FAQs • Goddard, KS • CivicEngage

▼
City Sales Tax

1. Why did the City decide to implement a sales tax?: Goddard’s property tax paying population is just under 5,000 people. The services provided through property taxes are enjoyed by more than 12,000 people who work and live here during the day, and approximately 30,000 people who drive on Kellogg each day.

Police protection, roads, and parks are all paid for by residents, but used by so many more. A sales tax would allow the City to tax some of those people who do not live here, but who use our resources.

2. What will the taxes be used for?: 25% of the collected sales tax revenues remains within the General Fund. The 2016 operating budget included a 2 mill levy reduction. The City of Goddard has a mill levy of 31.164.

75% of the revenues is used to fund infrastructure for projects such as new park and walking/bike trails on the north side of Kellogg, park improvements on the south side of Kellogg, road improvements throughout town including the full reconstruction of Walnut Street, and the eventual rehab of existing roads south of Kellogg, and storm water projects to prevent flooding. 2013 Ad Valorem Tax Levies

3. How will I know what the money is being spent on?: The City is committed to openness in how it spends tax revenues. All revenues from the sales tax will be posted online along with the expenditures for each sales tax related project. The City is also subject to open records acts for those interested in more information.

4. Who can I talk to about the sales tax?: You can call the City with any questions at 316-794-2441.

5. What is the City’s current sales tax rate?: The current sales tax rate is 8.5%.

On Aug 5, 2014, the Citizens of Goddard approved, by a 3-to-1 margin, a 1% local sales tax. The State collects a sales tax of 6.5% and Sedgwick County collects an additional 1%.

1. What do I do if I moved or the address on my citation is wrong?: For an address change, all notices to appear will be sent to the last known address. If you have an open case, keeping your address current with the court is essential. If a notice to appear cannot be delivered by the Post Office because you have not kept your address current, a warrant may be issued.

You may change your address in person or by contacting the Municipal Court.

2. What cases are handled by Goddard Municipal Court?: Goddard Municipal Court handles the full range of cases which are within municipal court jurisdiction, including:
- Animal Control violations
- DUIs
- Domestic Violence Cases
- Drug and Alcohol violations
- Local Ordinance Offenses (fireworks, noise and curfew violations, etc.)
- Miscellaneous misdemeanor level offenses (assault, battery, trespassing, theft, etc.)
- Nuisance and other property violations
- Parking violations
- Routine local traffic citations
- Worthless Check offenses

3. What's going on with my case?: If you have questions about the status of your case please contact the court.

If you suspect that your case is on warrant, you may wish to ask the court clerk how to resolve the warrant as painlessly as possible. Municipal Court

4. I'm supposed to go to court, what will happen?: View the Court Procedures page.

We gladly accept cash, money orders, credit/debit cards (Mastercard/Visa only), and checks for non-appearance required charges such as speeding.

Persons with worthless check cases must pay with cash or money orders.

Cases regarding driver’s license suspensions issued by The City of Goddard must be paid in full before the license reinstatement is submitted.

6. How do I change my court date?: Continuances can be granted one time on initial appearances for up to 1 month.

All other continuances may only be granted in the event of a true documented emergency and must be reviewed by the judge. Valid emergencies include death of an immediate family member or personal hospitalization.

To obtain a continuance contact the Court Clerk's office.

7. How do I know if I have a warrant?: We cannot make online promises not to arrest a person with an outstanding warrant. If you suspect that you have a warrant for your arrest, there are options available to resolve the problem. Warrants for minor traffic infractions and time to pay issues can often be canceled upon payment in full. Other cases require an appearance before the judge.

Each case has its own unique circumstances and warrants are handled according to the judge’s discretion. No generic assurances can be given and we cannot make general promises not to arrest anyone with an outstanding warrant.

To find out if you have an outstanding warrant, or to ask about resolving your individual warrant, please contact the Court Clerk's office.