Gas council adopts 2026 budget, OKs new utility-billing software and addresses nuisance-property letter

The City of Gas Council adopted its 2026 budget and approved a software purchase during its regular meeting on Aug. 12, 2025, at City Hall.

Council opened a public budget hearing at 6:00 p.m., heard no public comment, and closed the hearing by unanimous vote. Councilmember George Grisier then moved to adopt the 2026 budget "as presented," a motion seconded by Councilmember Harry Holloway and carried 3-0.

The adoption completes the council's formal budget action for the coming year and gives city staff authority to implement budgeted programs and expenditures starting in 2026.

In related finance and operations business, the council approved buying new software from Advantage Computers to switch from the city's current GWORKS system to Jayhawk Utility Billing and Denali Accounting. Rick Morrison moved to purchase the software with a new quote not to exceed $20,500; Harry Holloway seconded and the motion passed 3-0. The minutes note that the chosen quote (50121) did not include transfer of historical billing data; City Clerk Rhonda Hill is working with Advantage Computers to determine whether past records can be retrieved.

Council also discussed problems with customers receiving utility bills on time. According to the minutes, a postmaster suggested sending bills in envelopes, which could be implemented with the new software but would cost an estimated additional $1,400 per year; the council took no action on that option.

The council heard routine department reports: City Superintendent Brad Kress reported that Blue Valley Public Safety repaired the storm siren after a tripped breaker and a blown rotating fuse were replaced; Kress also noted work on a water leak at 1281 1900th St, tree trimming along the bus route, and maintenance on the main lift station. Zoning had no items to report. Clerk Rhonda Hill reiterated the work with Advantage Computers on historical data retrieval.

On a code-enforcement matter, City Attorney Ross Albertini reported sending a letter to the property owners identified as "the Clouds" regarding conditions at 118 N Wall. The letter warned that charges would be refiled against both parties if there were no significant changes to the property's condition by Sept. 2, 2025. Superintendent Kress compiled a list of vehicles on the property as of Aug. 12 and provided it to the attorney for sharing with Ms. Cloud.

At 6:50 p.m. the council recessed into a 10-minute executive session to discuss non-elected personnel under the exception cited in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(1); City Attorney Ross Albertini left the meeting prior to that recess. The regular meeting resumed at 7:00 p.m., and the council adjourned by unanimous vote.

Votes at a glance: - Close budget hearing: Motion by Harry Holloway, second by George Grisier; carried 3-0 (SEG 006–008). - Adopt 2026 Budget: Motion by George Grisier, second by Harry Holloway; carried 3-0 (SEG 009–010). - Approve agenda: Motion by Harry Holloway, second by Rick Morrison; carried 3-0 (SEG 011–012). - Approve consent agenda (bills; July 8, 2025 minutes; July treasurer's report): Motion by Rick Morrison, second by George Grisier; carried 3-0 (SEG 014–018). - Approve software purchase (Advantage Computers, quote cap $20,500): Motion by Rick Morrison, second by Harry Holloway; carried 3-0 (SEG 021–022). - Recess into executive session (non-elected personnel, 10 minutes): Motion by George Grisier, second by Rick Morrison; carried 3-0 (SEG 036–037). - Adjourn meeting: Motion by George Grisier, second by Rick Morrison; carried 3-0 (SEG 040–041).

The meeting record was signed by City Clerk Rhonda J. Hill on Sept. 9, 2025. The council did not schedule or announce a subsequent meeting date in the minutes provided.