07/14/26 City Commission Special Meeting

The City of Manhattan, Kansas held a special City Commission meeting on July 14, 2026, focusing primarily on budget and tax levy discussions. The commission considered and approved a resolution to levy a property tax exceeding the revenue neutral rate, setting a public hearing for September 15, 2026. Staff presented revised revenue neutral rates due to updated assessed valuations and discussed budget strategies to stabilize the bond and interest fund, including potential franchise fee increases. The meeting also included a work session on utilizing workforce housing sales tax funds to support a new greenfield subdivision project, with developers seeking feedback on using these funds to offset special assessments for affordable housing units. Commissioners debated various sales tax renewal scenarios to address infrastructure needs, debt service, and capital improvement projects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cash reserves and managing long-term debt. Public comments were invited but none were made. The commission planned further budget work sessions leading up to the final budget adoption in September.