Monday’s City Commission Agenda Includes 2027 Budget Above Revenue-Neutral Rate

The Salina City Commission will meet Monday, Aug. 24, at 4 p.m. in Room 107 of the City-County Building, 300 W. Ash Street. The meeting is open to the public and can also be watched live on the City of Salina’s YouTube channel.

The City of Salina is moving toward a 2027 budget that would collect more property tax revenue than the city’s revenue-neutral rate.

City commissioners will consider authorizing publication of the proposed budget and a notice to exceed the revenue-neutral rate during Monday’s meeting.

The proposed budget establishes a maximum estimated city mill levy of 29.568 mills.

The city’s calculated revenue-neutral rate is 27.526 mills.

The city’s current 2026 levy is listed at 28.568 mills.

During a July 13 study session, commissioners directed staff to prepare the budget using a maximum rate one mill above the current levy.

Under the proposal, the city would collect up to approximately $16.88 million in property tax revenue, including about $13.51 million for the General Fund and $3.37 million for the Bond and Interest Fund.

Monday’s action would not constitute final adoption of the budget.

Instead, commissioners are being asked to authorize publication of the maximum budget amounts and schedule the required public hearing.

That hearing is proposed for Sept. 14.

Once the figures are published, the city’s maximum property tax amount and budget authority cannot be increased, although commissioners can reduce the amounts before final adoption.

The final mill levy will depend on the county’s certified assessed valuation.