Pending Kansas property tax bill could force public votes on Riley County budget increases
Legislation would require a mandatory election in August if local property tax revenues rise by more than 3%.
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Riley County residents could soon have direct veto power over local tax hikes if a pending state bill passes the Kansas Senate.
County Counselor Jacob Hansen briefed the commission on Senate Substitute for House Bill 2396 during a meeting earlier this week, according to Hansen's presentation. The bill would significantly alter how local governments set their budgets. Under the proposed legislation, if the county increases its property tax budget by more than 3% or the regional Consumer Price Index — whichever is lower — it would trigger a mandatory public election.
Currently, residents must organize a protest petition to challenge budget increases. The bill would eliminate that requirement, instead compelling the county to present its budget by June 15 and automatically placing any increases above the threshold on the August ballot.
The bill is on the governor's desk awaiting signature.
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