Editor’s Note: Commissioner Howell says KWCH misquoted him and that he does not support a property tax increase for Intrust Bank Arena. This story has been updated to reflect his statement.
Sedgwick County is considering another property tax increase for maintenance costs at Intrust Bank Arena despite having more than enough budget surplus to cover the costs.
The reserve fund that paid for a new scoreboard, ribbon displays and general maintenance at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita is running out of money. A 30-month sales tax that funded construction of the 16-year-old arena collected more money than was needed and the excess has funded maintenance items ever since. But now, county officials are considering an infusion of $2 million to fill coffers for the next two years. The arena is set to host first-round games of the NCAA Basketball Tournament in 2027 and 2028.
Additionally, looming over the arena is an estimated $27 million in maintenance expense over the next 20 years, according to the facility staff…