By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The Kansas State Legislature has tried to increase tax transparency in recent years with revenue-neutral rate laws. Any taxing entity that will collect more tax dollars than in the previous year must announce that intent to the public. The USD 428 Great Bend Board of Education Monday night agreed it will proceed on its budget plan with the intent of exceeding revenue neutral. Superintendent Khris Thexton said most districts in Kansas will do the same.
"I get what they're saying," he said. "Your assessed valuation goes up. You did fine with the money you had this year. You can continue that on. But that's one of those, goods and services don't get cheaper. You've got to grow your salaries and you've got to take care of your facilities."
Property valuations soared across Kansas last year. In Barton County, valuation increased from $172 million in 2022 to an expected $193 million for 2023. To remain revenue neutral, USD 428 would have to decrease its mil levy from 41.595 to 36.72. That would include dropping the general fund levy from 20 mils to 17.65 mils though state statute sets the levy at 20 mils. Thexton said giving the county clerk notice to exceed revenue neutral will give the district more time to finalize a budget.
"If nothing else, we set it high," he said. "That way we give ourselves a cushion and it also allows us to turn our budget in in September versus August."
USD 428 will approve a notice to approve the 2024 budget at its Aug. 11 meeting, then approve the budget at the Sept. 11 meeting. The final budget must be turned into the county clerk's office by Sept. 20.