Fire district board approves tax levy above revenue-neutral rate

The governing body of Sedgwick County Fire District No. 1 voted unanimously to approve a property tax levy above the revenue-neutral rate as part of the 2027 budget process.

County Manager Tom Stolz explained the numbers during the required public hearing, saying, “The revenue neutral rate mill levy is 15.576 mills. The recommended budget would be supported with a property tax levy of $25,438,662 which is approximately equivalent to 16.754 mills.” The chair then opened the public-comment period; no taxpayers presented oral testimony. The chair moved to adopt the resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, the motion was seconded, and the clerk called a roll. The resolution passed by a 5-0 vote.

The hearing was the first of two required public hearings on the recommended 2027 budget for the fire district; the county manager described the second hearing as the opportunity to consider amendments after objections are heard. With no oral objections in this session, the board closed the hearing and recorded the resolution’s adoption.