Wichita Daily Headlines: Sales Tax Vote, Fire Station Mold, Tree Giveaway
Wichita, KS – March 5, 2026 – Voters reject a 1% sales tax, the city tackles mold in fire stations, and a spring tree giveaway gets new funding.
Wichita is waking up to a big election result, continued attention on fire-station conditions, and a small but practical push to add shade citywide.
1) Sales tax proposal rejected
Voters turned down the proposed 1% city sales tax in Tuesday’s special election. Unofficial totals showed 41,097 votes against and 9,143 in favor, with turnout reported around one-fifth of registered voters.
The plan bundled several priorities under one tax, including public safety facilities and equipment, homelessness and housing initiatives, and major work at Century II. City leaders and advocacy groups are now signaling they’ll have to rethink what gets tackled first, and how it’s funded, after such a decisive no vote.
Election officials say results won’t be official until the canvass process on March 9–10.
2) Mold remediation expands beyond Station 15
The city says mold remediation is moving ahead at Fire Station 15, which was vacated in mid-February. Updates this week indicated crews could return after work is completed and follow-up air testing is finished.
City staff and contractors have also pointed to Stations 3, 11, and 13 as next on the remediation list. Officials say some locations may be repaired while firefighters remain in service at the station, depending on conditions, while others could require temporary relocation.
Separately, the city has said it’s reviewing maintenance follow-up practices so water leaks and damp materials are fully dried and cleaned before spaces return to normal use.
3) Free tree giveaway set for April
A local tree-planting group announced it will give away 100 trees to homeowners, churches, and businesses next month, focusing on areas that run hotter because of pavement and dense development. The giveaway is scheduled for April 11 at Emporia Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and interested residents are asked to contact the group to check eligibility.
Sources
- https://www.kwch.com/2026/03/04/wichita-voters-reject-1-sales-tax-increase-tuesday-election/
- https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/communications/news-releases/final-unofficial-election-night-results-for-2026-wichita-special-election/
- https://hutchpost.com/posts/f1ec72ea-ffec-4c0e-8fd9-22a77b58069a
- https://www.kwch.com/2026/03/04/wichita-mold-remediation-underway-multiple-fire-stations/
- https://www.audacy.com/kmbz/news/local/mold-remediation-efforts-continue-at-wichita-fire-station-15
- https://www.kwch.com/2026/03/03/wichita-organization-giving-away-100-free-trees-homeowners-churches-businesses/
