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County staff brief commissioners on potential 0.2% roads sales-tax question for voters
Summary
Assistant county counselor Michael Hawthorne said staff researched the legality of placing a 0.2% countywide retailer sales tax on the November ballot; estimated revenue shown was $2,500,000 annually and the tax would be restricted to roads and bridges if pursued.
County legal staff briefed commissioners on the possibility of placing a 0.2% countywide retailer sales tax on the November ballot to fund roads and bridges. Assistant county counselor Michael Hawthorne said legal research indicates the ballot question could likely be placed this year if the board acts in time to publish the resolution and question by state deadlines.
Hawthorne said John Ellerman had estimated the tax would generate about $2,500,000 per year in revenue for Riley County and emphasized the statute limits the permissible purpose to roads and bridges. He also advised the commission that the current sales tax authorization expires at the end of 2027; the board discussed timing, possible voter fatigue if multiple local tax questions appear on the same ballot, and whether a special election would be preferable. Hawthorne said the resolution and ballot language would need to be published at least 21 days before the election if the board chooses to proceed.
Commissioners did not vote to place the question on this year's ballot; staff left a draft resolution ready should the board want to act later.
