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GoogleA study complied by Bunn with information provided by the Kansas League of Municipalities has determined that Fort Scott does not have the highest property taxes in Kansas.
"Come to find out we are not the highest ... we're just average as far as cities our size," Bunn said.
In fact, Bunn's study included 13 cities with populations between 7,500 and 11,500 residents, in which Fort Scott sits in the middle. Fort Scott is ranked as the sixth lowest in property taxes levied by the city, and seventh lowest in total property tax levied. In addition, Fort Scott is the second lowest in total property taxes levied in cities which house a community college.
"There's something to be said for being in the middle," Bunn said.
Bunn said that a community could face consequences if it is ranked at either the high end or the low end.
"If you are the highest, it can be discouraging to the people in the community wanting to stay in the community may be pushed away," Bunn said. "The same goes for businesses."
Likewise, Bunn said a community sitting a the low end could face a loss in the amount and quality of services provided to the citizens such as infrastructure needs and safety needs.
According to Bunn, commissioners in Atchison decided they wanted to be among the lowest property tax levies in Kansas and were successful. However, this year Atchison has moved from one of the lowest to one of the highest because of infrastructure needs which were continually put off.
Bunn said he would be more than willing to visit with any one who has questions about his study. He may be contacted at City Hall by calling (620) 223-0550.
Rank by City Mill Levy
1. Lansing (10,680) -- 36.898
2. Andover (9,898) -- 37.910
3. Augusta (8,683) -- 39.552
4. Coffeyville (10,349) -- 39.800
5. Independence (9,277) -- 42.488
6. Fort Scott (7,915) -- 45.018
7. Parsons (11,122) -- 45.128
8. Chanute (8,854) -- 46.893
9. Haysville (10,193) -- 48.408
10. Wellington (7,812) -- 49.645
11. Winfield (11,539) -- 52.640
12. Atchison (10,078) -- 57.365
13. Arkansas City (11,168) -- 67.800
Data provided by the Kansas League of Municipalities.
Population is listed in parenthesis.
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
It's not just what residents pay for local taxes, but what we're actually GETTING for our money that needs to be considered.
Is this a prelude to another announcement in the near future?
Gosh, You mean what we make up at the coffee shop doesn't become reality just because we repeat it over and over?
Thank you for real facts. The fact is that F.S. and Bourbon County, and our School District(s) and Community College are some of the most responsible taxing entities in the state. Note that I didn't say perfect, but we should be exceedingly proud as a community of what they've done with the very little that they ask of us.
Too often, I hear an absurd exaggeration being circulated over and over by well meaning people who believe it's true because they heard someone else say it. I can't even COUNT the number of times I've heard "BB county (or FS City) has the highest taxes of anywhere in the state". I've heard it for 20 years.
Every time I knew it was false, but it just keeps getting repeated over and over. You all have an obligation to spread truth once you're confronted with it. :-) Go forth and debunk!
well casepie,
If you like our tax rate now, you will love it in the future once all the tax increases that are planned show up on your property tax bill.
It is a fact that we do not have the highest taxes in the state, but we do have a very high total mill levy. Several of the comparables that Mr Bunn used really aren't "comparable" to Fort Scott. I could use a relevant methodology to come up with a different set of "comparables" and show something different and be able to defend that position, it's a piece of cake to play with statistics to make your point.
Here is a real fact that cannot be denied about Bourbon countys taxes; countless homeowners have seen their real estate taxes increase 50% to 100% in the last 10 years.
I guess like you and Mr Bunn, I have a desire to go forth and spread the truth!
In the meantime, the economic situation both here and the rest of America isn't getting any better any time soon. I don't see real wages going up, cost of living declining, taxes decreasing, gas prices going down, utilities going down,etc. or any other indicators that would lead me to believe more tax increases will be anything other than adding more straw on the back of a camel already suffering and straining from a very burdensome load.
I think your study is a big help to the readers. Thanks for posting it. There are far fewer insults that people are saddled with than property taxes. Property taxes in essence say that the government owns the land that you bought, and therefore, you have to pay them to allow you to buy what you want. They are bogus -- but there's no getting rid of them, but discounts are possible. CNN Money recently highlighted the community of Alpine, NJ, the most expensive place to buy a house, and how to reduce the property tax bill. Here's how -- dispute it. After an assessor does his job, 30 to 90 days after the assessment, dispute it if you can. It might save you more than an online cash advance or two on your property taxes. For more information, you can check out this link:
http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/...