Wellington – Week of July 20 2025
Property Tax Increase; Drainage Issues; Record Summer Enrollment; City Hall HVAC; Humane Society Award
City Council Proposes Property Tax Increase
Council Confronts Costly Drainage and Flooding Issues
Cowley College Sumner Campus Reports Record Summer Enrollment
City Hall to Get $18,000 in HVAC Upgrades
Humane Society Earns Third Consecutive “No-Kill” Award
City Council Proposes Property Tax Increase
WELLINGTON - Wellington taxpayers may see a higher property tax bill next year as the City Council signaled its intent to raise the mill levy for the 2026 fiscal year. City officials recommended setting the new rate at 61.782 mills, an increase of 0.824 mills from the previous year. This rate is approximately 2.9 mills higher than the revenue-neutral rate that would hold collections flat. Officials said the bump is needed to offset new pool-improvement debt and the looming loss of hospital sales-tax revenue. The council unanimously approved sending a notice of intent to the county clerk, triggering a public hearing on the proposed budget.
Council Confronts Costly Drainage and Flooding Issues
WELLINGTON - Following up on citizen concerns, the council delved into long-standing drainage problems in the Warden Park and West Ridge areas. Public Works Director Jeremy Jones presented a 2019 analysis showing that a properly engineered retention pond could sharply cut runoff from the 68-acre basin. Councilmembers voiced support for a fix, noting repeated road-repair costs and resident frustration. City Manager Jeff Porter cautioned that any solution would be a complex, multi-year effort likely costing $600,000–$700,000 once engineering and environmental work are factored in. The council agreed to keep the issue front-and-center and start scouting grants and next steps.
Cowley College Sumner Campus Reports Record Summer Enrollment
WELLINGTON - The Cowley College Sumner Campus is on a growth tear, Campus Director Zach Cooper told the council. Summer enrollment jumped from an FTE of 1.2 last year to 27.4 this year, driven by surging demand for the EMT/paramedic program and popular math classes. Cooper also highlighted the campus’s Wheat Festival outreach—including a picnic, puzzle competition, kitty tractor pull and a new “Drone Dash” event that attracted budding pilots.
City Hall to Get $18,000 in HVAC Upgrades
WELLINGTON - Councilors approved $17,870.51 to replace two failing rooftop HVAC units that serve the clerk’s office, utility billing and IT department. The low bid went to Advanced Mechanical Solutions of Valley Center, a contractor the city has used on previous projects. Work is expected to begin after the customary 60-day notice period.
Humane Society Earns Third Consecutive “No-Kill” Award
WELLINGTON - Councilwoman Cindy Antonich announced that the Wellington Humane Society has once again earned the state’s “No-Kill Facility” award, marking its third straight year of recognition. Antonich praised the shelter’s spotless facility, dedicated staff and volunteers, and its success in rescuing and re-homing animals throughout the community.
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