Manhattan City Commission Summary
Week of October 21, 2026
City officials highlight proposed sales tax increase for local roads
City faces potential loss of federal fuel tax funds
City approves intent to annex land for future fire station
City applauds WTC for community investment
City officials highlight proposed sales tax increase for local roads
MANHATTAN, Kan. — With early voting underway for the November election, city officials reminded Manhattan residents Tuesday of the financial impact of a proposed sales tax initiative on the current ballot. If passed, the measure would increase the local street maintenance sales tax rate from 0.2% to 0.5% to generate an estimated $6 million to $8 million annually for Manhattan's road maintenance over 10 years. Officials emphasized the relatively modest impact on consumers, noting the new tax rate would cost shoppers 50 cents on a $100 purchase, and highlighted that the increase would strategically capture revenue from visitors and non-residents who utilize city infrastructure.
City faces potential loss of federal fuel tax funds
MANHATTAN, Kan. — City officials warned the commission Tuesday that potential federal cuts to fuel taxes could severely impact Manhattan's local infrastructure budget. The city currently relies on federal funding as a steady revenue stream for road maintenance. Officials noted that if federal fuel tax distributions are eliminated or significantly reduced, Manhattan would be left in a very serious position regarding its road funding resources.
City approves intent to annex land for future fire station
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Manhattan City Commission unanimously approved a resolution of intent Tuesday to annex a 4.42-acre tract of land at 3830 Excel Road in Pottawatomie County. The property, which the city purchased several years ago for $914,000, is earmarked for a potential future fire station. City officials noted the annexation will prevent the city-owned land from being incorporated by other municipalities following a recent, unsuccessful attempt by residents of the nearby Green Valley area to incorporate as an independent city. The resolution will now go to the Pottawatomie County Board of Commissioners for review before a final city ordinance is drafted early next year.
City applauds WTC for community investment
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Commissioners recognized local telecommunications company WTC Tuesday for contributing more than $830,000 to the Manhattan community, highlighted by a recent ribbon-cutting event at Sunset Zoo. The investment, supported by a state grant, includes the installation of 124 public Wi-Fi access points at various local agencies and parks, providing connectivity that officials said would otherwise be unaffordable for the community. The commission commended the business for its significant ongoing financial and social impact on the city, noting the free internet service commitment spans five years.
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