Cherokee County Is Blocking New Revenue While Your Taxes Go Up
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You pay more.
You control less.
And you get nothing in return.
County Commissioners are pushing forward with new zoning that could block economic development while residents face higher taxes and rising costs.
At a packed public hearing, residents voiced anger and concern. One senior resident told Commissioners plainly:
"My taxes keep going up."
Commissioners have an opportunity to bring in $38 million in new local revenue without raising taxes.
But they are refusing to consider it.
Instead of easing your tax burden they are focused on creating new zoning regulations, a new zoning department, and more government bureaucracy paid for by local taxpayers.
The costs are already growing. Commissioners approved $108,000 to be paid to an out-of-state consulting firm. They appointed five people to serve as a new zoning regulatory board to decide on your future in Cherokee County.
What’s Happening in Cherokee County
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners Meeting, August 25, 2025
"so what are my taxes going for when you keep raising the taxes and there's no maintenance on that road? So, I mean, what am I paying for?"
- Cherokee County Taxpayer
County Commissioners are Advancing a Plan that Would:
Burden local taxpayers even more after property taxes have already risen 24% since 2023
(Kansas Department of Revenue, Real and Personal Property Value and Tax Summary, Cherokee County Value and Tax, Accessed 3/9/26)
Take rights away from landowners, forcing them to ask government permission to use their own land
Block new economic development that could strengthen the county
Leave major funding gaps for roads, bridges, and law enforcement
The Result is Clear:
You pay more. And get nothing in return.
The Opportunity Commissioners are Ignoring
According to Wichita State University, the proposed Rainbow Springs Solar project could generate $38 million in new local revenue for Cherokee County.
That revenue could help support:
Roads and infrastructure
Law enforcement and county services
Schools and community needs
All without raising taxes on Cherokee County families.
But zoning restrictions now being pushed by county leaders could block that opportunity before it is even considered.
You deserve the full picture about economic development opportunities in Cherokee County.
But some local leaders are trying to prevent that.
At a recent zoning meeting, Zoning Board Secretary admitted she blocked a presentation on the economic benefits solar investment could bring to Cherokee County residents.
The Choice Facing Cherokee County
More Taxes and More Government Control
- Higher cost for families
- Zoning that limits property rights
- Lost economic opportunities
OR Economic Growth and Property Freedom
- Millions in new county revenue
- Freedom for landowners to use their land
- Growth that strengthens the local economy
The Question is Simple:
Should Cherokee County raise taxes and expand government — or allow economic growth that benefits taxpayers?
Sign the Petition to Protect Cherokee County’s Future
Tell County Commissioners and their appointed zoning board not to block economic growth before it’s even considered.