Direct from City Hall

Your twice-monthly source on city news, decisions, and projects —  all in one place.

Each edition gives you:

• What’s Been Decided
  Key actions from recent City Commission meetings and other decisions affecting our community.
• What’s Happening
  Updates on projects currently underway.
• What’s Next
  A look ahead at upcoming projects, opportunities for input, and other things on the horizon for Abilene.

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City Commission Adopts 2026 Budget

During the September 22, 2025, meeting city commissioners adopted the 2026 City Budget following several months of discussion, public hearings, and difficult decisions. Like many cities, Abilene faces the challenge of inflation, increased service demands, and the rising costs of maintaining essential infrastructure with limited resources. 

Why the Budget Matters

The city’s budget is the roadmap for how tax dollars are spent to provide police, fire, parks, streets, water, and other services. The 2026 budget was crafted during a time of significant financial uncertainty. To position Abilene for long-term financial stability, the Commission voted to approve a property tax levy above last year’s rate. The Commission adopted a property tax levy of 47.537 mills, which is 1.889 mills above the 2024 levy of 45.648 mills (used for the 2025 budget).

How the City Reduced Costs

During the budget process,  staff worked diligently to reduce expenses, including leaving staff vacancies unfilled, reducing operating costs, renegotiating or eliminating service agreements, deferring equipment purchases, and scaling back capital projects. All decisions were made to minimize the impact on residents while ensuring that basic services remain reliable.

Looking Ahead

While the 2026 budget is tight, City staff will continue seeking ways to reduce expenses and improve efficiency, including: continuing to review service agreements, streamline operations, pursue grants, and strengthen partnerships with other agencies. The adopted budget positions Abilene on a cautious but deliberate path toward long-term fiscal stability.

We extend our gratitude to residents who attended hearings, provided feedback, and stayed involved throughout the budget process. Community participation is vital in shaping priorities and ensuring tax dollars are used for the betterment of Abilene.

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October is Fire Prevention Month

This October, the Abilene Fire Department is joining with the National Fire Protection Association® to mark Fire Prevention Week™, October 5–11, with the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

Most of us use lithium-ion batteries every day — they’re in phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, and even toys. While they’re convenient, these batteries can overheat or even catch fire if they’re damaged or not used correctly. This year’s campaign encourages everyone to Buy, Charge, and Recycle Safely:

• Buy only listed products that meet safety standards.

• Charge devices with the cords they came with, and always on a hard surface — not under pillows or on couches.

• Recycle batteries responsibly at approved collection points.

“Our goal is to help people understand how to use lithium-ion batteries safely and prevent fires in the home,” said Fire Chief Kale Strunk.

Teaching the Next Generation

As part of Fire Prevention Month, firefighters will lead a series of presentations across schools, childcare centers, and at the station.

These visits are a highlight each year, giving children hands-on learning and helping build safety habits that last a lifetime.

The Abilene Fire Department encourages all residents to take a few minutes this October to look around their homes, identify devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, and make sure they’re being charged and recycled safely.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit www.fpw.org.

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Firefighters Earn EMT-B Certification

The Abilene Fire Department is proud to recognize two of its firefighters for their recent professional achievement. Donovan Anguiano (pictured left) and Charlie Keller (pictured right) have both earned their Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B) certification through the Kansas Board of EMS.

The EMT-B certification is the foundational standard for emergency medical responders in Kansas. Training includes classroom work, hands- on practice, and clinical experience that prepare firefighters to provide immediate, life-saving care. With this training, Donovan and Charlie can assess patients, perform CPR, control bleeding, assist with breathing difficulties, and stabilize individuals until they can receive advanced medical treatment.

For the Abilene Fire Department, having more firefighters trained as EMTs strengthens the team’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in medical emergencies — which make up a large portion of calls each year. For the community, it means a higher level of care and confidence when residents dial 911.

By investing in advanced training, Donovan and Charlie are not only building their own skills but also enhancing the department’s capacity to protect the health and safety of citizens. Their dedication reflects the department’s ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in service.

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Housing Progress Continues

Access to quality housing is essential for a strong, growing community, and several recent milestones highlight continued progress in Abilene's housing market.

• Abilene Terrace recently celebrated its ribbon cutting. All units in the new development are full, showing the strong demand for affordable housing in the community. Abilene Terrace includes 16 duplexes designed for residents 55 and older, offering low maintenance living that makes the transition from traditional homes easier. As seniors move into Abilene Terrace, more single-family houses become available for families, helping to ease the local housing shortage.

• At the Golden Belt Heights East Subdivision, three new single-family home permits have been pulled, bringing more housing opportunities to the neighborhood.

• In Golden Belt Heights West Subdivision, three duplexes are close to receiving certificates of occupancy. It is unclear if the duplexes will be available for sale or rent. The subdivision will also soon welcome a second 12-unit apartment complex, following final approvals from the City Commission and Land Bank on September 22, 2025. 

