Garden City Commission Meeting
Week of June 17, 2026
City commission faces $2.7 million shortfall to maintain flat mill levy
Fred Jones named new public works and utilities director
Commission approves streamlined logo for newly constructed water tower
Police department prepares for delivery of new mobile command unit
Commission approves alcohol sales for Food Truck Fridays
City commission faces $2.7 million shortfall to maintain flat mill levy
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Garden City Finance Director Jared Kuhlmann warned the Garden City Commission of an estimated $2.7 million budget gap for the 2027 fiscal year if the city hopes to maintain a flat mill levy rate. Kuhlmann indicated that one-time cuts would not suffice, requiring programmatic reductions and structural changes instead. To address the shortfall, a special evening work session is scheduled for June 30 to deliberate potential budget cuts and service reductions before the declaration of the city's intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate in July.
Fred Jones named new public works and utilities director
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Fred Jones was congratulated on his promotion to public works and utilities director. Jones, who previously served as the city's water resource manager, replaces retiring director Mike Muirhead. Jones was praised for his past work during closing reports, with confidence expressed in his ability to lead the department and manage the city's infrastructure.
Commission approves streamlined logo for newly constructed water tower
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — A simplified logo design for the newly constructed Jameson Water Tower was approved, removing the city's tagline, "The world grows here," and the word "Kansas." The Public Utilities Advisory Board recommended the change after determining the supplementary text would be unreadable from 1,600 feet away on U.S. 50. Gerard Tank & Steel, the contractor painting the tank, will use the updated, larger design to maximize the visibility of the city's name.
Police department prepares for delivery of new mobile command unit
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Police Chief Courtney Prewitt provided an update on the city's new mobile command unit, which is expected to arrive in July or August. The vehicle will provide a deployable incident command platform for large-scale events, critical incidents and severe weather response, while acting as a backup 911 communications hub. The unit will undergo final inspections at facilities in Florida and Kansas City before being permanently housed and maintained at Fire Station 3.
Commission approves alcohol sales for Food Truck Fridays
GARDEN CITY, Kan. — A request from Downtown Vision was approved to allow the possession, consumption and sale of alcoholic liquor and cereal malt beverages during upcoming Food Truck Friday events. The waiver applies to Stevens Park for events scheduled on July 10, July 24 and Aug. 21. Vendors will be required to maintain a designated physical barrier for alcohol consumption to comply with state alcoholic beverage control laws.
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