Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Spring Hill mayor 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 Spring Hill 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:
Rodolfo Arevalo
1. Conduct budget forensic study to better understand how financial resources are allocated and how they are used. Determine how the relation between strategic priorities of the city is guiding the expenditure of city resources.
2. Consider the implementation of a zero-based budgeting system to ensure that expenditures are effectively utilized.
3. Use economic development growth to diversity city revenues in support of lowering dependence on residential property taxes.
Chad Young
As a council member and now President of the Spring Hill City Council, I’ve consistently supported slowing the growth of taxes and finding ways to reduce them when possible. Over the past three budget cycles, I’ve voted to either hold the mill levy steady or lower it — including helping pass the first actual dollar-for-dollar reduction in recent years for the 2026 budget.
I believe responsible budgeting starts with understanding that these are taxpayer dollars, not government dollars. Rising property valuations have increased the tax load for many residents even when the rate remains flat, which is why continued vigilance and discipline are critical. I will always look for opportunities to slow or reduce that impact when it can be done without cutting essential services or delaying important infrastructure projects.
It’s also important to note that the city’s portion of your property tax bill is relatively small compared to the school district’s share. One of the best ways we can help reduce pressure in those larger line items is by attracting more large and small businesses to Spring Hill. Expanding our commercial tax base helps offset property taxes and future bond payments tied to school growth.
Our city must balance growth with affordability. My goal is to ensure Spring Hill continues to grow efficiently and responsibly while protecting residents from unnecessary financial strain.
