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 motions carried.

- Trails End Phase 1 (Tanner Trail / roundabout / utilities): The council awarded the low bid to Andale Construction for $1,849,829 for Trails End Phase 1 improvements and authorized SEH to provide construction engineering services for $148,900. The motions carried by voice vote.

- Vacuum Jetter (combination vacuum/jetter truck): Council authorized purchase of a vacuum-jetter truck under a Sourcewell contract from Armor Equipment in the amount of $605,440.20. Staff said the vehicle will allow the city to perform sewer cleaning, lift-station cleanouts, potholing and other services currently contracted out (staff estimated prior annual contract costs around $50,000). Motion carried by voice vote; delivery and buildout planned after Jan. 1, 2026.

- SERP / ERP (enterprise resource planning) software: Council authorized staff to pursue an agreement with Cassell (ERP vendor) to replace the city’s existing Tyler systems. Staff reported negotiations and a proposed go-live target of Feb. 1, 2027; staff proposed one-time conversion costs in the $134,000 range and an annual subscription in the neighborhood of $70,886 (negotiations ongoing). Council authorized proceeding with the vendor agreement.

Administrative and finance policy changes - ACH payments: The council approved expanding the city’s acceptance of ACH payments across departments, at no direct charge to customers, based on a negotiated bank arrangement.

- Credit-card fees: The council approved increasing the fee the city charges card users from 1.75% to 3% for credit-card payments across departments. Staff cited rising processing costs and noted that cash, check, money order and ACH remain free of charge.

Other contracts, agreements and ordinances - Garage sale sign waiver: Council approved the Chamber of Commerce request to waive right-of-way sign restrictions for the October citywide garage sale (Oct. 2–5, 2025). Motion carried.

- Rezoning and land-use readings: The council approved first reading of Ordinance 1433-25 to rezone a vacant lot at 525 South Abilene from C-2 (General Business) to R-1B (single-family residential). Motion carried on first reading.

- Plat agreement and industrial park: Council approved a platting agreement with PEC for creation of the Valley Center Industrial Park (replatting about 14 donated acres near Ash and Cedar); the city will cost-share with an adjacent business on part of the platting expense. Motion carried.

- Fire agreement with Sedgwick County: Council approved authorizing a formal agreement with Sedgwick County allowing county fire and plan-review staff to perform commercial fire inspections and plan review on the city’s behalf; the county’s fees are recovered through permit fees. Motion carried.

- Park Street vacation and Ford/Seneca annexation: The council approved first reading of an ordinance vacating a portion of Park Street (cleanup of a previously vacated area) and waived first reading to annex right-of-way along Ford and Seneca (Ordinance 1432-25), a step staff said was necessary to secure KDOT trail funding for a Seneca trail alignment. Motions carried.

Process notes and follow-up - Staff said they will include a compliance timeline and KDHE contact results for the pallet-facility special-use item before second reading. - For equipment and software purchases, staff said one-time conversion or build costs will be managed from equipment reserves where necessary and will be reflected in 2026 budget documents.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Resolution 796-25 (levy exceeding revenue-neutral rate): approved; roll-call yes votes by Colbert, Wilson, Reid, Anderson, Gregory, Evans, Stan. - 2026 Budget: adopted as presented. - Abilene Lift Station pump purchase (Ray Lindsay Co.): approved ($126,825) and installation contract (Hickman Environmental): approved ($45,840.43). - Trails End Phase 1 bid award (Andale Construction): approved ($1,849,829); SEH construction services: approved ($148,900). - Vacuum jetter truck purchase (Armor Equipment, Sourcewell): approved ($605,440.20). - Cassell ERP agreement: authorized to proceed. - ACH expansion: approved (no fee to users). - Credit-card fee increase to 3%: approved. - Garage sale sign waiver: approved (Oct. 2–5, 2025). - Ordinance 1433-25 (rezoning 525 S. Abilene): approved first reading. - Ordinance 1434-25 (special-use, 201 S. Cedar pallet facility): approved first reading, contingent on compliance (see separate story). - Plat agreement with PEC (industrial park): approved ($47,500 agreement amount for plat work, cost-share with adjacent business). - Fire agreement with Sedgwick County: approved.

Provenance topicintro: “Good evening, mister mayor, and member of the council. ... This, is the notice of the hearing to exceed the revenue neutral rate.”

topicfinish: “Have a motion and a second to approve the resolution 7 96 dash 25. ... Motion carried.”