Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates in federal, state and local races address leading up to the Nov. 3 election.

Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to residents across Johnson County.

Each day this week, we’ll publish the candidates’ responses to one question. So far, we’ve published responses on their visions for the next decade and the state’s new housing law.

Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:

The city’s 2027 budget plan holds the property tax rate flat even as the county’s public safety sales tax expires, while general fund spending grows 3.4%. With rising home values, the median household’s municipal property tax bill would be about $970. The city is also issuing $27 million in bonds for the new municipal complex. Is the city living within its means? Do you support the current level of spending and debt relative to what taxes bring in? If not, what would you change?

Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on the issue:

Cole Robinson

Yes, I believe Prairie Village is living within its means. Our number one priority on Council and as a city is to be a good steward of the city’s tax dollars. In my five years on Council, I’ve witnessed firsthand the lengths our team goes to find efficiencies and make sure every dollar goes further. Our internal budgetary meetings and practices mirror those of the corporate sector. Every year, each department sits down with our administrative team and goes line by line through its needs. This rigorous review is a critical part of how we protect the taxpayer.

Next year, our expenditures will grow at 3.4%, which is the current rate of inflation, and the city portion of the median monthly property tax bill next year will be $80.80. While other neighboring cities have had to raise their property or sales tax rates in recent years, PV has maintained a position of fiscal discipline and strength without such measures. Even after passing the municipal campus project (an expansion of our PD, purchase of adjacent land, and a new City Hall – all without an increase in taxes), Prairie Village still has the second-lowest debt-to-assessed-value ratio of any first-class city in Kansas and a reaffirmed AAA bond rating.

In my five years on Council, I’ve been proud to support two property tax rate reductions – the only ones made in decades – as well as expansions of our property tax rebate program and other grant programs for folks who may be struggling on a fixed income. I will work with our staff to continue finding ways to reduce our mill levy and address affordability issues for residents, while also protecting the great things we have going in Prairie Village.

Inga Selders

A flat property tax rate sounds good on paper, but because home valuations are surging, our residents are paying significantly more out of pocket. For seniors trying to age in place and young families trying to build a life here, this continued tax growth is unsustainable.

Our city is not living within its means or exercising the fiscal discipline that our taxpayers expect. Taking on tens of millions in debt for the new municipal complex without allowing the public to vote on it was a mistake. Our standard infrastructure projects cost a fraction of this amount, making this massive debt load an extreme outlier, especially with expensive future needs like community pool renovations on the horizon.

We must restore financial respect to City Hall. As Mayor, I will push to honor the Revenue Neutral Rate to deliver real property tax relief. By auditing our budget and cutting administrative waste, we can lower the tax burden while fully funding our essential services like police, parks, and streets. Most importantly, I will champion an ordinance requiring voter approval for any general obligation bond over $10 million. You should always have a direct voice before the city takes on massive debt. Together, we can rein in spending and keep Prairie Village affordable.

Coming up:

Tomorrow, we will publish the candidates’ responses to the following question:

In September, the city council voted 10-0 to study moving Corinth Library, the county’s oldest branch, a few blocks up Mission Road next to a new city hall. An early concept envisions a 30,000-square-foot, two-story building with drive-thru book drop-off and underground parking. The county library would pay for the building and buy the land from the city at an appraised price. Where do you stand on the future of Corinth Library? Before signing off on a final deal, what would you need to see on land price, parking, traffic and the future of the current site?