The city of Wichita's finances was in good shape during the first quarter of 2022.
The city's general fund continues to perform well, with revenues $6.6 million higher than a year ago. The increases come mostly from property taxes, franchise fees and sales taxes, with the latter up $1.3 million from a year ago.
Mark Manning with the city's finance department says the Kansas Legislature's changes on internet sales is definitely helping, and the local economy is still in pretty good shape. He added that the federal stimulus is helping the sales tax numbers as well. Finally, inflation means we're paying more for items, which leads to higher sales tax revenues.
While the current environment is expected to be a positive short-term influence, it could potentially turn negative in the long-term.
Expenditures are up $2.4 million from a year ago, with 61% of it attributed to public safety.
The city's total bonded debt is up to $1.07 billion, with about half of its water and sewer debt due to the northwest water treatment facility construction.