Leavenworth officials propose sales tax for public safety system funding

The Leavenworth County Work Session held on April 23, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding the sustainability of the county's public safety communication system. The meeting highlighted the financial challenges faced by the county and the need for a collaborative funding solution.

The session began with a presentation from the Leavenworth County Sheriff, who emphasized that the current funding model for the public safety answering point (PSAP) is unsustainable. The PSAP is responsible for answering 911 calls, and its operation is primarily funded by Leavenworth County and the City of Leavenworth. However, many users, including various cities, school districts, and fire departments, benefit from the system without contributing to its upkeep.

Sheriff representatives noted that the system, which has been in operation since 2008, is due for significant upgrades over the next seven years, with an estimated cost of $6 million. This financial burden has prompted discussions about potential funding solutions, including the possibility of implementing a new sales tax. The Sheriff argued that a sales tax would be a fair way to distribute costs among all users, including those who travel through the county and utilize emergency services without being property taxpayers.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing the funding issue, as previous assurances from county officials about covering costs have not materialized. The Sheriff expressed concern about the lack of designated funds for the necessary upgrades and the need for a sustainable financial plan moving forward.

As the session concluded, the Sheriff and his team invited questions and expressed a willingness to collaborate with county officials to find a viable solution. The discussions set the stage for future deliberations on how to equitably fund the essential public safety communication system that serves the entire community.