Marysville council sets hearing to exceed revenue-neutral tax rate; budget hearing Aug. 25

The Marysville City Council voted to approve the city's intent to exceed the revenue-neutral tax rate and set a public hearing for Aug. 25, 2025, at 7 p.m., with the formal budget hearing to follow at 7:05 p.m. Council members said the proposed estimated tax rate is 68.418, compared with a calculated revenue-neutral rate of 62.71 and last year's rate of 69.48.

City Administrator Josh told the council the estimate is based on the city's numbers and minor changes from the state form and that returning to the revenue-neutral rate would require cutting the budget by approximately $230,000. Council members said the additional revenue would help fund infrastructure projects already under way and planned work, and would support hiring a full-time code enforcement officer that, they said, many residents want.

The council's motion to approve publication of the intent and to set the hearing passed on a voice vote with all in favor. The proposed budget summary will be available at City Hall for public review; staff offered to meet with residents who have questions.

Votes at a glance - Motion: Approve city's intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate and set a hearing for Aug. 25, 2025, at 7 p.m.; budget hearing at 7:05 p.m. Outcome: approved (voice vote recorded as 7-0). Mover/second: not specified in the transcript. - Appropriation ordinance No. 3851 in the amount of $642,226.89. Outcome: approved (roll call: Snellings, Ferris, Behrend, Keating, Pikeman voted yes; other councilmembers recorded as yes). The ordinance passed on roll call.

Other business and updates - Infrastructure and public works: City Administrator Josh reported Eleventh Road work is about 33% complete after rain delays. The city will meet with Carlson Utility and CES this week to set a start date for the Fifteenth Street storm sewer project and confirm contract and loan details.

- Stormwater and lagoon work: Council committees discussed lagoon wetlands, erosion and seed/planting mixes; the city is collecting numbers for repairs and identifying additional stormwater needs. Council members reiterated the purpose of the stormwater utility fund is to track and fund these projects.

- Easement and property discussion: Council members discussed a long-standing easement along Eleventh Terrace where a property owner, identified in the meeting as Steve O'Neil, has altered part of the easement for farming. The council asked staff to gather easement documents and place the item on the next agenda for review; no executive session was called and no formal action was taken at this meeting.

- Child care and grants: Council members said they are pursuing child-care capacity work with state officials and local providers; one councilmember referenced Governor Kelly's effort to expand child care in Kansas and available funding. Staff said they expect to have potential solutions in the coming months after meetings with the state and local providers.

- Youth advisory committee and community engagement: The youth advisory committee met before the council and is working on back-to-school events and possible collaboration with the Rotary Club. Council members encouraged the committee to take on projects beyond event planning.

- Public-safety and nuisance concerns: Council members raised complaints about nonresidents driving through the Eleventh Road construction zone and suggested increased police attention; they also discussed enforcement and public education related to the city's fireworks ordinance, noting many residents fired fireworks from streets this year and expressing concern about cleanup and storm-sewer impacts.

The council adjourned after approving the consent agenda and other items.