Dear Editor,
It is time for the City of Great Bend to renew the ½ cent sales tax. This tax has been in effect since 2000. Thirty-five percent (35%) of the tax proceeds is used for property tax reduction. For 2014 the property taxes were reduced by $745,000 or 7.78 Mills. Forty-five percent (45%) of the ½ cent sales tax is used for infrastructure improvements. Since 2000 the city has used the ½ cent sales tax to fund a number of street projects, cemetery purchase, hike and bike projects, traffic signal replacements, downtown parking, and other improvements. Twenty Percent (20%) of the tax proceeds is used for Economic Development. This money is used to provide businesses that are looking to locate in Great Bend or businesses currently in Great Bend that want to expand financial incentives to make their project happen. Labor and housing studies have been completed trying to put the citizens to work and provide a cross-section of housing opportunities. The funds are also used to promote the community through various marketing venues.
Without the ½ cent sales tax the City would need to increase the mill rate by 7.78 mills to provide the same services you are now receiving. Plus, the improvements and economic development programs would need to stop without raising more property taxes.
Keep Great Bend moving forward.  PLEASE VOTE FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE ½ CENT SALES TAX.
Wayne E. Henneke
City Councilmember, 2nd Ward