Unpacking Property Taxes - Chapter 1

Sen. Michael Murphy hopes to one day eliminate property tax altogether, replacing the revenue with a surtax on purchases - a idea that's been met with some skepticism

Property taxes seem to be on everyone’s minds these days.

Residents dread opening their valuation statements for fear of what they’ll see. Politicians keep promising relief, and local governments try to balance meeting the wants and needs of their communities with ongoing demands for lower taxes.

Yet, for something that affects so many of us, it’s an area that is complex and layered and can be difficult to understand.

Today’s episode of That Podcast in Hutch kicks off a multi-part series in which we’ll try to unpack and simplify some of the discussion around property taxes in Kansas.

Part one is a conversation with Kansas Senator Mike Murphy, who introduced legislation this session aimed at eliminating property taxes in Kansas and replacing it with a surtax, which is a sort of sales tax on consumption.

I asked Mike to sit down with me not necessarily because I think his bill is the right approach to property tax relief, but because I think that ideas are worth exploring - especially when the public is expressing a dire need for a change. I’ve not been scared of too many ideas in my life, and I think we find better solutions when we entertain thoughts that challenge the status quo and the established order. Mike’s idea is a foundational system change, one that is rightly met with questions and concern. But it is, in my opinion, an important part of a broader conversation.

In coming episodes, I’ll visit with Reno County Appraiser Michael Plank, former Hutchinson City Council member Jon Richardson, and Chris Courtwright, who worked for decades as the principal economist informing the Kansas Legislature on revenue and tax policy.

These next few episodes of TPIH contain a lot of valuable information for anyone who is interested in learning more about property taxes, tax appraisals, and the ways in which policy decisions from years ago are affecting you today. As I’ve recorded these episodes, I’ve learned things I didn’t know about the process and deepened my understanding around this issue. I think you’ll find the same as you listen.

First up, Sen. Michael Murphy on his plan to replace property taxes with a consumption surtax in Kansas.

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