Lenexa voters approve 20-year sales tax renewal in landslide special election

Lenexa will see its sales tax live for another 20 years after voters approved its continuance during the April 1 election.

According to unofficial election results, 8,691 Lenexa residents approved the tax’s continuance, while 2,257 voted no — representing just 24% of the city’s registered voters. The measure needed a simple majority vote to pass.

Lenexa’s three-eighths cent sales tax is a 20-year tax that takes three-eighths of one percent of purchases (38 cents in a $100 purchase) within the city limits. The funding goes toward road and sidewalk improvements, storm water facilities, street lighting, and the development and maintenance of parks and recreation facilities.

Voters originally approved the measure in 2008, and it expires in 2028.

Lenexa sought approval this time around to ensure ongoing funding for its Capital Improvement Program, a plan that helps guide city projects in five-year increments — with the next five-year increment running from 2025 until 2029, Mayor Julie Sayers said.

The tax funds 20% of the city’s CIP — contributing more than $125 million to projects since its beginning in 2008 through the 2024 fiscal year.

With its current CIP out past the tax’s expiration date, the city couldn’t plan to use its revenue until voters made a decision. Now that it’s approved, the tax will take effect on Oct. 1 2028, and expire Sept. 30, 2048.

The Johnson County Elections Office will certify the results on April 9.