Local opponents of a proposed one-percent sales tax increase gathered Thursday evening to mobilize against the measure heading to voters in a March special election.
The Save Taxpayers Vote No Coalition held its inaugural public meeting, describing the initiative as overly ambitious, hastily planned, and lacking sufficient detail.
Organizing Against the Clock
Coalition spokesperson Celeste Racette emphasized the urgency of their campaign, noting that voting begins in just four weeks. The grassroots organization is racing to inform Wichita residents about the proposal's potential impacts.
According to Racette, the tax would have significant effects on consumer costs. She explained that grocery taxes would increase by one full percentage point, while other retail items would see a 13.3 percent jump in sales tax rates.
Materials and Messaging
Attendees received printed copies of the ballot language, the city's ordinance, and informational materials highlighting what coalition members view as problematic gaps in the proposal's specifications.
Resident Skepticism
Dozens of Wichita residents turned out for the gathering, with many voicing distrust of city government's fiscal management.
James Bower, a local resident, argued that municipal leaders should focus on more efficient use of existing revenue rather than seeking additional funds from taxpayers.
Virginia Merriman pointed to several high-profile city projects as evidence of poor financial oversight, citing the water treatment plant, Ken-Mar, and WaterWalk developments as examples of projects with ongoing debt obligations.
Campaign Strategy
The coalition is distributing yard signs and literature throughout the community as part of its voter outreach effort. Racette described the organization's approach as grassroots-driven, focused on fundraising, public education events, and helping residents understand the financial implications of the tax.
The group has scheduled another public meeting for January 29 and maintains regular office hours weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3330 West Douglas Avenue for residents seeking additional information.