08/18/26 City Commission Meeting

The City Commission meeting of Manhattan, Kansas, held on August 18, 2026, included key procurement and budget discussions. The commission approved franchise agreements with Kansas Gas Service and Evergy Kansas Central, increasing franchise fees from 4% to 6%, with a 4-1 vote. Additionally, the commission approved a construction contract with Schultz Construction for various capital improvement projects related to the water department, including a new security gate at the water treatment plant. The meeting also featured approval of a resolution to place a 0.5% citywide retail sales tax on the November ballot to fund street maintenance over 10 years, aiming to raise approximately $8 million annually for infrastructure improvements. Public comments supported the sales tax as a necessary investment for the community's economic growth and infrastructure upkeep. The commission unanimously approved moving forward with the sales tax measure and related education efforts.