Special elections in Sedgwick County today

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) – Haysville residents and those living in the Valley Center district can vote in special elections today until 7 p.m.

USD 262 School Bond

USD 262 is proposing a $58.9 million bond. The district website shows enrollment has increased by nearly 500 students since 2013.

“The communities that make up the Valley Center Public School District are growing! When visiting Valley Center, Park City, Kechi, and parts of northwest Wichita, you can see homes being built, roads being expanded and improved, and businesses moving in. The growth of a community directly impacts the needs of a school district,” the district website says.

The bond includes a new elementary school, renovations, and additions to other buildings. USD 262 says there will not be an increase in property taxes.

“The district currently has a bond and interest mill levy of 19.421 mills,” USD 262 says. “The property tax revenue generated from the 19.421 mills is sufficient to pay the annual principal and interest payment on existing voter-approved bonds as well as the annual payments on the proposed new bond issue. As a result, the proposed new bond issue will not require a mill levy increase. Also worth noting: Tax revenues generated from the bond and interest mill levy can only be used for annual principal and interest payments on outstanding bond issues. The revenues cannot be used for district operating expenses.”

Find additional FAQ here .

Haysville Sales Tax

Another special election in Sedgwick County is the Haysville 1% sales tax renewal. It was voted down in November, losing by one vote.

It is slightly different than what was on the November ballot. Now, 10% of the revenue will go toward property tax reduction, 40% to parks and recreation and 50% to street maintenance.

Haysville Mayor Russ Kessler says this is about quality of life, and they want to continue working to improve Haysville parks.

“A lot of people have been asking for ADA type of playground equipment,” Kessler said. “So we want to incorporate that into it. We do have in our park plan, but the cost is quite large.”

The tax has been in place for 10 years but will expire at the end of June if voters do not renew it.

Norton County Sales Tax

Voters in Norton County will decide on a 1% sales tax increase. The money would go towards the Norton County Hospital and EMS.

If approved, the increase would last 10 years. Hospital executives say if the measure does not pass, it will look at reducing services, staff, and possibly closing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.