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Douglas County sets budget hearings, authorizes levy notices and approves two conditional-use permits
Summary
The Douglas County Commission authorized staff on July 15 to notify the county clerk of intent to exceed the 2027 revenue-neutral rate and set an Aug. 26 budget hearing; it also approved two conditional-use permits (UP-25-0008 and UP-26-0013) and adopted resolutions for both items.
The Douglas County Board of Commissioners on July 15 authorized staff to notify the county clerk of the board’s intent to exceed the 2027 revenue-neutral rate and set the combined revenue-neutral-rate and budget hearing for Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. County staff asked the board to establish a maximum levy of 40.286 mills for the county’s 2027 budget and to set a 9.883-mill maximum for the Consolidated Fire District No. 1 2027 budget; both notices were authorized by unanimous voice vote.
Sarah Brooke, county staff, told commissioners that "Kansas law does require that all taxing subdivisions notify the county clerk of their intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate" and that the notice must be filed no later than July 20. Staff said the combined hearing will be Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m. when the public can comment on the proposed levy rates.
During general public comment, a resident urged the board to prioritize core services such as roads, sidewalks and public safety and warned against directing taxpayer funds toward noncore projects that could force higher property taxes.
On routine business the board approved two conditional use permits pulled from the consent agenda. The commission voted to approve conditional use permit UP-25-0008 to authorize small-scale industrial vehicle repairs at 1093 East 2400 Road and adopted Resolution 26-10. The board also approved conditional use permit UP-26-0013 to allow heavy equipment storage at 1691 East 902 Road and adopted Resolution 26-11. In both cases staff explained the items were brought forward after zoning research identified nonconforming uses and clarified site-plan language; applicants were not present for either vote. Both motions passed by unanimous voice vote.
The board did not set any immediate tax rates tonight; it set the required notices and hearing dates that are part of the statutory budget process. Commissioners directed staff to return with additional budget materials and to continue deliberations at upcoming budget hearings.
