The Wichita City Council has approved property tax relief for seniors and other eligible individuals.
The council approved the one-time program for 2024, which is designed to provide a total of up to $660 thousand in relief. The city says to be eligible, participants will need to participate in one of three State of Kansas Income Tax programs that offer credit for property taxes paid. Those programs include the Selective Assistance for Effective Senior Relief (SAFE SR) program, Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Veterans and the Kansas Homestead Claim.
The city estimates that up to 800 low-income seniors could receive up to $415 in credit while around 4300 others could get up to $75 back. The program will expire on November 30, 2024 or when funds are exhausted.
Meanwhile, after a year and a half of work, the council has approved a tree policy.
The trees will be planted on city-owned property and in their right-of-way, as they complete capital projects and planned infrastructure maintenance where trees are affected. The city says a healthy and diverse tree canopy is needed to combat heat and improve citizen health.
The council also approved salary increases for city employees. Teamsters-represented transit employees will receive a 2% pay raise and those represented by the International Association of Firefighters will see an increase of 3%, effective Saturday. Wichita Police Department positions represented by the Fraternal Order of Police will see their wages jump by 13.27%, effective Saturday as well.