It’s been over a month since the city of Emporia first proposed a joint task force involving local taxing authorities poised to research mill levy reduction options for all residents.
Since that time, all three major taxing entities, the city, Lyon County and USD 253 Emporia as well as the Emporia Recreation Commission, have reviewed the proposed task force, but only one has indicated a desire to move forward with it, that being the entity that proposed it, the City of Emporia. For the others, discussions have been held but have either ceased or been tabled with no action taken or indication towards progression given.
The reason for the task force proposal was to look into opportunities to potentially reduce the combined mill levy rate for local taxpayers. According to recent statistics shared by City Manager Trey Cocking on the monthly Q&A With Trey segment Tuesday, when combining the city, county and school district’s mill levys, the local community ranks in the top five highest tax rates of similarly sized communities of the first and second class.
Lyon County, with a population of over 20,000, has the highest tax rate of any similarly sized county.
Also during the Q&A interivew, KVOE noted to Cocking that none of those above boards have outright stated they are not interested in the task force. When asked his thoughts, Cocking stated there “are two sides to the equation” the task force would need to look at in his opinion.
Joining Cocking Tuesday was City Commissioner Susan Brinkman who stated her frustration with the lack of action or support for the task force adding she believes that all aforementioned entities have to work together to find a solution that benefits all.
Brinkman would add that she believes many of the entities are simply looking at the present when considering the task force; however, she believes they need to be looking well into the future.
When asked his ultimate hope for if the task force is formed, Cocking stated that is hard to say adding that nothing may change. That said, he believes at least bringing everyone to the table to look into various possibilities is an important step for the community.
Cocking has stated the city is open to reorganizing or adjusting the task force if it will help to bring the other taxing authorities to the table. Word on when additional conversations may take place has yet to be announced.
We have provided a copy of the aforementioned tax statistics below.
