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When it comes to property tax rates in Douglas County, there’s an equal split among the four cities: two are increasing rates and two are lowering them.

Residents in Baldwin City and Eudora are both set to have lower property tax rates — also known as mill levies — after recent action by their city boards. As reported last week, Lawrence — the county’s largest city — is going the other way with a rate increase of about 1.4 mills. The county’s smallest city, Lecompton, is headed that way too with an increase of about 1.7 mills.

Here’s a look at the property tax rates for each of Douglas County’s four cities, plus what the rate changes will mean for some tax bills.

• Baldwin City: After a lengthy discussion, city council members unanimously passed a 2027 budget earlier this month that sets the mill levy at 42.268 mills. That’s down 0.62 mill from a year ago. Baldwin City’s new rate would result in city taxes of $1,458 on a $300,000 home, which is a reduction of about $21 from a year ago.

Baldwin City expects to bring in approximately $19.2 million in revenue in 2027, while expenditures amount to $18.9 million, according to Russ Harding, the city’s administrator.

• Eudora: The Eudora City Commission last week passed its 2027 budget and approved a mill levy of 38.9 mills, which is 0.65 mill lower than the current rate. Eudora’s new tax rate would result in city taxes of $1,342 on a $300,000 home, which is a reduction of about $22 from a year ago.

This is the first time the city of roughly 6,500 residents will have a lower mill levy since 2023, when it stood at 39 mills.

Despite the decrease, the city still anticipates to bring in approximately $400,000 more in revenue from property taxes than it did last year because of increased property values.

Eudora’s budget also includes funding for three additional, full-time firefighters.

• Lawrence: Lawrence city commissioners approved a 1.4 mill levy increase last week that includes approximately one additional mill for the city and a 0.4-mill hike to provide additional funding for the Lawrence Public Library. Lawrence’s new 35.178 tax rate would result in city taxes of $1,213 on a $300,000 home, which is an increase of about $50 from a year ago.

• Lecompton: Lecompton City Council approved a 2027 budget that increases its mill levy from 28.296 mills to 30 mills. Lecompton’s new tax rate would result in city taxes of $1,035, which is an increase of about $59 from a year ago.

The increase is intended to help the city with infrastructure improvements for next year, according to the city clerk.

Residents across Douglas County also will have a lower tax rate for their county taxes. The Douglas County Commission last month approved a 0.383 decrease in the county’s mill levy. Douglas County’s new tax rate would result in county taxes of $1,390 on a $300,000 home, which is about $13 lower than a year ago.

How much city and county tax bills actually will change for a homeowner varies from property to property. Property taxes are calculated by taking into account the property tax rate and the taxable value of the home. The values are determined by the county assessor based off of real estate trends and what similar properties are selling for on the market. If home values rise enough, property tax bills also could rise, even if the property tax rate has fallen.

Various governments across Douglas County, including school districts, townships, cemetery districts and others are finalizing their tax rates, which will be used to fund 2027 budgets. Tax bills generally are sent to property owners in early- to mid-November, and a first half payment of taxes is due by Dec. 20.