Abilene local news summary

Commission reviews proposal for 45 percent water rate increase

Consultant recommends tiered water rates to curb high usage

Recreation improvement project approved despite opposition

Commission debates scope of athletic field renovations

Martin hired as new county counselor following Thompson's retirement

Judge rules in favor of county in wind farm lawsuit

Commission proceeds with plan to address delinquent tax parcels

Sales tax revenue projected to exceed 2025 budget

County offices to close day after Christmas

Commission reviews proposal for 45 percent water rate increase

ABILENE, Kan. - A financial consultant presented a cost of service study to the Abilene City Commission on Monday, recommending a 45 percent water rate increase effective March 2026 to address a lack of capital funding. Tom Beckley of Raftelis Financial Consultants reported that the water utility currently operates with a zero fund balance and generates only enough revenue to cover immediate operating expenses. The proposed financial plan includes the initial 45 percent hike followed by 9 percent annual increases through 2030, aiming to generate approximately $900,000 annually to fund $1 million per year in underground infrastructure replacements and $1.5 million in other capital improvements.

Consultant recommends tiered water rates to curb high usage

ABILENE, Kan. - As part of the water rate study, consultants proposed shifting residential billing from a flat rate to an "inclining block" structure designed to encourage conservation during water emergencies. Under the proposal, the first 4,000 gallons of monthly usage—deemed essential for indoor needs—would see a smaller price increase, while usage between 4,001 and 10,000 gallons would be billed at a higher rate. Usage exceeding 10,000 gallons would be classified as discretionary and billed at the highest tier, a move consultants say targets customers contributing to peak demand during summer months.

Recreation improvement project approved despite opposition

ABILENE, Kan. - The commission voted 3-1 to approve a progressive design-build agreement with Mid-America Sports Construction for the city's Recreation Improvement Project. The agreement allows the project to move into the design phase, including cost estimation and scheduling for the renovation of sports fields. Parks and Recreation Director Kalee Timbrook presented preliminary concepts focused on four multi-use fields compatible with softball and baseball. Commissioner Trevor Kohlhoff voted against the measure, arguing the project should be delayed to ensure better communication with the school district.

Commission debates scope of athletic field renovations

ABILENE, Kan. - Tension surrounded the prioritization of facilities within the Recreation Improvement Project, specifically regarding the high school baseball field. Commissioner Trevor Kohlhoff expressed concern that the project had deviated from its original goal of providing a new playing field for the high school, noting that the current $4 million budget prioritizes multi-use fields while leaving the high school baseball field for a later, unfunded phase. Timbrook clarified that while the high school athletic director is on the planning committee, the current funding is insufficient to complete all desired fields immediately.

Martin hired as new county counselor following Thompson's retirement

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The commission unanimously approved a legal services agreement with the Salina-based firm Clark, Mize & Linville, appointing Aaron Martin as the new county counselor. Martin will replace Doug Thompson, who is retiring at the end of the year after a long tenure with the county. Martin will serve as an independent contractor on an as-needed basis to review contracts and minimize liability, while Thompson will continue to assist with the local recovery court.

Judge rules in favor of county in wind farm lawsuit

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - County Administrator Janelle Dockendorf announced that the district court has issued a decision affirming the Board of County Commissioners' approval of the conditional use permit for the Hope Ridge Wind Farm. The ruling allows the county to move forward with the next steps of planning and finalizing agreements for the project. The decision marks a significant legal victory for the county regarding the contested development.

Commission proceeds with plan to address delinquent tax parcels

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - During a work session, the Dickinson County Commission heard a presentation from a contracted attorney specializing in tax foreclosures regarding a plan to address back taxes on approximately 90 to 100 parcels within the county. The process, which is expected to take 12 to 18 months, aims to generate tax revenue rather than create bidding wars for property. The commission expressed support for moving forward with the proceedings to clean up the county's delinquent tax list, specifically targeting properties with unpaid taxes from 2022 and prior.

Sales tax revenue projected to exceed 2025 budget

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - Assistant County Administrator and Finance Director Marcus Rothchild reported that the county is in a strong financial position, having already collected nearly 99 percent of the budgeted sales tax revenue for the year. With the final December disbursement still pending, Rothchild confirmed that the county will exceed its projected revenue of $1.7 million. He noted that collections are tracking slightly higher than the previous year, signaling economic stability.

County offices to close day after Christmas

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. - The commission voted to close all county offices on Friday, Dec. 26, granting employees an extended holiday weekend following Christmas. The decision was made to align the county's schedule with the district court, which had already announced it would be closed that day. Commissioners noted that conducting business would be difficult with the courts closed and viewed the day off as a no-cost benefit to staff.

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