Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Olathe City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Olathe residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Property taxes: We frequently hear from readers urging cities to consider tax rate cuts or other relief to counteract the impacts of rising valuations in Johnson County. It’s the job of each city’s governing body to set your city’s annual mill levy, or property tax, rate. Is your city’s current tax rate appropriate for your city’s needs? Would you vote for steeper tax rate cuts, as residents often call for? Why or why not?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
At-Large
Jeff Creighton
I recognize that our city council had a difficult job this year making a budget that meets the needs of a full-service growing city, especially considering that sales tax revenue is down. However, I believe that caps should be placed on the budget to keep it near the level of inflation to allow cutting the mill levy. This will require difficult choices in the short-term until sales tax revenue rebounds and commercial economic development continue to expand and contribute to the property tax base. Commercial properties are assessed at a higher rate than residential properties, so expanding the commercial base is crucial to reducing the mill levy in the future.
Rob Olson
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Ward 4
Kevin Deneault
What I saw in the survey I sent to voters is that they are happy with the value they receive from their tax dollars. Olathe’s DirectionFinder survey echoes this. I agree that Olathe delivers good quality, and that’s something I do not want to jeopardize by reducing services, lowering taxes at this time. Costs are expected to continue to rise. Now is the time to get ahead of the issue of rising taxes. We need to broaden our tax base with new economic development that brings in more commercial property taxes as well as sales tax revenue. This helps offset the pressure on increasing costs and property taxes that homeowners pay. Now, some residents are reaching a limit that may force help more qualifying residents. And I’d support a viable tax freeze program for qualifying residents on fixed-income.
Marge Vogt (incumbent)
One of the guiding principles established during my time on the Council is ensuring that the City budget funds exceptional services focused on our community’s top priorities—delivered at the lowest sustainable tax rate. I’m proud that we’ve lowered the mill levy twice, most recently in 2024. Today, Olathe has the second-lowest mill levy in Kansas and is nationally recognized for providing some of the best city services in the country. In fact, 70% of residents in the most recent citizen survey said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the value received for their city tax dollars.
For 2026, the mill levy remains unchanged, though it does exceed the revenue-neutral rate. Property taxes specific to Olathe increased by 5.9%, primarily due to higher county appraisals. This increase was necessary to address slowing sales tax revenue, inflation, rising healthcare costs, and competitive wages to attract and retain a high-quality workforce. Every effort continues to be made to keep Olathe affordable while maintaining the exceptional quality of services residents expect.
I understand concerns about taxes—we all share them. This adjustment is a responsible investment in our city’s future. We must continue to improve efficiency, streamline processes, and eliminate duplication, while pursuing quality businesses that expand the tax base and reduce the burden on homeowners—keeping Olathe a great and affordable place to live.
