Arkansas City approves federal park grant, sets budget hearing and other measures

The Arkansas City Commission approved several measures during its meeting, including acceptance of a federal grant for Wilson Park, a five-year fire-protection agreement, the reinstatement of an earlier community improvement district sales-tax ordinance, and a formal notice of intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for property taxes, which sets a public hearing for Sept. 2 at 5:30 p.m.

Pickleball courts grant and local match

The commission unanimously approved a resolution to accept $115,840 in federal grant funds from the Kansas Department of Wildlife through the National Park Service Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for the Wilson Park Pickleball Courts project (project number 20-00839). The city committed to a local match of $115,840, provided by a private fundraising group, for a total project cost of $231,680. City staff said the LWCF award is a reimbursement grant: the city or its partner must start the project and submit expenses for reimbursement. City Manager Randy Frazer said the local fundraising group is actively raising funds and that the group’s current pledged amount is "less than $100,000 but greater than $50,000." Staff said the project must be completed by May 30, 2028, and that fundraising now will be aided by the grant award.

Budget step: notice to exceed revenue-neutral rate

The commission also approved a resolution authorizing the city to notify the county clerk of its intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 2, 2025, to hear taxpayer objections. City staff said the revenue neutral rate had been calculated at 57.478 mills; staff reported the current proposed mill rate sits at 58.274 mills under the working budget, roughly 0.8 mills higher than last year. Staff discussed an estimated homeowner impact; estimates given in the meeting for a $100,000 home ranged roughly between about $10 and $13 annually, depending on assumptions about assessed value and exemptions.

Fire district agreement

The commission authorized a new five-year agreement with Cowley County Rural Fire District No. 5 to provide fire protection services to the district. The agreement includes an increase in the annual levy from 7.5 mills to 7.8 mills; staff estimated that change would amount to roughly $18,000–$20,000 more per year in revenue to the city to support the service. The resolution passed on a voice vote.

Summit Plaza CID sales tax reinstatement

The commission moved to repeal the 2025 ordinance that had attempted to end the Summit Plaza Community Improvement District (CID) sales tax and thereby reinstate the prior 2015 ordinance governing that special sales tax district, citing legal language that requires repayment of interest on a developer loan. City staff said the city had believed eligible CID costs had been paid off after reaching $750,000, but further review and consultation with attorneys and the developer revealed outstanding interest at rates reportedly between 2% and 7%, leaving about $350,000 yet to be repaid under the CID documents.

Consent agenda: property purchase

On the consent agenda the commission approved purchase of property at 2262 (documented in packet as 2262216) East Chestnut Avenue from Patty K. Brown for $14,000 and accepted a quitclaim deed. Staff said the parcel is part of the east pressure zone improvements and will support an elevated water-storage project serving the Crestwood Addition pressure zone.

City manager updates

City Manager Randy Frazer reported that the city did not receive a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) this round for a Wilson Park project and that staff will seek feedback from the Kansas Department of Commerce. He said the city and county are working to help businesses impacted by recent large hail, including pursuing a county disaster declaration that could open eligibility for Kansas Department of Emergency Management and Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans. Staff also reported progress on a hike-and-bike trail, permitting and work to replace sewer and water lines near Avenue F and the middle school, and a city hall roof replacement project.

All measures in this roundup were approved by voice vote at the meeting; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript for these items.