Atchison, Kansas Development News

City Commission Approves Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate, Sets September Public Hearing for Property Taxes

The city commission discussed and adopted Resolution Number 3456, which establishes the governing body's intent to levy a property tax exceeding the revenue-neutral rate and sets a public hearing date for September 8th, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. The resolution also sets a maximum ceiling of 3.02% over the revenue-neutral rate for the upcoming budget process. This action is part of the state-mandated budget process for Kansas cities and counties. The commission also discussed the detailed budget for 2027 and the mill levy implications, with proposed presentations of the budget on August 14th and August 17th to allow for public review before the final hearing. Several residents voiced concerns during the public forum and commission discussion regarding rising property taxes, the impact on fixed incomes, and the methods of public notification for budget-related meetings. Specific discussions included the breakdown of property tax components (appraised value, assessed value, mill levy), the trend of decreasing mill levies by the city, and the allocation of tax revenues among different taxing entities like the county, school district, library, and recreation commission. The proposed maximum of 3.02% for the city's share is intended to be a ceiling, with efforts to keep the actual levy lower.