Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Shawnee 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 Shawnee 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:
Ward 1
Tony Gillette (incumbent)
I’ve led the fight during budget seasons to lower the city’s property tax mill levy tax rate annually. In 2006, with less population the city mill levy rate was 20.847, in 2020 it was as high as 26.625 with a 58% reserved fund when the standard is 32%. Today, we are using some of these over-taxed reserve funds to increase our stormwater repair projects all while lowering the mill levy rates and not cutting city services.
Steele Reynolds
Many Shawnee families are feeling the strain of tight budgets, and the City Council must remain mindful of the burden that taxes place on our residents. At the same time, with a projected budget deficit in 2026, I believe reducing the mill levy would be fiscally irresponsible and could jeopardize Shawnee’s long-term stability. It’s also important to recognize that mill levy cuts are regressive and large corporations would see the greatest benefit, while residents most in need would see very little relief.
I am a strong supporter of Shawnee’s property tax rebate program, which provides meaningful, income-based assistance to those who need it most. As a member of City Council, I would advocate for expanding this program so that more residents can receive the support necessary to remain secure in their homes.
Ward 2
Mike Kemmling (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Eric Persson
Shawnee’s current mill levy is 23.249 mills, which has remained flat in the last couple of years despite rising property valuations. While I understand the frustration residents feel when valuations increase, I also recognize that our city must balance tax relief with the need to fund essential services like public safety, infrastructure, and parks. I would not support steep, short-term cuts that jeopardize long-term stability. Instead, I support a measured approach: maintaining a lean, efficient budget, exploring targeted relief for those most impacted by rising valuations (such as utilizing the city’s property tax rebate program), and ensuring every tax dollar is used responsibly. Fiscal discipline and transparency must guide our decisions.
Ward 3
Dave Myres
The city has for several years taken in 1 million to 2 million in excess tax dollars than was spent. This is called “over charging the taxpayer”. Our reserve fund is way over funded as a result. Shawnee doesn’t have a revenue problem we have an over taxation problem. This needs to stop.
Morgan Rainey
I absolutely understand why residents are frustrated by rising property valuations—those increases put pressure on household budgets, and it’s something I take seriously. But it’s also important to look at the facts: the City of Shawnee’s portion of your property tax bill is relatively small—about $100 per year for the average home. And yet, that funding is essential to keeping our city running. It supports critical services like police, fire, snow removal, parks, and street maintenance – the things people rely on every day.
Our city staff has done an exceptional job using those dollars responsibly. Shawnee maintains one of the lowest mill levies in Johnson County while delivering a high level of service. That reflects a commitment to doing more with less, and it’s something I deeply respect.
That said, I’m always open to evaluating the mill levy each year. Every budget deserves a fresh, honest look. If we can responsibly lower the rate without compromising public safety or core services, I’ll support that. But blanket tax cuts without a plan would hurt the very services residents expect us to deliver.
For residents who are most affected, Shawnee does offer a property tax rebate program for those who qualify. And we’re working to get more people involved in the budget process so everyone has a voice.
Ultimately, I believe good leadership means balancing empathy with responsibility – and making sure Shawnee stays strong, safe, and sustainable for the long term.
Ward 4
Erin Aldridge
Property tax relief is a real concern for Shawnee families, especially as valuations climb. Our current tax rate must strike a balance between providing enough revenue to fund essential services and infrastructure while respecting the burden on residents. Steep, short-term cuts can sound appealing, but if they compromise long-term stability, we risk underfunding public safety, roads, and parks. I believe in a responsible approach: continually reviewing the budget to eliminate inefficiencies, leveraging state and federal resources where possible, and pursuing economic growth that expands our tax base without raising rates. If elected, I will advocate for fiscally responsible budgeting that ensures we deliver services effectively while seeking opportunities to provide tax relief where it won’t jeopardize our city’s financial health.
Laurel Stiffler
Did not provide the Post with a response.
