City leaders are looking to add a proposed 1 percent sales tax increase on the November ballot — an idea that could mean big changes for Wichita.
They presented a report at a special workshop Tuesday morning.
“Absolutely, I mean it can’t help but benefit,” said resident Cherrie Murray. “I mean we have better water resources, lower consumption hopefully. Concerned about the water we use in the yard, we have a sprinkler system, so we often in times will not run it on a given day or at least take a day or two off.”
Murray is anxious to see improvements to the city’s water supply, and the current sales-tax proposal would give it a boost.
Over five years, the city could generate $400 million, and it would go to the following areas:
$250 million for water improvements
$80 million for economic and job development
$40 million for public transit
$30 million for road improvements
Mallory Anderson says roads and the transit system are weak. She’d like to see things change.
“The streets and the transportation system, because the other ones have better ratings and we’re not up there at all,” she said. “I know my car had to get tires twice in the past five years because of the potholes.”
The city council will formally vote on the matter later this summer. If approved, residents will see it on the November ballot.