Abilene Commission to Vote on Budget, Housing Projects Monday

Key decisions include property tax increase, wastewater plant repairs, and development support

The Abilene City Commission will tackle several major decisions at Monday's 4 p.m. meeting, with the most significant being final adoption of the city's 2026 budget that includes the first property tax increase in two years.

Budget Vote Returns After Delay

Commissioners will vote on the 2026 budget that was tabled September 8 following heated debate over staffing cuts versus tax increases. The proposed budget sets the mill levy at 47.537, up from 45.648 in 2025 — an increase of 1.889 mills.

For taxpayers, the increase translates to approximately $22 annually for a $100,000 home, or about $1.81 per month. The budget includes no cost-of-living increases for employees and defers most equipment purchases as the city works to rebuild financial reserves.

Commissioner John Kollhoff had proposed eliminating three city positions to avoid the tax increase, including the deputy police chief and one patrol officer position. However, Police Chief Jason Wilkins warned that cutting staff would reduce service levels to 1990s standards despite modern crime challenges.

The commission voted 3-2 to approve the tax increase at the September 8 meeting, with Kollhoff and Commissioner Wendy Miller opposing.

Housing Development Gets Support

The commission will consider supporting a 12-unit apartment project with two resolutions backing Golden Belt West Multifamily's Phase II development of Golden Ridge Apartments.

One resolution supports the developer's application for Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits, while another authorizes the city to apply for a state Moderate Income Housing grant on the project's behalf.

Commissioners will also approve an addendum to the original development agreement that extends the developer's option to purchase Lot 2 from December 2025 to December 2026, allowing time for tax credit decisions expected in January.

Major Infrastructure Repair Approved

A $219,330 contract with Nelson-Fowles Construction for wastewater treatment plant repairs will come before commissioners. The work addresses structural problems including foundation settlement and cracking that pose risks to the facility's operation.

The repairs include helical pile installation for stabilization, concrete replacement, and crack mitigation work that engineers deemed necessary after structural assessments revealed concerning movement in the building.

Water System Transparency Increases

Staff will present a new bi-weekly wellfield health and production report, providing regular updates on the city's water supply infrastructure. The reports track well performance, water production rates, and system maintenance to give commissioners and the public better insight into water system operations.

Stormwater Planning Discussion

Interim City Manager Jon Quinday will update commissioners on stormwater management planning, noting that the city's comprehensive stormwater master plan hasn't been updated since 1998. The discussion will address drainage issue prioritization and the need for systematic infrastructure improvements.

Study Session to Follow

After the regular meeting, commissioners will meet in study session to discuss airport improvements, including KDOT grant amendments for hangar design work and options for replacing hangars destroyed in storms. They'll also consider a proposed employee satisfaction survey.

The meeting will be held at the Abilene Public Library, 209 NW Fourth Street, and streamed live at www.abilenecityhall.com/watchlive. A study session will follow, beginning no earlier than 4:30 p.m.

The Land Bank Board of Trustees will also meet immediately after the regular commission meeting to consider amendments to a lot purchase agreement.