Manhattan City Commission Meeting – August 18, 2026

The Manhattan City Commission met on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, to consider consent agenda items, discuss two removed items (franchise agreements and a construction contract), and approve a resolution to place a half-percent sales tax question for street maintenance on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the consent agenda minus items D (franchise ordinance) and E1 (construction contract) by a 5–0 vote. No public comments on the remaining consent items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Trey Coolman, External Affairs Director for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed the Chamber's full support for the proposed 0.5% sales tax for road and street maintenance, stating it is a responsible and necessary measure that protects core public assets and supports economic growth. He noted the vote within the Chamber was nearly unanimous.

Discussion Items

Item D: Franchise Agreements (Ordinances 7835 & 7836)

• Staff presented renewal of 20-year franchise agreements with Ever G and Kansas Gas Service, increasing the franchise fee from 4% to 6% (a 30% increase).
• Commissioner McCullough opposed the increase, arguing it disproportionately impacts lower-income renters who pay private energy costs and noted that property and sales taxes have many exemptions, while franchise fees do not. He compared the 30% increase unfavorably to a 1% increase from a one-mill property tax.
• Other commissioners supported the increase, noting no entity can escape franchise fees and the revenue is needed.
• Vote: 4–1 (Commissioner McCullough dissenting).

Item E1: Construction Contract Authorization

• Staff explained the contract covers design and construction of various water department capital improvement projects, including a seventh project (security gate at the water treatment plant). Due to design delays and differing construction types, the initial bid for building construction was awarded to Schultz Construction; future bids will follow once permitting and design are complete.
• Commissioner Fox requested and received clarification on which specific CIP projects are included.
• No public comments.
• Vote: 5–0.

General Agenda: Resolution for Special Election – 0.5% Sales Tax for Streets

• City Manager Danielle Doolin presented a resolution to call a special election on November 3, 2026, asking voters to authorize a 0.5% citywide retailer sales tax for street maintenance for 10 years. The tax would take effect April 1, 2027, immediately after the current 0.2% tax expires, and generate an estimated $8 million annually ($6 million for local/neighborhood streets, $2 million for minor streets). This is part of a five-year rolling plan to raise the Pavement Condition Index from 60 to 70.
• Commissioner Fox suggested making a map of past work available to the public to show what has been accomplished.
• Manager Doolin confirmed the city’s education effort will be limited (under $250 for printed materials, such as rack cards) to avoid lobbying. She and commissioners will speak at community groups.
• Vote: 5–0 to approve Resolution 081826A.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved 5–0 with items D and E1 removed.
• Franchise Agreements (Item D): Approved 4–1, increasing franchise fees from 4% to 6%.
• Construction Contract (Item E1): Approved 5–0, authorizing the design-build contract for water CIP projects.
• Street Sales Tax Referendum (Resolution 081826A): Approved 5–0, placing a 0.5% sales tax question on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
• Next Meeting: The commission has a scheduled off week for August 25; the next meeting will be September 1, 2026.