Reno County launches resident survey on community investment, sales tax funding

Reno County officials are seeking public input on community investment options and potential sales tax funding through a comprehensive resident survey launching in November.

The county has partnered with Wichita State University's Public Policy and Management Center to conduct the survey, which will be mailed to approximately 4,000 randomly selected Reno County residents.

The survey aims to identify residents' priorities as the county explores funding mechanisms for community services and investments.

Sales tax and property tax represent two distinct approaches to funding county operations. Sales tax is paid by all shoppers, including visitors, residents, renters and property owners. Property tax is paid annually by property owners, though renters typically bear the cost indirectly as landlords incorporate it into housing expenses.

Using 2024 data, Reno County's current 1-cent sales tax offsets the county's total mill levy by 7.96 mills. The county's total levy in 2024 stood at 35.504 mills.

The two taxation methods offer different funding models: sales tax distributes costs among all consumers spending money in the county, while property tax requires those who own property in Reno County to fund local services.

County officials emphasized that resident feedback will inform future decisions regarding community investments and funding strategies.