Arkansas City Commission approves splash pad, updates to budget and purchasing policies and adds Christmas Eve as city holiday

The Arkansas City Commission on Oct. (date not specified in transcript) approved several administrative and parks measures, including a contract for a new splash pad in Wilson Park, updates to the city’s budget and purchasing policies, and a resolution adding Christmas Eve as an official city holiday beginning in 2026.

The commission approved a purchase order/quote from Powerplay LLC for $306,500 and authorized use of in‑kind city contributions from public works and environmental services for a total project cost not to exceed $326,500 to build a community splash pad in Wilson Park. City staff said the splash pad will be a non‑recirculating (through‑flow) system; estimated annual operating costs are approximately $12,600 (about $5,000 for maintenance and $7,600 for water). The city plans to have city crews perform some site work (curb, hauling dirt, water connections) and expects the vendor work to take roughly a month once on site, aiming for service by the end of the 2026 school year if preparatory work begins in March.

Commissioners also approved updates to the city’s statutory budgetary and financial planning policies as recommended by finance staff to align language with Kansas statutes and to establish guidelines for reserves. Staff noted revisions to the debt policy language to reference the relevant Kansas statute and an updated budget calendar to match state timing.

The commission approved a revised purchasing policy raising the city manager’s…