Ford County commissioners approve resolution to levy tax rate above revenue-neutral level

The Ford County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution 2026-26 on Sept. 7, 2026, voting unanimously to levy a property tax rate that exceeds the county's revenue-neutral rate for the 2027 tax year. Chairman Gary Thomas opened a public hearing before the vote; Dodge City resident Stephen Chilton urged the commission to avoid raising taxes, saying the county should "work to stay under budget as opposed to increasing taxes."

Commissioner Shawn Tasset moved to adopt the resolution, and Commissioner Chris Boys seconded. The motion carried on a roll-call vote: Commissioner Tasset, Yes; Commissioner Boys, Yes; Chairman Thomas, Yes. No written comments were submitted to the record before the hearing. Commissioners did not provide additional public remarks beyond the recorded motion and votes; the county will proceed under the adopted levy for tax year 2027.