Data obtained in Open Records requests show much higher pay levels for top officials in the City of Wichita than their counterparts in Sedgwick County. Wichita city officials have also imposed higher property tax increases over time.
For example, Wichita City Manager Robert Layton was paid more than $296,000 last year, which is a 22% increase over the previous year, while Sedgwick County Manager Tom Stolz was paid about $213,000. Stolz earned less last year than in 2023, which could be attributed to a change in bonus payments, which are included in total compensation.
Compensation for Wichita’s two assistant city managers totaled about $465,000 whereas the two assistant county managers were paid $336,000.
Complete payroll listings for the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County are available at KansasOpenGov.org.
Over time, the Wichita City Council has also imposed greater property tax increases, according to the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Since 1997, property tax revenue for the City of Wichita jumped by 228%, which is more than double the combined increases in inflation and population. At the same time, Sedgwick County’s property tax revenue increased by 181%.
Both government entities captured tax increases from the rise in assessed valuations. However, Sedgwick County’s mill rate is 3% lower than in 1997, but the city’s mill rate is 5% higher.
The Kansas Legislature this year failed to pass meaningful property tax reform. After promises to act on the issue at the beginning of the session, the House of Representatives twice tried to repeal the revenue-neutral system that is helping to suppress tax increases in many jurisdictions.
