Valley Center council approves budget, levy and multiple contracts; adopts measures on payments and software

Valley Center — At its regular meeting the Valley Center City Council took a series of fiscal and capital actions: it adopted the 2026 budget, approved a property-tax levy exceeding the revenue-neutral rate, awarded bids and contracts for infrastructure projects, authorized a major software procurement and approved equipment purchases. Several ordinances and first readings also moved forward.

Budget and property tax - The council opened and closed a public hearing and approved Resolution 796-25 to levy a property tax rate that exceeds the revenue-neutral rate. The roll call on the resolution recorded the following votes: Colbert — yes; Wilson — yes; Reid — yes; Anderson — yes; Gregory — yes; Evans — yes; Stan — yes. The resolution set the amount to be levied at $4,708,938.

- The council then opened and closed a public hearing on the 2026 budget and adopted the 2026 budget as presented. City staff said the budgeted ad valorem amount matches the levy and noted the city’s budgeted reserves and enterprise fund plans. The budget as presented showed a small negative gap in initial figures that staff said is typically managed through year-end adjustments; the council adopted the budget by majority vote.

Infrastructure, construction and equipment - Abilene Lift Station pump station: Council approved purchase of a prefabricated duplex above-ground pump station from Ray Lindsay Company for $126,825 and authorized a construction contract with Hickman Environmental Services LLC for wet-well and installation at $45,840.43 (subject to KDHE approval of lift station design plans). Votes were taken by voice and the…