09/15/26 City Commission Meeting

The City Commission meeting of Manhattan, Kansas, held on September 15, 2026, focused extensively on budget discussions, including the presentation and adoption of the 2027 city budget. The city manager detailed a total budget of $262.7 million with expenditures of $186.6 million, highlighting an intentional reduction in cash reserves primarily for utilities and street projects. The commission debated the mill levy rate, with motions to reduce it from 52.8 to 52.5, reflecting concerns about tax burdens on residents, especially those on fixed incomes. Public comments addressed the impact of tax increases and urged careful budget management. Additionally, the commission approved a 3% salary increase ordinance for city employees to maintain competitiveness and discussed the challenges of staffing and retention. The meeting also included approval of amendments to the Manhattan Development Code to comply with state law Senate Bill 418, affecting housing definitions and development processes, with concerns raised about impacts on neighborhood character and notification procedures. Finally, the commission reviewed the Manhattan Historic Preservation Plan, an advisory document outlining preservation priorities and economic opportunities, with some commissioners requesting more time for consideration due to its complexity and potential regulatory implications. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were reported during this meeting.