> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.citizenjournal.us/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Emporia City Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/emporia-city-commission-summary-14/ - Published: 2026-09-17T12:18:42.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-17T12:18:42.000Z - Description: Week of September 17, 2026 - Author: Cronkite - Tags: empj, #summary, email # City commission approves 2027 budget and flat mill levy # Data center water usage defended during budget hearing # Flint Hills Mall 1 percent sales tax district extended # City to draft strict regulations on e-bikes and e-scooters # First-in-state residential generator regulations proposed # Major sewer inflow and infiltration study announced # City manager explains spike in six-figure city salaries --- ### City commission approves 2027 budget and flat mill levy EMPORIA, Kan. — The Emporia City Commission unanimously approved the 2027 operating budget and a Revenue Neutral Rate resolution following a public hearing. The budget keeps the city's property tax mill levy flat at 46.007 mills but relies on drawing down existing cash balances to cover current operations. City Manager Trey Cocking warned that current funding levels are not keeping pace with long-term infrastructure needs, citing an artificial intelligence model that estimates the city faces $361 million in deferred capital and maintenance needs over the next decade. --- ### Data center water usage defended during budget hearing EMPORIA, Kan. — In response to citizen concerns about corporate water consumption raised during the budget hearing, City Manager Trey Cocking defended the city's High-Volume Drinking Water Policy. While discussing the potential financial benefits of the proposed Flint Hills Digital Campus, Cocking stated that based on information from other communities, the project could bring in an estimated $500 million in potential new assessed property value. Cocking assured residents that strict safeguards are in place, noting that users consuming more than 100,000 gallons daily no longer have a guaranteed "buy right" to water, and the city utilizes live smart meters capable of shutting off supply to high-volume users in the event of a drought. --- ### Flint Hills Mall 1 percent sales tax district extended EMPORIA, Kan. — Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 2628, establishing the Flint Hills Mall Community Improvement District II. The ordinance authorizes the continuation of a 1 percent sales tax at the mall to reimburse developer Flint Hills Mall LLC for eligible maintenance and improvement costs. Eligible projects include general renovations, the addition of a new anchor tenant and the preservation of the existing movie theater. City officials noted this is not a new tax, but an extension of a highly successful 2015 district that they expect to fulfill its maximum funding obligations 11 years early. --- ### City to draft strict regulations on e-bikes and e-scooters EMPORIA, Kan. — Following reports of reckless driving and a severe crash involving a minor, the commission directed staff to draft a strict ordinance regulating e-bikes and motorized scooters. Police officials reported that juveniles are increasingly riding unauthorized, high-speed mini-motorcycles on sidewalks, with some models capable of reaching 60 mph. The upcoming ordinance is expected to include a minimum age requirement of 12, mandate helmets for all riders under 18 and explicitly ban the motorized bikes from city sidewalks. --- ### First-in-state residential generator regulations proposed EMPORIA, Kan. — Emporia is considering regulations that city officials believe could make it the first city in Kansas to specifically regulate residential generators. During a study session, commissioners directed staff to draft an ordinance addressing safety concerns with both portable and permanently installed home generators. Fire and code officials requested the new enforcement tools following recent fires and carbon monoxide hazards caused by improper installations and the prolonged use of portable gas generators as a primary electricity source for homes. --- ### Major sewer inflow and infiltration study announced EMPORIA, Kan. — The city will partner with Duke's Root Control to conduct a three-year study aimed at identifying major leaks and cross-connections in the sanitary sewer system. Public works officials noted that the wastewater treatment plant normally processes 7 million gallons of effluent a day, but that volume spikes to roughly 35 million gallons during heavy rains, which washes out vital microbiology at the plant. The study will utilize trackers dropped into manholes to pinpoint exactly where excessive stormwater is improperly entering the sanitary sewer system. --- ### City manager explains spike in six-figure city salaries EMPORIA, Kan. — Addressing public concerns about top-heavy government salaries during the budget hearing, City Manager Trey Cocking explained that the surge in city employees making over $100,000 is primarily driven by public safety overtime. Cocking noted that police sergeants and fire captains working 24-hour shifts account for a significant portion of the higher earners. These figures were further boosted by recent market-adjustment raises implemented to address severe staffing shortages, which had previously left the fire and police departments short by roughly a dozen officers each. --- [Click here for local obituaries](https://cjus.me/empj-obit?ref=citizenjournal.us) --- --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? 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