Together, these developments show that Abilene is adding a healthy mix of housing options— single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family apartments — to meet the needs of current and future residents. Growth in housing supports the local economy and contributes to the overall quality of life in Abilene.

Interested in building at home at Golden Belt Heights? Visit www.goldenbeltheights.com to review available lots, covenants, and begin the buying process! 

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Halloween Street Closure for Trick-or-Treating

Each year, NW 3rd Street becomes one of the most popular spots for Halloween trick-or-treating. To help keep the area safe for the large number of families and children who visit, the city will again close NW 3rd Street from Elm Street to Pine Street on Thursday, October 31, from 5:00–8:00 p.m.

Residents along the route have received letters asking them to remove vehicles during the closure. This helps ensure the street is clear for pedestrians and emergency access if needed. The closure has become a community tradition, allowing kids to enjoy the holiday safely.

We appreciate the dedication of the property owners who create a festive atmosphere, and the community in making this event safe and enjoyable for everyone.

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Community Development Director Attends Preservation Conference

Community Development Director Kari Zook recently attended the National Trust for Historic Preservation Past Forward Conference, a nationwide event focused on historic preservation, planning, and community development. The conference provided an opportunity to learn from preservation experts, connect with other communities, and bring back ideas to strengthen our own preservation efforts.

Attendance was made possible through a grant awarded by the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Because the grant fully covered registration and expenses, there was no cost to the city for participation.

Conferences like this support professional development and ensure Abilene stays connected to best practices and resources that benefit local projects and planning efforts.

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City Commission Actions: September 22, 2025

The following is a brief summary of action taken at the September 22, 2025, City Commission meeting., and does not represent the official minutes. This recap highlights Commission actions and provides background for context. Full details, staff reports, and supporting documents are available in the official agenda packet in the Agenda Center.

CONSENT AGENDA:

• September 8, 2025, Meeting Minutes – Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting.
• Appropriation Ordinance A-092225 – Routine approval of scheduled city expenditures.

• AP Payment Register – 092225 – List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment.

• 2026 City Budget (Ordinance No. 25-3464) – The Commission adopted the City’s 2026 annual budget. The budget sets spending levels for city services and infrastructure while balancing community expectations with available revenues. After debate about staffing and police department resources, the ordinance passed on a 3–2 vote. [Approved]

• Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credit Application (Resolution No. 092225-1) – Commissioners approved submitting an application to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) for the state’s Housing Investor Tax Credit program. This incentive is designed to encourage private developers to invest in new housing projects across Kansas. [Approved]

• Kansas Moderate Income Housing Grant Application (Resolution No. 092225-2) – The Commission authorized an application to KHRC’s Moderate Income Housing (MIH) program. If awarded, MIH funding would help support affordable housing projects for working families in Abilene. [Approved]

• Golden Belt Heights Development Agreement – A development agreement was approved with Golden Belt West Multifamily, LLC to construct a 12-unit apartment complex as part of the Golden Belt Heights West subdivision expansion. This project continues the City’s commitment to increasing local housing availability. [Approved]

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Repairs – The Commission approved a bid from Nelson-Fowles, LLC (NF Construction) in the amount of $219,330 to address building settlement and cracking at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. These repairs are necessary to protect critical wastewater infrastructure. The bid was approved 4–1. [Approved]

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 

• Stormwater Master Plan Update – Staff and commissioners reviewed the Bi-Weekly Wellfield Health and Production Report and discussed ongoing stormwater planning and drainage priorities, including how to identify and rank needed improvements across the city.

STUDY SESSION: 
Following the regular meeting, the City Commission held a study session to review several upcoming projects and agreements. Study sessions are informational only and no formal action is taken.

• KDOT Airport Grant Amendment – Updates to state grant funding for airport improvements.
• Master Service Amendment with Olsson – Engineering support for Abilene Municipal Airport.
• Airport Hangar Discussion – Future hangar space needs and planning.

• Employee Experience & Workplace Climate Survey – Exploring a survey to better understand staff needs and organizational culture.

LAND BANK BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Land Bank Board of Trustees, made up of the City Commission, met immediately following the regular meeting.

• Golden Belt Heights West – Lot Purchase Agreement Amendment – The Board approved the first amendment to a lot purchase agreement for Lot 2, Block 3 in the Golden Belt Heights West subdivision. This amendment ensures alignment with updated development terms. [Approved]

For more in-depth information on agenda items, including staff reports and supporting documents, visit the full agenda packet in the Agenda Center.
A recording of the meeting is also available on the city's YouTube channel. 

• October 13, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session
• October 27, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session

Residents are encouraged to be active participants in their city government by attending City Commission meetings at the Abilene Public Library or by watching live on the city's YouTube channel on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 4:00 p.m.

Meeting agendas are posted on the city website the week before each meeting. Each agenda includes time for general public comments under Item 6, allowing residents to address the Commission on topics not listed on the agenda.  Many agenda items may also allow time for topic specific public comment.  

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