By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Last year, the city of Great Bend collected $5.89 million in ad valorem, or property taxes, to fund its 2025 budget. During Monday night's meeting, the Great Bend City Council voted 6-0 to approve the 2026 budget for exactly the same number of dollars. City Clerk and Finance Director Shawna Schafer presented the matter to the board.
"On July 14, City Administrator Logan Burns presented our recommended 2026 budget," she said. "This budget is funded at a mill levy of 41.357, which is the calculated revenue-neutral rate that is certified by the county clerk. As you remember, last year, Senate Bill 410 was approved, which basically states that if your intent is to levy the same amount of taxes as the prior year, you don't have to hold the RNR hearing just to secure your dollars."
If the final property valuations exceed or come in under estimates, the city's budget will not be impacted. With rising property values, the city had to drop its mill levy from 44.651 a year ago to 41.357 this year to remain revenue neutral.