Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the City Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City manager reviews 2025 accomplishments and outlines 2026 priorities for Herington
Summary
City staff recapped 2025 achievements—capital improvements, land bank activity, grant-funded sewer work, trailhead prep, fleet upgrades—and outlined priorities for 2026 including pending grant applications, utility projects, and marketing of the former hospital property.
City staff provided an extensive year-in-review, highlighting completed capital projects, grant awards and ongoing initiatives the commission will prioritize in 2026.
Staff said the community approved a sales-tax resolution in November after several public workshops, and the city completed a capital improvement plan. The city—s land bank finalized policies, sold lots and helped develop homes; two homes in the Logan Point development were completed and sold, and staff is pursuing a grant-extension to finish remaining units.
On utilities and infrastructure, staff noted the city received an emergency CDBG grant for sewer upgrades and blower replacement and is pursuing KAT loans for phase 2 of wastewater work. Work on stretches of raw water line was completed in coordination with the railroad, and KMEA generator delivery was delayed into 2026 while an existing generator was renovated for backup use. Staff also reported Evergy executed deferred substation maintenance this year.
Parks and facilities work included WPA restroom improvements completed with volunteers and partners, a new lake fill station nearing completion, and fleet purchases that improved readiness for public-safety and maintenance departments. Staff said it will compile a master equipment replacement plan and continue grant development (including preparing for a possible CDBG application in 2026 now that income standards have been met).
Staff flagged upcoming items for 2026: trailhead construction bid timelines, potential water rate study, continued marketing and cleanup of the hospital property with a market study planned early in the year, and coordination with Dickinson County on wind-farm impacts and related temporary housing or policy needs.
Why it matters: The report identifies where one-time and recurring revenues will be focused, what grant funding remains outstanding, and what capital and maintenance needs may affect future rate and budget decisions.
Next steps: Staff will pursue grant notifications and finalize timelines for projects noted; commissioners asked staff to check lighting and maintenance at the hospital and pool and to follow up with maintenance staff.
