculated Revenue Neutral Rate of 57.093 mills; Commissioner Terry Weidert seconded and the motion passed unanimously (Tom Barrett Yes; Terry Weidert Yes; Vincent B. Schibi Yes). The board then authorized signatures on the Labette County 2026 Budget as presented at 58.428 mills on a motion by Schibi, seconded by Weidert; the motion passed unanimously.

The board also approved Resolution 2025-38-A for Richland Township, which states the township will levy a property tax rate exceeding its Revenue Neutral Rate of 1.332 mills. Chairman Schibi moved the resolution; Commissioner Tom Barrett seconded. That motion passed unanimously. The public portion of the RNR hearing concluded at 9:11 a.m., and the RNR hearing formally closed at 9:18 a.m.

Both hearings included public comment. The transcript records that several citizens asked questions or made comments during the RNR hearing and during the county budget hearing; the record does not specify the content of those remarks.

The budget adoption and RNR resolutions take effect immediately upon adoption unless otherwise specified by subsequent action of the governing bodies. The board recessed twice during the meeting and concluded business at 11:39 a.m.

Present for the meeting were Chairman Vincent B. Schibi, Commissioner Tom Barrett and Commissioner Terry Weidert. County Counselor Brian K. Johnson and County Clerk Gena Landis were noted as present; Rudy Taylor of Labette Avenue attended as media.