Shawnee voters soundly reject property tax increase for community center

Shawnee voters sent a clear message in the mail-in ballot election that wrapped up today: No property tax hike for a community center.

Unofficial final results posted by the Johnson County Election Office early this afternoon showed the electorate roundly rejecting the proposal put before them, which would have raised the property tax rate by 2.919 mills to fund construction of a $38 million community center with indoor sports facilities, a pool and meeting rooms, among many other features.

Of the approximately 20,000 votes cast, 72.12% of voters rejected the ballot proposal. Just 27.88% supported it. In a statement issued shortly after the tally was posted, Shawnee Mayor Michelle Distler said the vote had given citizens the chance to make their voices heard.

“Listening to our residents is crucial. The Governing Body wanted to ensure we gave every single registered voter in Shawnee a chance to weigh in on this important issue,” said Distler. “We were able to do that through a mail-in ballot. The majority of people who voted have let us know they do not support the proposed Community Center. We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and let their voices be heard.”