We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Owner: High taxes could cause Kansas racetrack to close

Google Image
Google Image

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas racetrack owner doubts his property will survive if the property tax bill remains high, saying that the facility faces “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in repairs.

Owner Chris Payne declined an interview with The Topeka Capital-Journal but instead relayed information through his attorney, Wes Carrillo. He says Heartland Park Topeka has deteriorated quickly in the last few years and now has cracked tracks, broken water pipes, perforated roofs and piles of garbage.

Payne estimates that Heartland Park would need to net a profit of $27,000 monthly, or $324,000 yearly. He says that with an annual tax bill of nearly $342,000, he believes the operating cost will surpass the park’s revenue.

Payne appealed the county appraiser’s assessment of the property as worth nearly $9 million in March. He’d like to see the value closer

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File