A half-cent sales tax that went into effect in 2020 is set to end in 2025 unless Great Bend residents vote for it to continue. At Monday’s Great Bend City Council meeting, a resolution was passed that will place the question on the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election.

As soon as the resolution was approved, the City was ready to post information about the sales tax on its website, greatbendks.net. 

Brandon Anderson, attending his final meeting as City Administrator, said the half-cent sales tax was set up by the City Council with input from the public to give 45% of the proceeds to Capital Improvements (Public Safety upgrades), 20% to Economic Development and 35% for property tax relief. The tax has not changed since its inception.

City Attorney Allen Glendenning said the resolution approved by the City Council on Monday gives notice of the City’s intent to continue the tax and calls for a special election. He noted that the tax was reaffirmed by voters in 2004 and again in 2014.

“If we didn’t have this, it probably would have raised property taxes,” he said.

Anderson agreed, stressing the election will be to keep an existing tax, not create a new one.

If the public votes “no” and the tax fails to continue, Anderson said, “We will need to make significant cuts for public safety upgrades/improvements and economic development projects. Without this sales tax, the City will have to significantly increase property tax or make cuts to public service.

“A vote 'yes' will renew the current half-cent sales tax. The sales tax will NOT increase with this vote. It is 8.7% now and will stay 8.7%.”

To check out the City’s online information at greatbendks.net, type in 2024 Sales Tax Renewal in the search bar. Anyone needing assistance or information may also send an email to City Hall at business@greatbendks.net.