Shawnee City Council Approves 2025 Budget

Shawnee County Commissioners have voted unanimously to allow exceeding the revenue-neutral rate for their 2025 budget, despite public pleas for budget efficiency. Meanwhile, the Shawnee City Council has approved a flat mill levy rate for the first time in four years, maintaining a rate that exceeds the county’s revenue-neutral rate, while property values in Johnson County continue to rise. Whitefish City Council's final budget for fiscal year 2025 includes a property tax increase, primarily to address rising personnel costs and wage adjustments, with a projected budget of over $53 million. Additionally, the budget for Whitefish reflects a commitment to maintain competitive wages, with a planned pay increase of 8.5% for employees. The public will have opportunities to comment on both Shawnee County's and Shawnee City's budget plans in upcoming meetings, highlighting community engagement in fiscal decisions. As these local governments navigate budgetary challenges, they must balance revenue generation with public concerns about tax rates and spending efficiency.