Commission Votes to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate Amid Budget Constraints
In a split decision during Monday's meeting, the Abilene City Commission voted 3-2 to approve a resolution allowing the city to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2026 budget year.
The resolution authorizes a property tax rate of 47.537 mills, which represents an increase of 1.889 mills from the current rate of 45.648 mills. The revenue neutral rate would have been 43.515 mills.
Interim City Manager Jon Quinday presented data showing that while the proposed mill rate is higher than the 2025 rate, it remains lower than the city's five-year average of 48.594 mills. Historical data revealed that Abilene's mill rate has fluctuated over recent years, from 51 mills in 2021 to the current 45.648 mills.
According to Quinday's presentation, the impact on property owners would vary based on property values. A residential home valued at $50,000 would see an annual increase of $10.86, while a $139,000 home (identified as the median value) would experience a $30 yearly increase. Commercial properties would face larger increases, with a $300,000 commercial building seeing an additional $140.84 annually.
Quinday explained that the budget was prepared in a "condensed timeframe" and emphasized that it already includes significant cuts. The proposed 2026 budget eliminates two staff positions, includes no cost-of-living adjustments or merit increases for employees, and cancels all capital improvement and equipment purchases for both 2025 and 2026 that aren't already obligated.
"Without going to the 47.537 mill that is recommended, you would not have any carryover, which means that if your revenue were to drop or you have an unexpected expense, you couldn't cover it," Quinday told commissioners.
Commissioner Kolhoff opposed the increase and proposed further cuts, including eliminating three positions and reducing commissioner pay to $1 annually, which he said would save approximately $292,995.
During public comment, resident Jackie Webb urged commissioners to maintain budget neutrality, stating, "The taxes are going higher and higher and higher. Anything y'all can do to maintain budget neutral and not just go up because you can."
The resolution passed with Mayor Brandon Rein, Commissioner Trevor Witt, and Commissioner Meysenberg voting in favor, while Vice Mayor Miller and Commissioner Kolhoff voted against.
In a related move, the commission later voted to table the adoption of the full 2026 budget until its September 22 meeting to allow for further public input and discussion.
