Commissioners voice opposition to proposed state property tax cap

Legislative update highlights commercial machinery tax exemption

Commissioners discuss withheld state revenue sharing

Officials debate "growth vs. cuts" tax strategy

Commission approves expanded grant writing contract

Commission to explore shared services with Pawnee County

4-H Hippology team recognized for national achievement

Commissioners voice opposition to proposed state property tax cap

GREAT BEND, Kan. - During a report on the Kansas Legislative Policy Group meeting, Commissioner Barb Esfeld detailed strong opposition to a proposed state Senate Concurrent Resolution that would cap assessed property value increases at 3 percent. Esfeld and other commissioners argued that the measure, championed by Sen. Caryn Tyson, would create significant inequities between neighbors based on when they improved their properties and would ultimately stifle economic development. Esfeld noted that while the cap sounds beneficial to taxpayers, it would force the county to cut approximately $2.5 million from its budget, potentially endangering road maintenance and emergency services or forcing a shift in the tax burden to other property owners.

Legislative update highlights commercial machinery tax exemption

GREAT BEND, Kan. - Commissioner Barb Esfeld reported on House Bill 2406, which proposes eliminating property taxes on all commercial machinery and equipment. Currently, only new equipment purchased after 2006 is exempt, creating a disparity where established businesses pay taxes on older equipment while new competitors do not. While acknowledging that this move would initially remove items from the tax rolls and shift the burden elsewhere, Esfeld indicated the bill is likely to pass and would resolve long-standing inequities between long-standing and new businesses.

Commissioners discuss withheld state revenue sharing

GREAT BEND, Kan. - During the legislative update, the commission discussed the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction (LAVTR) fund, noting that the state has not distributed these statutorily required funds to counties for several years. Commissioner Barb Esfeld mentioned a proposal by Rep. Adam Smith (R-Weskan) to create a "property tax stabilization fund" using $60 million of these withheld funds to help counties lower their mill levies. Commissioner Donna Zimmerman added that between the LAVTR and city-county revenue sharing, the state has withheld significant funding that forces local property taxes to remain higher than necessary to cover mandated services.

Officials debate "growth vs. cuts" tax strategy

GREAT BEND, Kan. - Following the legislative report, the commissioners engaged in a philosophical discussion regarding the most effective way to lower local taxes. Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson argued that state-mandated appraisal caps overcomplicate the issue, stating that the only true ways to lower taxes are cutting services or growing the community. Hutchinson highlighted that Barton County has lowered its mill levy by more than 12 mills in recent years by reinvesting budget surpluses into growth initiatives like facade grants and housing developments rather than simply cutting budgets, which can lead to service deficits.

Commission approves expanded grant writing contract

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The commission unanimously voted to approve a new contract with Hometown Grants for economic development and grant writing services at a cost of $10,200 per month. The 2026 agreement expands previous services to include specific funding strategies for the cities of Albert and Pawnee Rock, as well as infrastructure grant applications for Claflin, Ellinwood and Hoisington. County Administrator Matt Patzner noted that the contract represents a shift toward project-based economic development funding, while Commissioner Shawn Hutchinson described the expenditure as a necessary investment to grow the local tax base and reduce reliance on property taxes.

Commission to explore shared services with Pawnee County

GREAT BEND, Kan. - In an effort to reduce costs and improve efficiency, the commission announced a scheduled work session with Pawnee County Commissioner Bob Rein. The discussion will focus on potential partnerships between the two counties, specifically regarding the sharing of county health department services. This meeting aligns with the commission's stated goal of finding regional solutions to lower taxpayer costs while maintaining essential services.

4-H Hippology team recognized for national achievement

GREAT BEND, Kan. - The commission formally recognized the Barton County 4-H Hippology team for placing fourth overall at the Western National Roundup in Denver. The senior team qualified for the national event after winning the state competition. The team members briefed the commission on the rigorous competition, which included written exams, horse judging and team problem-solving regarding equine health and management.

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