Sales tax approval to replace existing sales tax in Ark City

Voter approval of a permanent, one-cent sales tax to support South Central Kansas Medical Center means that both existing taxes with sunset clauses will be retired when the new tax takes affect, Arkansas City officials reiterated this week.

A half-cent tax was originally set to expire March 31 and a one-cent tax had an end date of Sept. 30, 2026. Both taxes were approved by voters.

With the passage of the permanent, one-cent tax by mail-in ballot last week, both existing taxes will be repealed Dec. 31.

Comments made by Commissioner Duane Oestmann reported in Friday’s CourierTraveler indicated the city could choose to let the half-cent tax run its full course.

But that is not accurate, city officials said. Both existing taxes must drop off when the new one is imposed.

(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)