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Leavenworth commission approves 2026 budget, votes to exceed revenue-neutral rate in 3-2 split
Summary
The Leavenworth City Commission adopted the 2026 operating and capital budgets and approved a resolution to exceed the revenue-neutral rate after public hearings; the omnibus vote included a 3-2 split on the budget and unanimous approvals on several related measures.
The Leavenworth City Commission on Aug. 25 approved the city's 2026 operating and capital budgets and voted to exceed the revenue-neutral rate required under Kansas law following a public hearing and citizen comments. The budget passed on a 3-2 vote.
The commission first opened a statutorily required public hearing on exceeding the revenue-neutral rate and then voted to approve Resolution B24-04 to exceed that rate. City staff said state law required the hearing and that the commission must vote on the question at the meeting rather than tabling it. After the hearing, the commission approved the resolution by roll call.
The budget discussion included public testimony urging restraint and asking commissioners to limit nonessential spending. Jay Smyrbee of 601 Teague Avenue told the commission, "The budget clearly shows there is no need to exceed the revenue neutral rate," and said the proposed tax increase would particularly burden elderly residents. Jason Murphy, a frequent budget speaker, cited line items he said showed poor returns, including spending for the airport, an aquatic center and a batting cage, and urged the commission to "strip out coffee, donuts, cake" from departmental budgets.
Commissioners debated levels of service, employee compensation and the city's use of reserves. City staff said the mill-levy increase was proposed in part to slow a drawdown of the city's reserves and to keep reserve levels above the city's policy target. The city's finance team prepared an addendum documenting staff-level changes made after prior budget discussions; that packet was posted on the city website, staff said.
Commissioners also approved the 2026 housing operating budget for Planners 2 (Resolution B24-05) by a unanimous vote. During the meeting the commission approved several other agenda items tied to the budget process, including contract and claims approvals.
Commission comments recorded after the votes showed differences among members about specific line items. One commissioner said they voted to exceed the revenue-neutral rate but not to approve the full budget because they wanted certain economic-development funds run by the Leavenworth Community Development Corporation to be brought in-house. Another commissioner said constituent feedback that taxes were too high prompted a "no" vote on the overall budget.
The commission also approved a contract award for property and casualty insurance broker services with The Riley Company after a staff-led request for proposals; staff said Riley offered the lowest flat-fee and commission options and the panel gave unanimous consensus to recommend Riley. The contract award passed 5-0.
The meeting record shows the commission approved other routine items, including claims and payroll items for the period stated on the consent agenda.
Citizens and several commissioners warned that long-term infrastructure needs, particularly stormwater and culverts, remain a concern. Commissioners said the city currently can repair only a small segment of the system each year and that backlog issues will require continued attention.
The commission adjourned after directing staff to prepare any necessary ordinance amendments and bring back items that need follow-up. Staff said it would fast-track an ordinance clarifying how to fill a potential vacancy on the commission.
Votes at a glance: Ordinances 82-65 and 82-66 (second consideration; special assessments for nuisance abatement and demolition costs) were advanced by roll call and recorded as passed; Resolution B24-04 (approval to exceed the revenue-neutral rate) was approved after the public hearing; the 2026 operating and capital budget was adopted on a 3-2 vote; Resolution B24-05 (2026 housing budget for Planners 2) passed 5-0; award of property and casualty insurance broker contract to The Riley Company passed 5-0; consent-agenda claims and payroll were approved as presented.
The commission is scheduled to follow up on several items, including an ordinance to clarify procedures to fill a commission vacancy and targeted staff follow-up on stormwater complaints raised during public comment.
