by Keeley Young
Estimated Tax Notices Have Been Mailed – What You Need to Know:
This is NOT a bill. It’s a required notice that shows residents what the proposed property tax mill rates from each local taxing entity could cost for your appraised property.
A Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) is the tax rate in mills that would generate the same property tax revenue (in dollars) as the prior year when using the current year’s total assessed valuation. Staying revenue neutral means a taxing entity would have to provide this year’s services, with this year’s prices, using the same dollars as the previous year’s budget. New projects or services, increases in pay for employees, and increasing supply costs are just some of the many reasons a taxing entity may need to use more property tax dollars to operate.
Your property tax is divided across several property-taxing entities, including the City, County, School Districts, Community College, and more. If any taxing entity chooses to use more tax dollars next year that the current budget shows, a notice to exceed the revenue neutral rate must be filed and a public hearing must be scheduled.
The amount on your estimated notice is NOT a final tax amount. This estimate shows your possible tax amount. The City of Liberal’s budget is typically not finalized until September. We file an intent to exceed RNR to meet state statute deadlines for a potential increase in case the budget does exceed last year’s total property tax dollar amount. Our staff work diligently to give taxpayers the biggest benefit for the lowest cost while providing public safety, essential services, and quality-of-life amenities for all residents.
City of Liberal property tax mills have declined or remained at a stable level for the past three years:
- 2022 – 55.635
- 2023 – 53.288
- 2024 – 50.367
- Proposed 2025 – 50.367
The City of Liberal’s Revenue Neutral Rate Public Hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 inside the City Commission Chambers at the Liberal Recreation Center, 950 S. Grant. This is the opportunity for residents to attend and share their thoughts on the City’s proposed property tax rate. 