1-Cent Sales Tax
The 1-cent sales tax was introduced in 1993 to create a local tax funding source to support community enhancements aimed to improve overall quality of life for Liberal's residents.
The "Focus on the Future" third-party steering committee was formed to assist in public engagement efforts to collect, analyze, and provide informed guidance to the Liberal City Commission to fund projects and infrastructure improvements that meet the identified needs of residents.
Areas of Focus
The 1-cent sales tax is divided into the following categories in accordance with voter-approved percentages:
- Beautification
- Community Development & Housing
- Crime, Drug, & Alcohol Prevention
- Economic Development
- Infrastructure (Streets, Drainage, & Other Capital Improvements)
- Project Maintenance (5% supports maintenance of projects created by the 1-cent sales tax)
The 1-cent sales tax expires every 10 years and was last renewed by approved public vote in 2020.
The 1-cent sales tax has supported many transformative projects since 1993, including:
Adventure Bay Family Water Park
Kansas Avenue Beautification & Streetscaping
Park Improvements & Upgrades - Sidewalks, Parking Lots, Lighting, Fixtures, Landscaping, & Athletic Courts/Fields
Splash Pads at McCray and Mahuron Parks
South Liberal Fire Station
Sidewalks and Walking Paths
Community Art Installations
Roadway Construction, Expansion, & Maintenance
Rock Island Depot Improvements & Repairs
CityBus Bus Stops
Grif Golf Miniature Golf Course
Willow Tree Golf Course Clubhouse Remodel
Liberal Recreation Center Building Improvements
Liberal Cemetery Improvements
National Beef Family Sports Complex Construction
Lambert Soccer Complex Construction
Arkalon Park Improvements
Liberal Airport Infrastructure & Equipment
Police Department Cadet Courses
International Pancake Day Race Course Improvements
Community Health Event Sponsorships