Seward County sets 42.2-mill cap, declares intent to exceed revenue-neutral rate and schedules tax hearing

The Seward County Commission voted to declare its intent to exceed the county rea revenue neutral property-tax rate and set a maximum proposed mill levy of 42.2 mills. The commission also set a public hearing on the proposal for Sept. 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Seward County Commission Chambers in Louisville, Kansas.

The chair introduced the item by explaining the legal mechanics: "The revenue neutral rate is the property tax mill levy that generates the exact amount of total property tax revenue as the prior year, using the current tax years assessed property evaluation," said the Chair. Commissioners discussed uncertainty from tax protests and the county assessor ppeals process. One commissioner summarized the board iscussion on a cap: "So we're just to be sure here, we're going to cap this at 42.2," the commissioner said during the discussion. Staff noted packet valuations include properties currently under protest and that final certified valuations are not available until November, which is why some taxing entities declare an intent to exceed early.

Why it matters: if the county budgets to collect even a small amount more in property-tax revenue than last year, state notice and public hearing requirements are triggered. The commission nnounced the hearing date and the maximum rate it will list in the required notice. The motion to set the maximum rate at 42.2 and declare intent to exceed passed with an announced tally of 4-0.