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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Utility Payment Kiosk to Be Removed from Service

The City’s utility payment kiosk, installed during the COVID-19 pandemic using grant funds, was originally intended to provide customers with a safe, contact-free way to pay their utility bills. While the kiosk served an important purpose during that time, its use has steadily declined to an average of four to six customers using the kiosk each month. Given the annual license fee of $1,200, per-transaction fees, and energy costs, continuing to maintain the kiosk is no longer cost-effective.

Customers still have several convenient options for paying their utility bills remotely, including:

• Drop-box at City Hall
• Phone payments
• Text-to-pay
• Secure online payments.

The City appreciates the community’s understanding as we continue to streamline services and use resources responsibly.

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Fair and Sustainable Water Rates

During the City Commission Study Session on October 13, 2025, commissioners were presented with a proposal for a water utility cost-of-service and rate design study. The Commission will discuss and decide whether to move forward during an upcoming City Commission meeting.

In Abilene, our water utility is self-supporting, meaning rates must cover everything it takes to provide service — from daily operations to long-term infrastructure and emergency reserves. To ensure utility rates are fair and financially sustainable, cities use two key tools: a Revenue Requirements Study and a Cost-of-Service Study, or COSS.

The Revenue Requirements Study helps determine how much revenue is needed each year to keep the system operational. Once that total is known, the Cost-of-Service Study looks at how those costs are shared among different types of customers based on how each uses the system. This step helps prevent any group from paying more than its fair share.

Together, these studies guide the approach to maintaining fair, transparent rates consistent with national standards from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The goal of these studies is to understand the full picture of costs and usage before any rate change discussions take place, with additional analysis and public input to follow before any changes are considered.

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City Seeks Executive Search Firm for City Manager Recruitment

The City of Abilene is beginning the process of selecting an executive search firm to help recruit the next City Manager. The firm will assist the City Commission through each step of the recruitment and hiring process.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been issued and is now available on the city's website for firms interested in submitting a proposal.

Interim City Manager Jon Quinday’s contract runs through January 30, 2026, giving the City time to complete the search and transition process.

The full RFP and submission details are available at https://www.abilenecityhall.com/bids.aspx.

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New Municipal Court Administrator Sworn In

Madison Anguiano was sworn in on October 6, 2025, as Municipal Court Administrator by Police Chief Jason Wilkins.

Madison will oversee the daily operations of the Municipal Court and help the Police Department maintain accreditation through the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (KLEAP).

Her background in court administration and commitment to public service will be a great asset to both the Police Department and the community.

Image Alt Text: Police Chief Jason Wilkins swears in Madison Anguiano as Abilene’s new Municipal Court Administrator at the Police Department.

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City Staff Continue Advancing Skills Through Training

City staff from both the Public Works and Fire Departments recently took part in professional development opportunities designed to strengthen their technical knowledge and hands-on skills.

Public Works Director Brad Anderson, Water Superintendent Joe Hawk, and Assistant Water Superintendent Mike Blacketer attended the Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) City Water Summit. Topics included KDHE regulation updates, the status of future water supplies in Kansas, water service challenges for small communities, and cybersecurity awareness for water systems.

Members of the Abilene Fire Department also participated in several training sessions this fall. Three AFD members attended Wichita H.O.T. (Hands-On Training), gaining advanced instruction in a variety of real-world rescue techniques:

• Charlie Keller took part in Search Ahead of the Hoseline, which focused on locating victims inside burning structures before hose lines are in place, a crucial skill when seconds count.
• Ted Houlton attended Heavy Extrication, advanced training for responding to crashes involving semi-trucks, buses, and other large vehicles.
• Jacob Minson completed Fireground Command and Leadership, which used real-world case studies to teach incident command and Mayday response.

In addition, firefighters completed an interior burn training in September using the KU Fire & Rescue Training Institute Simulator. In October, the fire department hosted a High Angle Rope Rescue Training. Crews from the Chapman, Enterprise, and Herington departments also participated in the training to further enhance their skills and continue building on the understanding that these types of incidents are labor intensive and require increased personnel. Special thanks to Bert and Wetta for providing use of their facility.

These ongoing training efforts help ensure staff are best equipped to handle situations in the safest and most efficient way for themselves and citizens, while also remaining aligned with best practices across the field.

