During the public hearing regarding the 2026 fiscal year budget, Emporia City Commissioners found themselves revisiting, among other topics, an issue that has long been a cause of concern and frustration for many local taxpayers: property taxes.
The subject was broached by a local taxpayer in attendance for Wednesday’s meeting, who stated her taxes continue to rise at a time when citizens are “Taxed out” and the city is in a “Crisis” due to the loss and closure of several notable businesses. She would also say she does not feel the city needs to exceed the revenue-neutral rate year after year before telling commissioners to “Get their spending under control,” a statement also made to county officials a week prior.
On the matter of spending, City Manager Trey Cocking echoed a statement from county officials saying the city’s budget, which he refers to as a priority document rather than an accounting document, does just that, not only for today, but for generations to come.
On the issue of property taxes, Deputy City Manager Mark Detter would agree with this citizen, saying he, too, believes taxes are far too high, an opinion somewhat solidified by Cocking’s budget presentation delivered earlier in the meeting, which showed Emporia is on the higher end of the spectrum in property taxes when compared to similar-sized Kansas communities.
That said, Cocking did feel it was important to note that the city is not the only authority to which citizens pay property taxes.
When it comes to taxes paid, Cocking says the city accounts for less of the final total than the county and school district, with both accounting for roughly 34 percent of an individual’s property tax statement, while the city accounts for roughly 27 percent.
Detter would then add that when it comes to these property tax dollars, citizens are contributing not only to city infrastructure and services but also to many in the county, saying city residents are essentially subsidizing services and quality of life for county residents with little to no reciprocation.
The current taxing structure led Detter and city staff earlier this year to propose the creation of a joint task force between taxing authorities to look into several issues, including a way to decrease property taxes and invited the county, USD 253 Emporia and the Emporia Recreation Commission to be a part of that task force, an invitation which was ultimately tabled by all with no further consideration given in recent months. Detter believes this was a “Missed opportunity.”
City Commissioner Susan Brinkman, during Wednesday’s meeting, recalled the lack of interest expressed in the task force when speaking with local taxpayers, saying the issue of property taxes needs to be addressed; however, that is a difficult task, “If they (The aforementioned taxing entities) won’t come to the table.”
Following these conversations, commissioners unanimously approved both the budget, which totals just over $88 million with a slightly lower mill levy rate of 46.007, as well as exceeding the revenue-neutral rate for fiscal year 2026. Following this action, commissioners approved the annual list of appropriations.
Following their action meeting, commissioners convened for their regular study session, which focused on city codes and building permit fees. You can find additional details on Wednesday’s action and study items at Emporiaks.gov.
