City Commission to Vote on Exceeding Revenue Neutral Property Tax Rate
The Manhattan City Commission will decide July 7 whether to adopt a resolution that allows the city to levy a property tax above the revenue neutral rate, setting up a public hearing later this year. The action, which requires formal vote, heads an agenda that also includes a $1.2 million construction contract and multiple exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center.
Recent discussions
No formal votes were recorded in the past two weeks, as the City Commission and advisory boards held work sessions and presentations. On June 22, the commission received a presentation on the Big Blue River 2nd Connection project from the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization. The Historic Resources Board on the same day considered whether the Yuma Street Cultural Center rehabilitation meets federal standards, but minutes are not yet available.
A June 23 work session covered water and wastewater utility rates, stormwater funding, franchise agreements with Evergy and Kansas Gas, and an overview of property assessments. Commissioners gave feedback but took no action. The Human Rights Advisory Board met June 24 to elect officers and welcome new member Kris Bailey; the board also discussed moving to an as‑needed meeting schedule.
On June 30, the commission reviewed the proposed 2027 budget and a sales tax renewal proposal and received updates on automated license plate readers and Manhattan Regional Airport. Again, no votes occurred.
Property tax vote and July 7 agenda
The resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate would schedule a public hearing for September 15, 2026. If approved, it represents a step toward a potential property tax increase. The consent agenda also includes $6,441,462.56 in claims payments, a $1,207,465.18 construction contract awarded to Ebert Construction for the Autumn Ridge Addition, and traveling exhibit agreements for the Flint Hills Discovery Center totaling $144,200. A $13,250 additional grant for Downtown Manhattan, Inc. is also on the consent calendar.
Land‑use hearings
Before the commission meeting, the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board meets July 6 to hear four public requests: rezoning 5.9 acres from AG to I‑1 (RCF‑26‑091); creating a Planet Fitness planned unit development at 421–467 E. Poyntz Ave. (PUD‑26‑022); rezoning 930 Yuma St. from RL‑A/O‑EN to BC (REZ‑26‑078); and a preliminary plat for the Penrose Valley Addition, an 11.54‑acre subdivision east of Grand Mere Parkway and Kimball Avenue (SUB‑26‑018). Board recommendations will go to the City or Riley County Commission.
On July 8, the Board of Zoning Appeals will elect officers and hear two exceptions: a rear‑yard setback reduction to 12 feet at 1326 N 11th Street, and a street‑side setback reduction to zero feet plus a parking reduction to seven spaces at 930 Yuma Street.
Coming up
- **Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board** – July 6, public hearings on four rezoning and plat requests.
- **City Commission** – July 7, vote on tax resolution, consent agenda with $6.4M in claims and $1.2M construction contract.
- **Board of Zoning Appeals** – July 8, election of officers and setback/parking exceptions.
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.