A proposed 1% sales tax increase for Wichita drew sharp questions from residents at a public meeting Tuesday night, with many expressing doubts about how the funds would be managed and whether the timeline is appropriate.
Wichita Forward, the nonprofit behind the initiative, is seeking to put the measure before voters as soon as this spring. The proposed tax would generate revenue for public safety, education, arts programs, and property tax relief. However, the informational session revealed significant community concerns about transparency and spending priorities.
Matt Burchett, a Wichita Forward board member, framed the proposal as an investment in the city's future. He described the initiative as serving the common good by addressing financial pressures facing Wichita while funding projects that would benefit all residents.
The tax would translate to tangible costs for households: approximately $120 more annually on groceries, $32 extra for dining out, and several hundred additional dollars when buying a vehicle.
Trust emerged as a central issue during the meeting. Residents questioned whether Wichita Forward could guarantee the money would be spent as promised and called for more specific spending plans.
The proposed March election date also drew criticism. Connor Martin argued that the organization is moving too quickly and that the measure should wait for the November election, which typically sees higher voter participation.
Wichita Forward defended the accelerated timeline, citing urgent funding needs for first responders. To address accountability concerns, the organization said it would establish a citizen oversight committee to monitor how tax revenue is spent. Burchett said the committee would help build public confidence in the process.
The city of Wichita does not currently levy its own sales tax, though residents pay a combined 7.5% county and state sales tax.
The Wichita City Council is scheduled to review the proposal Tuesday. The council will not vote on the sales tax itself but rather on whether to place the question before voters in a potential March special election.