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# Manhattan City Commission Summary
- URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/manhattan-city-commission-summary-23/
- Published: 2026-08-19T13:06:58.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-19T13:06:58.000Z
- Description: Week of August 19, 2026
- Author: Greg Loving
- Tags: ksu, #summary

# Commission approves street maintenance sales tax for ballot

# City outlines pavement goals for proposed sales tax

# Chamber of Commerce endorses proposed sales tax

# City plans low-cost education campaign for sales tax election

# Commission increases utility franchise fees in split vote

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### Commission approves street maintenance sales tax for ballot

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Manhattan City Commission approved a resolution Tuesday to place a 0.5 percent citywide retailer sales tax on the Nov. 3 ballot. If approved by voters, the 10-year tax will fund street infrastructure maintenance, taking effect on April 1, 2027, immediately following the expiration of the city's current 0.2 percent street sales tax. City officials project the new rate will generate $8 million annually, which will be allocated toward local, neighborhood and minor streets.

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### City outlines pavement goals for proposed sales tax

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Ahead of the November vote, City Manager Danielle Dulin detailed a rolling five-year plan for street maintenance that hinges on the passage of the proposed 0.5 percent sales tax. The $8 million generated annually would be used to raise the city's pavement condition index from a 60 to a 70\. Under the comprehensive plan, $6 million would be dedicated each year to repairing and rehabilitating local neighborhood streets, while the remaining $2 million would fund improvements on minor streets.

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### Chamber of Commerce endorses proposed sales tax

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Trey Kuhlmann, Director of External Affairs for the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, addressed the commission to express the chamber's support for the proposed 0.5 percent street maintenance sales tax. Kuhlmann stated that increasing the tax from the current 0.2 percent aligns Manhattan with peer communities and is critical for maintaining core public assets. He added that reliable roadways are an essential investment for the local economy, ensuring the city remains competitive for businesses and accessible to visitors.

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### City plans low-cost education campaign for sales tax election

MANHATTAN, Kan. - To avoid violating laws against lobbying with public funds, the city plans to execute a strictly educational campaign regarding the upcoming sales tax election for under $250\. City Manager Danielle Dulin said Director of Technology and Communications Jared Wasinger will help design objective informational maps and rack cards for the public. Meanwhile, city commissioners—who are legally permitted to advocate for the measure—are expected to speak in support of the tax at upcoming community events, Rotary clubs and homeowner association meetings.

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### Commission increases utility franchise fees in split vote

MANHATTAN, Kan. - In a 4-1 vote, the commission approved 20-year franchise agreements with Evergy and Kansas Gas Service, raising the city's utility franchise fee from 4 percent to 6 percent. A dissenting argument raised concerns that the increase would disproportionately harm low-income residents and renters who live in poorly insulated homes and pay their own energy bills. It was warned that the hike could cost some renters an additional $50 per year, noting that franchise fees, unlike property or sales taxes, lack exemptions for vulnerable populations.

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