Junction City local news summary

2026 City Budget Passes After Debate Over Tax Rate, Spending

Historical Society Granted $10,000 in Funding After Split Vote

Police Department to Purchase $188,000 Data Platform

City to Seek Bids for Vehicle Fleet Management

Crosswalk Safety Near Washington Elementary Raised as Concern

1. 2026 City Budget Passes After Debate Over Tax Rate, Spending

JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Commission approved the 2026 city budget on a split vote, opting to hold the property tax rate at the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR). The vote came after a debate initiated by Commissioner Pinaire, who advocated for a three-mill levy decrease and questioned proposed funding increases for outside agencies like the Economic Development Commission and Main Street. Finance Director Jamel Wilcox noted that making significant changes would require a new public hearing and delay the budget’s final approval. Despite the push for a tax cut, the majority voted to approve the budget as presented, which includes a 6% salary increase for city staff.

2. Historical Society Granted $10,000 in Funding After Split Vote

JUNCTION CITY - The Geary County Historical Society will receive $10,000 from the city for its 2026 operational budget following a 3-2 vote by the commission. Society Director Heather Hagedorn presented the request, outlining the 44 programs and events hosted in 2024 and the more than 3,000 visitors served. The funding became a point of debate, with Commissioner Pinaire arguing the city should focus on helping the society with major infrastructure needs, such as sidewalk and alley repairs, rather than providing operational funds. However, a majority of commissioners felt the programming was vital to the community and approved the direct funding request to help the non-profit organization close a budget gap.

3. Police Department to Purchase $188,000 Data Platform

JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Police Department received approval to purchase a new unified data platform from Peregrine for a total of $188,300 over three years. Assistant Chief Cory Odell explained the software will integrate data from numerous separate systems—such as dispatch records, body cameras, and Flock license plate readers—into a single, searchable database. The system is expected to save thousands of investigative hours annually and includes an “early warning” feature to monitor officer exposure to traumatic events. The initial 15-month cost of $77,300 will be paid using asset forfeiture funds, with no immediate impact on the city budget.

4. City to Seek Bids for Vehicle Fleet Management

JUNCTION CITY - The City of Junction City will explore outsourcing the management of its vehicle fleet. The commission gave staff unanimous approval to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek bids from companies specializing in fleet management and leasing services. The move, which was discussed after a planned presentation from Enterprise Fleet Management was postponed, signals a potential shift from the city’s traditional model of purchasing and maintaining its own vehicles. The RFP process will allow the city to compare the costs and benefits of outsourcing versus the current system.

5. Crosswalk Safety Near Washington Elementary Raised as Concern

JUNCTION CITY - Vice Mayor Gordon brought a public safety issue to the commission’s attention regarding the crosswalk near Washington Elementary School. Gordon stated that he was approached by the school’s principal about concerns over drivers failing to yield to children, honking at them, and speeding through the crossing area. He requested increased police presence and suggested exploring signage or other traffic calming measures similar to those implemented in other parts of the city to ensure the safety of students.

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