L&T staff report

After two local residents filed complaints with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals to dispute the 17-mill tax increase on the grounds that the Revenue Neutral Rate process was violated, and after more than 170 local residents also made initial tax payments under protest of an illegal levy, the Seward County Commission was changed after three members resigned in December, and the massive tax hike was rescinded.

Even though Seward County sided with the petitioners in the case with BOTA, Seward County Chair Steve Helm has requested the names of all of those who filed their taxes under protest.

According to an Open Records request made by Helm and obtained by the Leader & Times, helm is seeking  “A copy of each and every (approx. 175) of the appeals that were filed ‘Payment Under Protest-Illegal  Levy’ during the 2025-2026 calender years.  This would include Page 1, Page 2, and Page 3 along with any other notes on form. Digital format is preferred.”

Protesting taxes is a right afforded to taxpayers who believe either their property was not valued properly or if they believe the process to levy the tax was flawed.

More than 170 opted to file their taxes under protest.

Seward County Treasurer Mary Rose received several questions about the legality of the tax hike and how they could respond, and one of the requirements was to fill out the form for the tax being considered illegal by the taxpayer.

Since many of those making the claim had the same concern, Rose created a sticker that the taxpayer could use if they chose to explain why they were protesting the tax.

Some used the sticker with the wording while others protested and wrote their own language as to why.

But the issue was resolved when BOTA instructed Rose’s office to refund those who overpaid and reduce taxes owed by those who had yet to pay in full.

Rose’s office worked around the clock to issue the refunds once the order was received.

Helm was asked to explain what his intent was in requesting the names June 2 but did not reply.