NORTON — This November, City of Norton voters will head to the polls to decide on a proposed half-cent sales tax aimed at funding long-term street and infrastructure improvements.
City Administrator Dallas Gosselin stated that the measure is designed to address mounting infrastructure needs without placing additional pressure on local property taxpayers. If approved, the sales tax would remain in place for 10 years.
Balancing Infrastructure Needs and Tax Burdens
The proposal stems from ongoing resident concerns regarding the condition of city streets and infrastructure. However, finding the funding has proven to be a delicate balancing act for city leadership, who are actively trying to limit their reliance on property taxes.
Gosselin noted that local governments are facing tightening budget constraints due to state-level property tax exemptions that continue to reduce available revenue. He bluntly stated that the well for property tax owners in Norton County has been “tapped dry,” especially following an unpopular property tax hike last year.
Learning from the Past and Community Feedback
This upcoming vote marks the city’s second attempt to pass an infrastructure-focused sales tax. A previous proposal in 2024 failed at the ballot box when voters instead chose to approve a separate sales tax initiative dedicated to supporting local health care services.
Taking lessons from that outcome and recent community feedback, city officials have been holding public meetings to gather direct input from residents. According to Gosselin, feedback from a recent town hall meeting has already resulted in direct adjustments to the current proposal.
Timeline for the Future
If voters greenlight the measure this November, the city will immediately begin collaborating with bond counsel and public finance specialists to structure the necessary funding.
The projected timeline for the revenue rollout includes:
- Mid-2027: Initial equipment acquisition could begin.
- 2028: Residents can expect larger-scale street improvement efforts to officially ramp up.
Ultimately, Gosselin emphasized that the 10-year tax is meant to be a stepping stone. The city’s broader goal is to build a sustainable funding model that allows future leaders to maintain and improve Norton’s infrastructure without constantly searching for new revenue streams.
Current Norton Sales Tax Breakdown
According to the Norton City Clerk, the current tax landscape is structured as follows:
| Tax Type | Rate |
| Current Local City Sales Tax | 1.25% |
| Combined Total Rate (City, County, and State) | 9.5% |
If the half-cent sales tax passes in November, the local city sales tax rate would increase to 1.75%.
