KANSAS CITY - Sedgwick County officials are exploring a new sales tax option as funding for Intrust Bank Arena maintenance nears exhaustion.
Reserve Fund Running Low
The arena's reserve fund, which has sustained building maintenance for the past 15 years, has dwindled to approximately $800,000. County projections show these funds will be depleted by 2027, prompting officials to seek alternative revenue sources.
Quarter-Percent Tax Proposal
County leaders are proposing a 0.25% sales tax that would support all county recreational and cultural facilities, including Intrust Bank Arena and the Sedgwick County Zoo.
These programs currently require roughly $35 million annually, funded primarily through property taxes. According to Commissioner Jim Howell, the proposed sales tax would cover these costs while potentially reducing property taxes by four mills.
Howell emphasized that the proposal involves minimal new spending, with most funding coming from property tax reductions or replacements.
Path Forward
Implementation of the sales tax would require both legislative authorization and voter approval, Howell noted.
The commissioner added that if Wichita raises its own sales tax, he would withdraw the county proposal from consideration.