Mark Manning, director of finance, presented updated budget forecasts and options at a workshop and described a path to a balanced 2026 budget and a near‑balance for 2027.

Manning said forecasts presented on May 27 showed a general fund shortfall of roughly $2 million in 2026 and about $5.5 million in 2027. With staffing and expenditure reductions already modeled and updated valuation estimates from the county, Manning reported the city could be about $200,000 short in 2026 and about $1.0–1.3 million short in 2027 in the baseline scenario. He said county valuation estimates could add about $3.5 million annually under a flat levy, which could flip the forecast to a positive position for 2026–27.

To close remaining gaps, staff offered options including a reduction in the public art component of the capital improvement plan (proposed cut of about $900,000), a cost‑recovery initiative intended to generate roughly $250,000 in additional revenues in 2027 (the study itself was estimated at roughly $25,000–$30,000), department reductions and efficiency measures, and an option to reduce the overall mill levy by roughly 0.5 mills. Finance presented a scenario where a 0.5‑mill cut would reduce revenues by approximately $2.5 million per year and would lower total city millage by half a mill while reverting the debt service levy to 7 mills as previously planned.

Council members debated the merits and timing of a mill levy reduction. Several members supported a historic reduction in the levy—finance staff said it would be the first time in more than 30 years the council adopted a lower estimated mill levy than the prior year—and noted the symbolic value to taxpayers. Supporters pointed out an average Wichita homeowner (staff cited a $260,000 average house) would save about $15 per year from a half‑mill cut. Other council members urged caution, arguing that modest property‑tax relief could compromise long‑term service needs (tree removal, animal services, deferred maintenance) and that more targeted rebates or a broader sales‑tax conversation might better address taxpayer concerns.

Staff outlined next steps required by state statute: the manager will present the proposed budget on July 15 (including publishing the required maximums and, if the council desires, a resolution to express intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate), public hearings (including an evening hearing on Aug. 7), and final budget adoption and any vote to exceed the revenue neutral rate on Aug. 26. Manning asked the council to provide timely guidance so staff can finalize required certification materials and produce the budget book for public release.

No formal vote was taken on the mill levy at the workshop; the council received staff recommendations and directed staff to prepare materials for the July 15 proposed budget presentation.