> ## 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. # Manhattan City Commission Summary - URL: https://www.citizenjournal.us/manhattan-city-commission-summary-25/ - Published: 2026-09-16T13:50:58.000Z - Updated: 2026-09-16T13:50:58.000Z - Description: Week of September 16, 2026 - Author: Greg Loving - Tags: ksu, #summary # City commission adopts 2027 budget with lower mill levy after split vote # Commission unanimously votes to exceed revenue neutral rate # Residents push back against property tax burden during hearings # Upcoming sales tax vote looms over 2027 budget outlook # Commission approves 3 percent salary increases for city staff # City updates development code to comply with state housing mandates # Commission delays action on historic preservation plan --- ### City commission adopts 2027 budget with lower mill levy after split vote MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission approved the 2027 city budget in a 3-2 vote Tuesday, amending the original proposal to further reduce the property tax rate to a 52.5 mill levy. An amendment was moved to reduce the mill levy from the initially proposed 52.8, requiring a $236,000 reduction in revenues that will be drawn from the city's cash reserve balance. The final approved budget sets authorized spending at $262.7 million, with $186.6 million in operating expenditures. Two commissioners opposed the amendment, citing concerns about reducing reserves needed for emergency responses such as natural disasters, but the measure passed with support from the remaining commissioners. --- ### Commission unanimously votes to exceed revenue neutral rate MANHATTAN, Kan. — Prior to adopting the 2027 budget, the city commission voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution signaling its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate of 52.210 mills. City Manager Danielle Dulin noted that a rate above revenue neutral is necessary to capture new construction and property growth within the community while continuing to stabilize the city's bond and interest funds. Several residents spoke during the public hearing, urging the city commission to reach the revenue neutral rate to alleviate the tax burden on middle-class homeowners and retirees. --- ### Residents push back against property tax burden during hearings MANHATTAN, Kan. — A steady stream of residents addressed the city commission on Tuesday, expressing frustration over rising property valuations and tax burdens. During public hearings for the revenue neutral rate and the 2027 budget, citizens argued that middle-class families, young professionals and retirees on fixed incomes are being squeezed by local taxes. While several speakers acknowledged the commission's efforts to lower the mill levy this year, they urged officials to find further efficiencies, rethink staff sizes and prioritize essential services to provide more meaningful financial relief in future cycles. --- ### Upcoming sales tax vote looms over 2027 budget outlook MANHATTAN, Kan. — While the newly approved 2027 city budget relies heavily on property taxes and utility fees, an upcoming ballot measure could reshape the city's special revenue funds. City Manager Danielle Dulin noted that the newly adopted budget does not currently include an anticipated $8 million that would be generated if voters approve a half-cent sales tax for street maintenance on the Nov. 3 ballot. Commissioners acknowledged that the city's ability to keep up with millions of dollars in deferred essential road repairs hinges on the success of the dedicated sales tax measure. --- ### Commission approves 3 percent salary increases for city staff MANHATTAN, Kan. — City employees will receive a 3 percent across-the-board salary increase in 2027 following a unanimous vote by the city commission. The ordinance adjusts the city's pay scale ranges to remain competitive with the private sector, Riley County and Kansas State University. The raises, which exclude City Manager Danielle Dulin, were defended by officials as necessary for staff retention and recruitment, especially for highly technical roles like engineering, where vacancies have persisted for nearly a year. --- ### City updates development code to comply with state housing mandates MANHATTAN, Kan. — The city commission voted 4-1 to amend the Manhattan Development Code, integrating new mandates from Senate Bill 418 designed to streamline housing development. The changes require the city to allow 3,000-square-foot lots for single-family homes and reduce rear-yard setbacks to 10 feet for specific developments. Director of Planning and Development Stephanie Peterson noted the state law restricts the city's ability to regulate housing design to only one facade of a building and forces the city to allow townhomes in commercial districts like downtown and Aggieville. As part of the state-mandated changes, residents will lose the ability to file protest petitions against rezonings for low-density single-family districts. The update also removes statutory requirements for the city to mail notices to property owners within 200 feet of proposed rezonings at the final hearing stage, though city staff noted they will still require developers to notify neighbors during preliminary neighborhood meetings before applying for zoning changes. One commissioner cast the lone dissenting vote, calling the state law a legislative overreach. --- ### Commission delays action on historic preservation plan MANHATTAN, Kan. — Action on the Manhattan Historic Preservation Plan was tabled until the next legislative meeting following a 4-1 vote. The 235-page advisory document, funded by a State Historic Preservation Office grant, outlines preservation goals, evaluates local resources and suggests policies to protect historic neighborhoods. Several commissioners, having received the lengthy document only days prior, requested more time to digest its contents and understand its potential regulatory impact on older neighborhoods and city staff before taking a vote. One commissioner opposed the delay. --- Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: [Contact Us](https://www.citizenjournal.us/contact/) --- [![Job Board](https://rosebud-ads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/JOB.png)](https://gregl72.github.io/job/?ref=citizenjournal.us)