ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Much discussion has been going on at the county level regarding the Revenue Neutral Rate, and tonight, the Liberal City Commission will be having those discussions for the city level. This evening’s meeting will be in the commission chambers at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave. starting at 5:30.
After hearing about the 2024 audit and 2025 audit contract, the commission will then be discussing the city’s Revenue Neutral Rate.
“The City of Liberal was notified by Seward County in June that the 2026 Budget Revenue Neutral Rate was 43.275 mills. Through our 2026 budget discussions, we anticipate that our budget will include 50.367 mills,” the agenda information noted. “Resolution No. 2434 was adopted July 8 with our intent to levy a property tax in excess of the Revenue Neutral Rate. The Seward County Clerk was notified of our intent July 9. The City's 2026 Notice of Hearing to Not Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate was published in the High Plains Daily Leader and Times Aug. 14. The City's 2025 budget included 49.473 mills (final amount of 50.367 mills based on valuations) with a total tax levy of $6,932,800. The 2026 Budget includes an estimate of 50.367 mills with a tax levy of $8,131,453.73. Due to the increase in 2026 valuations over that of 2025, an additional $1,198,654 of property tax dollars would be generated at the 50.367 mill rate. The quantity of estimated 2026 mills is subject to change, dependent upon the final assessed valuation in November. City staff anticipates, through final budget talks, to land somewhere between RNR and last year's final number of mills, which will add increased valuation dollars without exceeding the previous year's number of mills. Staff recommends the review of this information with the input of taxpayers in attendance, followed by the approval of Resolution No. 2437.”
Up next for the commission will be discussion of Resolution No. 2438 concerning the authorization of the Water Project Funds Grant.
“The Kansas Water Authority Project Funds Grant serves to help identify Kansas entities to obtain the up- front technical assistance and the on-the-ground actions needed to address various water quantity and quality needs,” the agenda information noted. “The funds are generally directed to supporting water-related infrastructure activities. We have identified several projects we could potentially apply for. Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2438, allowing for the application of the Water Project Funds Grant, and allowing the mayor, city manager, and finance director to execute grant documents.”
The commission will also be discussing the Ortuño Addition.
“The City received the final pay voucher for the Ortuño Housing Project Aug. 11. This will be scheduled for payment on the Sept. 9 check run. With this contract fulfilled, it is necessary for the City to accept responsibility for the following new streets in the addition: 1200 Block of South Lincoln Ave.; 1200 Block of Sinanche Ave.; the 100 & 200 Block of McCray Blvd.; and Linn Court. City staff requests consideration to accept the dedication of the above listed streets within the Ortuño Housing Addition, with maintenance responsibilities transferring from O.C. Quality Custom Homes to the City of Liberal effective Aug. 26,” the agenda information noted. “With the completion of the Ortuño Housing Addition Development, it is time to discuss the retention pond built within the area. Over the years, the city has either accepted or declined responsibility for the ponds within the city limits. This decision is typically based upon whether or not the city has vested interests in the area, such as water and sewer infrastructure nearby. Brad Beer and Edgar Ortuño will present comments for the Commission to consider in order to move forward with a decision on whether or not the city will assume responsibility of the pond. City staff recommends review of the comments from both the assistant city manager and developer, followed by a vote on assuming responsibility of the Ortuño retention pond.”
The commission will also be asked to approve the purchase of water meters for the Water Department and firearms for the Liberal Police Department.
To conclude the meeting, the commission will be asked to approve the appointment of Kathleen Alonso to the Liberal Memorial Library Board.
