Manhattan City Commission Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Manhattan City Commission met on July 7, 2026, to issue a proclamation for Parks and Recreation Month, hear public comments, approve routine items, and deliberate on a resolution regarding the city's intent to exceed the revenue neutral property tax rate. The main discussion centered on setting a maximum mill levy ceiling and scheduling a public hearing. After extensive debate, the commission voted 3-2 to approve Resolution 070726B, setting the ceiling at 54.5 mills and a public hearing for September 15, 2026.

Proclamation

• Mayor Susan Adam Chak proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month, highlighting that Manhattan Parks and Recreation welcomes over 700,000 visitors annually and generates an estimated $57 million in economic impact. Commissioners thanked staff, particularly building services, and noted the Sunflower Summer program beginning that day, offering free admission for children and one adult at local sites like the Discovery Center and Zoo.

Consent Calendar

• The commission approved the consent agenda (excluding items 2A, 2B, and 2C) unanimously (5-0).
• Subsequently, the commission separately approved the minutes of the June 16, 2026 meeting (5-0).
• Items 2B and 2C (claims register and license approvals) were also approved unanimously (5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Phil Schenklitz (832 Briarwood Drive) expressed concerns about city inefficiency, citing unreturned calls from the health department (noted as a county department) and fire department, and a delayed curb repair response. He argued against a 6.7% tax increase (the projected increase from maintaining the current mill levy) and questioned whether the city uses data to drive decisions, referencing a pool survey where 51% opposed a tax increase and community priorities showing 83% support for street maintenance. He suggested exploring efficiencies before raising taxes.
• Amber Starling (408 Houston Street) opposed the tax increase, noting that the city's population declined by 27 residents according to Kansas Division of Budget data, meaning the proposed 6.76% increase in revenue from property tax growth would fall on the same number of taxpayers. She argued inflation was 2.66%, making the increase far above inflation, and urged commissioners who ran on stabilizing or lowering the budget to act accordingly.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 070726B – Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate and Setting Public Hearing: The commission considered a resolution to set a maximum mill levy of 54.5 mills (the current rate) and schedule a public hearing for September 15, 2026 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. City staff explained this action is required to publish notice and does not adopt the budget or set the final mill levy; the commission can lower the levy later.
  • Commissioner Fox opposed the 54.5 mill ceiling, arguing it would take full advantage of the allowable 6% increase without justification. He proposed three budget scenarios for staff to develop: one at revenue neutral (51.056 mills), one at a middle rate (e.g., 52.5 mills), and one at the current 54.506 mills, to show service impacts. He emphasized the need to address the bond and interest fund deficit, noting new debt service costs of $3 million in 2026 and $2 million in 2027. He urged approval of the resolution to allow continued discussion.
  • Commissioner Morrison supported the 54.5 mill ceiling, citing past practice (last year the ceiling was 56 and final levy was 54) and the need to maintain services. He noted that inflation in June was 4.2% and that operational costs (cement, diesel) are rising, making it necessary to have flexibility.
  • Commissioner McCullough initially wanted to table the resolution for more discussion but eventually agreed to approve it, requesting detailed budget sheets and a clear CIP to understand the impact of cuts. He expressed concern about rising debt service and the need to control spending, suggesting a maximum of 52 mills if accountability is shown.
  • Commissioner Von Lintel voted no, stating he prefers a lower ceiling (53 mills) and criticized the lack of detailed information on service impacts.
  • Mayor Adam Chak voted yes, supporting the 54.5 ceiling to allow for further study.
  • City staff (Danielle and Rena) provided additional details: the debt service increase from 2025 to 2027 is approximately $7.5 million, with $4.2 million added in 2026. The bond and interest fund (ad valorem tax) is projected to be 7.6 million in 2027. Staff committed to bringing three budget scenarios and detailed debt schedules to the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• The commission passed Resolution 070726B by a vote of 3-2 (Commissioners Fox, McCullough, and Mayor Adam Chak in favor; Commissioners Morrison and Von Lintel opposed).
• The resolution sets a public hearing for September 15, 2026 at 6 p.m. to consider exceeding the revenue neutral rate.
• Staff will prepare three budget scenarios for the next meeting: one at the current 54.5 mill levy, one at revenue neutral (~51 mills), and one at an intermediate level (e.g., 52.5 mills), along with detailed debt and CIP information.
• The commission also noted the upcoming sales tax renewal question and the need to address long-term debt obligations.