Emporia local news summary

City Commission Approves 2026 Budget, Exceeds Revenue Neutral Rate

Inflation, Healthcare, and Wages Drive City Spending Increase

City Shelves Kretsinger Project to Control Future Debt

Security Cameras to be Installed in City Parks to Combat Vandalism

County Approves Nearly $35,000 for Cybersecurity Upgrade

City Commission Approves 2026 Budget, Exceeds Revenue Neutral Rate

EMPORIA - The Emporia City Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved the 2026 city budget, which projects nearly $70 million in expenditures. The approval followed a detailed presentation from City Manager Trey Cocking and a public hearing. As part of the process, the commission also voted 5-0 to pass a resolution to exceed the revenue neutral rate, allowing the city to collect more in total property tax revenue than the previous year to cover rising costs for services and infrastructure.

Inflation, Healthcare, and Wages Drive City Spending Increase

EMPORIA - City Manager Trey Cocking outlined the primary drivers behind the increased budget, citing significant inflation, rising healthcare costs, and competitive wages. He noted the cost of a new fire truck has nearly doubled to $900,000 since 2015, while chemical costs at the water treatment plant have quadrupled to $2.1 million. The city’s health insurance expenses have also seen a four-fold increase. A 2023 wage study implemented to retain critical staff, especially in police and fire services, was also identified as a major factor in increased personnel costs.

City Shelves Kretsinger Project to Control Future Debt

EMPORIA - In a move to manage future debt obligations, the city has decided to mothball the planned Kretsinger housing development. The project was included in previous long-term debt plans but has been removed from the current budget. City Manager Trey Cocking stated the decision was made to "save some potential debt," though he noted the project could be revisited in the future if needed. This decision reflects the city's effort to balance necessary infrastructure upgrades with long-term fiscal responsibility.

Security Cameras to be Installed in City Parks to Combat Vandalism

EMPORIA - As part of the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, the city will be installing security cameras in local parks. The move is a direct response to an increase in vandalism, according to city officials. The cameras are intended to deter destructive behavior and help identify perpetrators, ensuring parks remain safe and well-maintained for public use. The project will be funded through the city’s general fund.

County Approves Nearly $35,000 for Cybersecurity Upgrade

LYON COUNTY – The Lyon County Commission unanimously approved a significant investment in digital security, authorizing a payment of $34,888 to CDW-G for a three-year subscription to upgrade the county’s Bitdefender GravityZone Enterprise platform plus the PHASR add-on. IT Director Jean Barnett presented the quote, which will be paid from the Multi-Year Contract Services Fund.

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