New bill creates tax confusion at Kansas State Fair

If you are buying food, clothes or equipment from the vendors at the Kansas State Fair, you're contributing to fairground building repairs.

A law was passed last session that changed where most of the tax went, but now some people are worried they are paying more taxes.

The Bison Arena is one of the buildings they want to repair with the sales tax money, again the sales tax has not gone up. But of the 6.5 percent, now percent rather than going to the general fund, will go to a maintenance fund for the state fair.

"Some of the buildings I think, well they are all great, but I think some of the buildings and restrooms could use some repair,” said Liz Warman who lives in Andover.

Some fairgoers worry they are now paying more tax while visiting the fair.

"I think it went up, a little bit. Keeps going up all the time,” said Keith & Cynde Goertzem of Hutchinson.

We spoke to one of the lawmakers who supported the bill about the rumor the tax went up.

"It was really concerning because that's not at all what we did and I wanted to make sure people understood that because we didn't increase the tax at all, we are just diverting the tax money, the state portion of the tax money over to this building fund," said Rep. Jason Probst D – 102nd District.

So the Goertzens were glad to hear they aren't paying more, and that the money is just going in a different pot,

The fair's interim general manager, Bob Moeder, showed us the three buildings that need attention first.

"That 5 percent comes back to the fair, goes to the capitol fund, which then helps us with the bison building, the expo building and the birthing center so we can do the upgrades and make it nicer for everyone who comes to the fair,” said Moeder.

So while you can buy more at the fair, you won't be paying more tax...

"Come out and enjoy it and buy whatever you need, because it will help us going forward,” said Moeder.

The fair's general manager says they expect to generate $400,000 from that portion of the tax per year.