Abilene City Commission Faces Major Budget Decisions, Tax Increases at Monday Meeting
Public hearings on property tax hike and 2026 budget highlight financial challenges facing the city
The Abilene City Commission will hold critical public hearings Monday on both a property tax increase and the city's 2026 budget, marking a pivotal moment in the community's efforts to address ongoing financial challenges.
Property Tax Increase Required
The commission will conduct a Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) hearing before voting on Resolution 090825-1, which would authorize exceeding the state-mandated revenue neutral rate. The proposed 2026 mill levy of 47.537 mills represents an increase of 1.889 mills from 2025.
For a $100,000 home, the increase amounts to approximately $21.72 per year, or $1.81 per month. The mill levy breakdown allocates:
- General Fund: 34.184 mills
- Library: 8.220 mills
- Debt Service: 2.720 mills
- Fire Apparatus: 2.413 mills
Budget Reflects Financial Constraints
The proposed $17.39 million budget was developed under an accelerated two-month timeline and reflects what city officials describe as "disciplined spending" focused exclusively on essential services.
Key budget features include:
- Workforce reductions
- No cost-of-living or merit pay increases for employees
- Reduced funding for outside organizations
- Limited capital spending to previously obligated projects
"The 2026 budget continues this disciplined approach and incorporates structural changes intended to reduce costs beyond the current year," according to budget documents prepared by Interim City Manager Jon Quinday.
Infrastructure Projects Move Forward
Despite budget constraints, commissioners will consider several significant infrastructure initiatives:
SCADA System Upgrades: The commission will vote on applying for state revolving loans up to $400,000 each for water and wastewater treatment plant control system upgrades. The current systems use obsolete equipment no longer supported by manufacturers, creating risks of extended outages and compliance violations.
Housing Development Support: Commissioners will consider supporting Golden Belt West Multifamily's application for state housing grants for Phase II of the Golden Ridge Apartments, which would add 12 units to the existing development.
KDOT Maintenance Agreement: A new agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation would more than double the city's annual compensation for maintaining K-15 (Buckeye Avenue) from $20,500 to $54,190, while updating maintenance responsibilities and eliminating the previous 30-day termination clause.
New Leadership Sworn In
The meeting will begin with oath ceremonies for Police Chief Jason Wilkins and Finance Director Kelsey Briand, followed by a badge pinning ceremony for Chief Wilkins. Both positions had been filled on an interim basis during the city's recent leadership transitions.
Employee Recognition Programs
The commission will highlight its Employee Suggestion Award Program and recognize Kellie Olson, Administrative Manager for Community Development, whose cost-saving newsletter initiative saved the city $10,000 annually while improving community engagement.
Routine Business Items
Other agenda items include:
- Adopting updated Standard Traffic Ordinance and Uniform Public Offense Code
- Appointing Megan Powell to the Library Board
- Proclaiming September as Library Card Sign-up Month
The meeting begins at 4 p.m. Monday at the Abilene Public Library, with virtual viewing available online. A study session will follow, including a tour of the Wastewater Treatment Plant to examine structural issues requiring repairs.
The budget and tax decisions come as Abilene continues working to restore financial stability after years of structural deficits that have reduced reserves below policy levels and limited the city's flexibility to respond to unexpected needs or pursue grant opportunities requiring local matches.
