MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – The City of Manhattan staff will propose a new 2027 budget during a Commission meeting on June 30.
The budget will keep the mill levy flat while continuing to fund services, support employees and allocate more money to the bond and interest fund.
Despite high inflation, the City says the proposed budget increase is limited to 2% and includes an increase in General Operating Fund expenditures and reallocates an additional $3.4 million towards debt.
According to City staff, efficiencies and budget reductions, including staffing changes, helped make that possible, in addition to growth in assessed valuation and conservative spending.
The budget also includes proposed increases in fees from services and renegotiated franchise agreements.
“The valuation changes and flat mill levy will put us in a stable position moving forward,” City Manager Danielle Dulin said.
Budget decisions were guided by the goals set by the City Commission at its retreat earlier this year, which include: maintaining a structurally balanced budget and prioritizing investment and maintenance in infrastructure and equipment.
Also to be discussed is the renewal of the dedicated street sates tax set to expire this year. The City says sales tax revenue plays a big role in funding infrastructure. That includes 80% of road maintenance projects.
“We want to remain sensitive to the rising economic demands residents are facing while being realistic about the funds needed to provide essential government services,” said Dulin.
The Manhattan City Commission will review the proposal at the June 30 budget work session.
Residents can watch the meeting and follow the upcoming budget discussions on June 30, July 7 and Aug. 11.
The final budget will be adopted on Sept. 15 to meet state requirements.
Copyright 2026 WIBW. All rights reserved.