WICHITA —Voters in Wichita overwhelmingly rejected authorizing the city to levy a 1% sales tax, with a combined total rate of 8.5%, expiring on June 30, 2033, for public safety, housing services, convention center improvements, property tax relief, and a performing arts center.
Meanwhile voters in Hutchinson approved a proposed ¾-cent (0.75%) city sales tax in a closely contested special election. The increase will raise the total city sales tax rate from 8.25% to 9% and is for a limited 10-year period.
According to unofficial results from the Reno County Clerk’s Office, the measure passed with 2,316 votes in favor and 2,166 votes opposed, a margin of 150 votes. Just over 16 percent of the registered voters voted in the election.