Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Solomon council adopts 1% sales tax to fund water project; approves sheriff contract and benefit changes
Summary
On Dec. 1, 2025, the Solomon City Council adopted Ordinance 778 to impose a 1% city sales tax (effective April 1) prioritizing revenue for a water infrastructure project, approved a two‑year sheriff services contract with a phased 4.8% rate increase, and adopted updates to fees and employee health plan options.
Mayor Brandy Gray convened the Solomon City Council on Dec. 1, 2025. The council voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 778, imposing a 1% citywide sales tax, with council members stating the city will prioritize the revenue for the planned water infrastructure project. The ordinance sets an implementation date of April 1, 2026.
The sales tax vote followed a set of other fiscal decisions. Council approved a two‑year contract with the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office to continue the same level of service hours; the contract phases in a 4.8% annual rate increase to reflect county salary adjustments. The sheriff contract passed on a 4–1 vote. Council also adopted the 2026 meeting and committee calendars and approved a revised fee schedule and employee health benefit structure that adds HSA/FSA options and multiple plan tiers.
Financial and rate changes approved by the council include: a fixed base water charge of $22 per month plus $4 per 1,000 gallons of usage; an infrastructure project fee revised from a $5 fixed fee to $5 fixed plus $2 per 1,000 gallons; a sewer rate increase to $22.50 per house; and a stormwater rate increase to $1.75 per drainage unit. Council approved the fee schedule unanimously.
The council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the school district to replace the city’s nonfunctioning digital park sign; the MOU allocates project costs between the city and school district after a $7,500 grant and establishes a fund for long‑term sustainability. Council discussed that current R‑1 zoning restricts commercial advertising on the sign and that any change to allow limited advertising would require formal zoning or code amendments to be considered in the spring.
On employee benefits, council approved a quad‑plan structure offering four plan options (deductibles ranging from $1,000 to $5,300) and the addition of HSA/FSA benefits effective Jan. 1, 2026. The motion to adopt the plan structure and contribution levels passed unanimously.
Council members and staff noted several outstanding administrative items: the city is working with KDHE on the water project submission, CES is preparing easement exhibits, and a KWO grant application is pending with an anticipated decision by February. Staff also reported a discrepancy between property valuations used by the city’s CPA and county valuation for levies; staff will work with the county to reconcile differences before finalizing the mill rate.
The meeting closed after a short executive session on a zoning compliance matter involving an unpermitted sign; no public action was recorded as a result of the executive session. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
