It's a plan that would cut the property tax rate for Wichitans--and instead make that money through a city-wide sales tax. A plan that's getting a lot of interest from council members.

"To me it sounds intriguing. I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing at this point, it's just intriguing," says Wichita City Council Member Jim Skelton.

Right now, the owner of a $100,000 house pays just over $1,300 a year in property taxes. Under this plan that would go down by almost $200 a year. A small business could save over $4,000 and a large retail business more than $30,000.

To make up for that lost money, the city would add a one cent sales tax.
Some council members say not only would it help boost business in the city but also bring in extra millions to the county. But others want to make sure it's the right thing to do.

"If we're going to provide something that will be a benefit to the citizen we want to make sure it's going to be a true benefit," says Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer.

One downside to the plan, property taxes bring a steady income to the city--while relying on a sales tax could be more unstable.

These are all things the community will now start discussing. The city's district advisory boards will talk about the plan over the next few months and then the council will decide how to move forward.

Any sales tax hike must be approved by voters.