MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shoppers in Hutchinson will begin paying a higher sales tax Thursday, Oct. 1, as the city eliminates its stormwater utility fee.
The voter-approved increase adds three-quarters of a percentage point to the city’s sales tax, raising the combined rate on most non-food purchases from 8.25% to 9%. Voters approved the measure in a March 3 special election.
The increase means shoppers will pay an additional 75 cents in sales tax on a $100 taxable purchase. The city’s portion rises from 0.75% to 1.5%, while the state’s 6.5% and Reno County’s 1% portions remain unchanged.
Qualifying food purchases remain exempt from the state sales tax but are subject to local taxes. Hutchinson’s combined local rate on those purchases will increase from 1.75% to 2.5%.
At the same time, the city is ending the stormwater utility fee charged on utility bills. Residential properties have been charged $4.75 per month, equivalent to $57 annually. Commercial charges vary based on the amount of hard-surface area on a property.
The City Council approved repeal of the stormwater utility ordinance in July, with the change timed to coincide with the Oct. 1 sales tax increase.
City officials estimate the measure will generate approximately $107 million over its 10-year duration. The approved framework establishes a dedicated sales tax fund and integrates the revenue into the city’s annual budget and capital improvement plan.
Funding priorities include infrastructure projects such as street maintenance, stormwater system improvements, and enhancements to local parks.
According to city Public Communications Manager Jessica Woodyard, "Residents may still see a stormwater fee on Octobers bill depending on their billing period since it will include some of September."
The tax is authorized for 10 years and is scheduled to expire Sept. 30, 2036.