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Other resources: FAQs: ¼ Cent Sales Tax Education • Smoky Hill River Renewal Q&A • Letters of Support • Back to FAQs
Primary Phase: Smoky Hill River Renewal Master Plan
1. Who authorized that the sales tax initiative be placed on the ballot in November?
Salina City Commission, 5-0, August 30, 2010
2. How much is the proposed sales tax?
¼ ₵
$.25 for every $100.00 spent
Approximately $38 a year per median income household in Salina
3. How long will this new sales tax last?
10 years
4. When will the sales tax begin?
April 2011
5. How much money will be raised?
Approximately $2.5 million a year.
6. How much money is needed for the Primary Phase?
Approximately $28 million. It is important to note that 30% of sales tax revenue comes from individuals residing outside of the city, so over 10 years Salina taxpayers would actually contribute approximately $17.5 million to the river renewal project.
7. How long will it take to implement the Primary Phase?
It is estimated that it would take 3-5 years to complete the Primary Phase of the Master Plan, 1-2 years to prepare the design and 2-3 years for construction.
8. Who is paying for the education campaign in support of the ¼ ₵ sales tax?
Private donations to the Friends of the River Foundation will pay for the education campaign.
9. What if not enough sales taxes are collected or the construction costs are higher than projected?
Construction costs have been developed at the master plan level using extremely conservative numbers along with conservative sales tax projections. As a result, it is highly unlikely that a shortfall would result. However, if resources are below projected needs, consideration will be given to possible areas of deduction such as decreasing the size of the hard-scaped portion of the river. It is imperative that the project be undertaken now to take advantage of lower construction costs when contractors are on the sidelines ready to get to work, as well as, to take advantage of the low borrowing rates currently available.
10. Are any other entities helping pay for the implementation of the Primary Phase?
Significant efforts will be made to secure additional resources from federal and state grants as well as through private donations from foundations, businesses, and individuals.
11. What improvements will be implemented during the Primary Phase of the Smoky Hill River Renewal Master Plan?
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12. Have other sales tax initiatives been used before in Salina?
A ½ ₵ sales tax passed in 1990 that helped bring the K-State Salina campus to fruition. This initiative resulted in the development of a nationally recognized college of technology and aviation as well as UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) program. A ¼ ₵ sales tax was approved in 1998 to purchase instructional technology equipment for USD 305. A .15 ₵ sales tax passed in 2008 to be used to construct an aquatic park.
13. How will Salina’s proposed sales tax compare with other Kansas towns?
| Wichita | 7.30 | Salina (proposed) | 8.45 |
| McPherson | 7.80 | Hays | 8.55 |
| Great Bend | 8.05 | Liberal | 8.55 |
| Hutchinson | 8.05 | Manhattan | 8.55 |
| Abilene | 8.15 | Overland Park | 8.65 |
| Salina (current) | 8.20 | Emporia | 8.80 |
| Concordia | 8.30 | Lawrence | 8.85 |
| Leavenworth | 8.30 | Dodge City | 8.95 |
| Newton | 8.30 | Topeka | 8.95 |
| Pittsburg | 8.30 | Kansas City | 8.925 |
| Garden City | 8.45 | Junction City | 9.55 |
14. How will property owners along the river be affected?
The project is designed to avoid property impacts as much as possible. Actual property needs will not be known until after the project design is completed. It is the City’s intention to be both reasonable and fair with regard to acquiring needed property for easements or construction.
15. What is this I hear about a 50-year project that costs $74 Million?
It is not anticipated that any subsequent phases will be paid for with local funds. That has been the experience of similar river renewal projects in other communities. The Primary Phase provides a framework for future development and investment along the river channel.
16. How will this project affect other capital projects such as road and bridge repairs, or city operations such as snow removal or recreation programming?
The river renewal project is not being funded out of regular city revenues and will not compete with other programs or services.
17. Why is now the time to implement this river renewal project?
The Master Plan was prepared through a 2½ year citizen driven effort and provides the framework for both current and future river renewal. The first step is to bring sufficient water into the original channel. From the point of receiving the state-issued recreational water right, the City has 18 months to exercise this right by actually bringing water into the channel. River renewal has been a priority in Salina for over 20 years. Salina now has the capacity to move forward. The catalyst of private development can be realized at this time. Construction and material prices will be competitive at this time. Borrowing rates are low at this time.
18. I support the project and recognize the benefits the river renewal project brings to Salina; however, I do not want higher taxes.
It is important that every individual weigh carefully the benefits of the project to himself personally as well as to the community. Sales taxes require a vote. In a democratic society, citizens decide how taxpayer resources are used. Citizens have a right and responsibility to analyze carefully all issues brought before them for a vote. Citizens are encouraged to learn all they can about the river renewal project before going to the polls.
19. Will increasing water through the channel increase the likelihood of flooding or require me to buy flood insurance?
No. During the planning process, engineers have concluded that the project will not negatively impact the floodplain and that there is even a reasonable expectation that the size of the floodplain will actually decrease.