Recreation Facility Improvements Special Sales Tax

After careful consideration, the City Commission authorized a special question election to be held on February 4, 2025, for the purpose of voting on the question of levying a special purpose city retailers' sales tax in the amount of three and one-half tenths of one percent (0.35%) (e.g., $0.35 on a $100 purchase) on retail sales consummated within the City of Abilene, according to the provisions of K.S.A. 12-187, et seq.

The proposed sales tax is intended to prioritize multi-use fields, enhancing safety, infrastructure, and playability for youth baseball, softball, soccer, and flag football. Additionally, the tax would support potential future projects such as outdoor pickleball courts, a new pool slide, updated playground equipment, a splash pad, and expanded walking trails,just to name a few.

The proposal is based on recommendations from the Sports Complex Task Force, which reviewed findings from a feasibility study conducted by Wichita State University. The study highlighted strong community interest in updating current recreational facilities. Additionally, a detailed sales tax analysis provided by the city’s financial consultant, Piper Sandler & Co., informed the Task Force’s recommendation for the 0.35% tax rate.

If passed, the sales tax will begin on July 1, 2025 or as soon thereafter as the tax may be levied by the Kansas Department of Revenue and the revenue received by the City will be used for public purposes as described in the ballot question.

Click Here to view answers to frequently asked questions. Printable and Shareable!

Q: What will this sales tax generate?

Conservatively 3.7 million

Q: What will this do to the current sales tax?

Additional $0.11 on a $30 purchase, $.35 on a $100 purchase

Purchase Amount Current Tax (9%) Proposed Tax (9.35%) Additional Cost

Q: What does this sales tax do for Abilene?

The special sales tax will help generate funds for recreation facility improvements. The first focus will be multi-use fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and flag football.

Q: Who does this benefit?

EVERYONE. While the first focus will be on multi-use fields to improve safety, infrastructure, and playability for youth baseball, softball, soccer, and flag football, this will also help budget for possible projects coming up, such as more outdoor pickleball courts, a new pool slide, new playground equipment, a splash pad, and more walking trails, just to name a few.

Q: Who pays this tax?

Anyone who purchases items in Abilene, whether residents or people passing through. This also includes online purchases made from Abilene.

Q: Are there other projects that can benefit from this tax?

Any improvements at the Swimming Pool, Parks and Playgrounds, Pickleball Courts, and Community Center.

Q: Why can’t you just fix the current ball fields?

That can be an option, but the amount of money it will take is equal to or more than building new fields. However, that will not include fixing drainage, infrastructure, or playability issues.

**Example: **An updated sewer system to replace the septic tanks at the current fields will cost $300,000 - $400,000 and this doesn't include upgrading the restrooms. New lights at the high school baseball field will cost approximately $500,000 to replace. The current lights at 5 of the fields are on old wooden poles that are easily knocked down in high winds. Because of the age of the light fixtures, they cannot be upgraded and will have to be replaced.

Q: How many people participate in Parks and Recreation activities?

There were approximately 1316 participants in youth sports leagues and camps, 27 teams in adult’s sports, 1000 indoor pickleball participants, 464 participants in aquatic programs, 67 participants in adult exercise classes, 2,696 participants in special events, 7 tournaments at the ball fields, 10 tournaments at the Community Center. The community center had approx. 25,215 recorded visitors, the pool had approx. 18,486 recorded visitors. This does not count the numerous visitors to our parks.

Abilene can’t support tournaments coming to town:

The type of tournaments that will come to Abilene do not necessarily require hotels and a number of sit-down restaurants. Most of these tournaments will be 1-day tournaments. Participants will most likely buy gas, go through fast food, and get snacks throughout the day. This is just like the current tournaments that are held at the ball fields, the volleyball and basketball tournaments that are held yearly at the Community Center, as well as the numerous tournaments that the school holds for multiple sports and activity clubs.

Q: Can the multi-purpose fields be used for other programming?

Yes. The Parks and Recreation Department will also be able to use these fields for additional special events and programming, such as movies at the fields, concerts, etc.

Q: Will the fields remain open to the public as they are now?

Yes. The fields will be open to the public. We will still take reservations for practices and games as we do now on the current fields.

Q: If new fields are built, where will they be and why?

If new fields are built, they will be built north and east of the Community Center. Funding determines how many fields can be built. If enough fields can be built, the current 4-plex will be turned into an open green space for now. This will also allow the rodeo and fair to have more space for contestants and participants. This will also allow a more consolidated area for all the fields and the community center to work together. We also want to keep the fields in an area where kids can still walk and ride their bikes to get to practice and games as they are now.

Q: Why is parks and recreation important to a community?

This opportunity is about creating a vibrant, active community where recreational facilities are accessible to all. Recreation plays a crucial role in the well-being of any community. It not only promotes physical and mental health but also fosters social connections and community engagement. By investing in recreation facilities and programs, we are not just improving amenities; we are investing in the overall quality of life for our residents.

Q: What happens if this sales tax does not pass?

The operational budget for the Parks and Recreation Department currently cannot fund large projects year to year. Without the sales tax funds, the department will do its best to keep facilities clean, operational, and updated. The department will keep maintaining as they can. Each year, more and more funds are spent on small fixes to the ball fields to get through the spring and summer seasons. There are certain fields that are not safe for play, such as the high school baseball field, due to extremely poor lighting, or the concrete bleachers will eventually be unsafe for spectators.

Get Involved:

We encourage you to engage with city officials, ask questions, and voice your support for investing in recreation. You may contact Parks and Recreation Director Kellee Timbrook at 785-263-7266 or kellee@abilenecityhall.com, or City Manager Ron Marsh at 785-263-2550 or ron@abilenecityhall.com.

This webpage is maintained by the City and will serve to keep the community informed of anticipated stages and important dates. All dates are tentative and subject to change. Updates will be made directly to this site. It is encouraged to check back regularly or register for notifications to stay informed.

All campaign materials were and will continue to be funded by community volunteers of the Sports Complex Task Force.