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Fire Prevention Month Continues

The Fire Department has been enjoying visits with students both in the classroom and at the fire station. We all remember being in awe of the bravery of the men and women who run toward burning buildings to save lives, but even more, we remember the safety tips they shared with us.

Last week, students had the ultimate safety experience inside the All-Weather Trailer, which offers demonstrations for a variety of situations, most notably on fire safety. Special thanks to the Solomon Fire Department for providing the trailer.

The kids got to walk through a kitchen, living room, and bedroom setup that demonstrated key fire safety tips, including:
 • Hot stove safety
 • Appliances near water
 • Checking doors for heat before opening
 • Fireplace safety
 • Smoke alarm awareness
 • Planning an escape from a second floor

Events like this remind us that fire prevention starts early. The department always enjoys the opportunity to connect with students and share important safety lessons in a fun and interactive way.

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Don't Flush 'Flushable" Wipes

Even wipes labeled flushable don’t break down like toilet paper. Once flushed, they can tangle together, block pumps, and cause costly backups in homes and throughout the wastewater system.

Wipes are made from strong fibers designed to hold together when wet — a feature that makes them useful for cleaning, but disastrous for plumbing. When flushed, they collect on other debris inside sewer lines and create large blockages, which can lead to:

• Backed-up drains and toilets inside homes
• Damage to household plumbing systems
• Expensive repairs to city wastewater pumps and treatment equipment

What should you flush?

Only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed. Everything else belongs in the trash — even items that say flushable.

Please don’t flush:

• “Flushable” or baby wipes
• Cleaning wipes
• Paper towels
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cotton swabs or dental floss

EVERY WIPE FLUSHED TODAY IS A PLUMBING BILL TOMORROW

By taking a few simple steps at home, you can help prevent costly repairs, protect city infrastructure, and keep the wastewater system running smoothly.

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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 Friday, 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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City Commission Actions: October 13, 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 22, 2025, Meeting Minutes – Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting. [Approved]
• Appropriation Ordinance A-101325– Routine approval of scheduled city expenditures. [Approved]

• AP Payment Register – 011325– List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment. [Approved]

• Public Hearing – Water Treatment Plant SCADA – Hearing held regarding improvements to the Water Treatment Plant Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to be funded under KDHE’s State Revolving Loan program. No public comments. [No Public Comments]

• Resolution No. 101325-1 (Water SRF Application) – Authorizes completion of a KDHE loan application through the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund. [Approved]

• Public Hearing – Wastewater Treatment Plant SCADA – Hearing held regarding improvements to the WWTP SCADA system to be funded under KDHE’s State Revolving Loan program. [No Public Comments]

• Resolution No. 101325-2 (Wastewater SRF Application) – Authorizes filing an application with KDHE under the Kansas Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Act. [Approved]

• Airport Hangar Replacement – KDOT Supplemental Agreement No. 1 – Approves a grant amendment with KDOT for the Abilene Municipal Airport Hangar Replacement Project. [Approved]

• Airport Design & Construction – Olsson, Work Order #8, Amendment #1 – Engineering services for airport design/construction. [Approved]

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION: 

• City Manager Recruitment Process & Timeline – Commission directed staff to prepare and distribute Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for executive search services.
• Extra-Territorial Sewer Connection – Authorization granted for a connection at 1913 W. First Street. [Approved]

STAFF REPORTS:

• Waterline Replacement Project – Wastewater Treatment Plant update.

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.

• Review Proposals for Water Utility Cost-of-Service Rate Design Study - Staff provided background on the City’s water utility deficit and reviewed proposals from consultants to conduct a comprehensive rate study. Over the past five years, operating expenses have grown from approximately $1.7 million in 2020 to $2.5 million in 2024, while revenues increased only modestly. The City currently produces water at an estimated $5.47 per 1,000 gallons but charges $4.47 to residential and commercial users and $1.80 to Rural Water District No. 2, leading to annual shortfalls. The proposed study will analyze cost distribution among customer classes and evaluate rate structure options to improve long-term financial stability.
• Review of Phone Service Agreement - The Commission reviewed the City’s phone service contract and discussed an updated agreement that would result in an estimated $4,800 in annual savings compared to the current plan.

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 27, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session
• November 10, 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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