Commission reviews legislative platform; proposes changes to county sales-tax distribution language

County legislative staff reviewed updated language for the Sedgwick County legislative platform and asked commissioners to finalize a draft by Oct. 22 so staff and lobbyists can present the county's priorities to the South Central delegation and the legislature.

"Continue support and review of HB 23 77, a change to the current distribution formula for the county's 1% sales tax," the legislative lead read aloud, noting KSA 12-1-92 creates a disincentive to reducing property taxes because of how municipality shares are calculated. Staff proposed using assessed value in the calculation rather than property tax levy and asked commissioners to keep or refine those points after staff receives a legislative 'sneak peek.'

Other edits include language to "lift the geographic boundaries" that would let residents complete tag work at any tag office in the state, expanding online capacity for personalized plates, and working with the Kansas Senate on a remains bill tied to the Regional Forensic Science Center. For the elections item, staff proposed removing redacted election-results data by modifying statute. The commission asked staff to have a fairly final draft at the Oct. 22 meeting so the commission can approve the platform and prepare a joint platform with partners.