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.
What’s in this edition
Water Rate Changes Approved: What This Means for Customers
Ordinance 26-3472 was adopted during the February 9, 2026, City Commission meeting held at the Abilene Public Library at 4:00 p.m. As a result, city water customers should expect their March 15, 2026, bill to reflect an increase in their water usage rates.
Rising costs are frustrating. That’s true whether you’re paying household bills or trying to manage essential services for a community. It can feel especially difficult when utility costs increase, because water is a basic service everyone relies on every day.
Water utilities are funded differently than other city services. Water rates are restricted to paying for the water system itself. They cannot be supplemented by property taxes, sales tax, or other revenue sources. When the cost of operating and maintaining the system increases, water rates are the only mechanism available to address those costs.
City finances often require balancing two competing responsibilities: protecting the pocketbooks of residents while charging enough to cover the true cost of providing services. Water service sits squarely in the middle of that balance. It is essential, heavily regulated, and more complex to fund than it may appear on the surface. For several years, the City has worked to maintain affordability while still meeting those responsibilities.
The recent Water Rate and Cost of Service Study conducted by Raftelis showed that water rates no longer fully cover the cost of providing service. In previous years, reserves were used to help absorb the difference and minimize customer impact. Over time, relying on reserves for ongoing costs reduced the ability to plan for aging infrastructure and respond to major system needs.
The study provided the City Commission with a clear picture of what it costs to operate and maintain the water system and helped guide this difficult decision with the intent of balancing system needs with customer impact.
Current rates are available for review online at abilenecityhall.com/770/Water-Department.
Disclaimer:
To complete a full review of the City’s utilities, a separate sewer rate study has also been completed and is scheduled to be presented to the City Commission later this year. Additional information will be shared as that discussion moves forward.
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Dog Tag Renewals Due by February 27
Dog tags are required for any dogs living within the city limits. Dog tags must be renewed each year.
The deadline to renew is February 27, 2026. A late fee will apply after that date.
To Register
- Apply in person at City Hall, 419 N Broadway.
- Provide proof of current rabies vaccination.
- Cost is $2 for spayed or neutered dogs, and $5 for intact dogs.
- A late fee will be applied after February 27.
Tags must be worn on the dog’s collar when the dog is outside.
View a printable version of registration requirements at abilenecityhall.com/DocumentCenter/View/3013/Dog-Licensing-info.
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Job Opening: Abilene Police Department
Serve with purpose. Protect with pride.
The Abilene Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer.
Why Abilene PD?
- Community-oriented policing
- Competitive pay and benefits
- Paid training and advancement
- Strong teamwork and leadership
Employee Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement through KP&F
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Uniforms and equipment provided
Apply at abilenecityhall.com/policedepartment
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City Commission Actions: February 9, 2026
The following is a brief summary of action taken at the February 9, 2026, 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
The Commission approved the consent agenda, which included:
- Meeting Minutes – January 26, 2026 — Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting.
- Appropriation Ordinance A-020926-1 — Routine approval of scheduled City expenditures.
- AP Payment Register 020926 — List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment.
The Consent Agenda was approved.
Presentations
- Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation 2025 Report – Natalie Muruato, Director of DKEDC, presented a year-end report outlining 2025 activities and economic development efforts.
- 90% Design Completion – Airport T-Hangars – Representatives from Olsson Engineering provided an update on the Airport T-Hangar project. Reaching 90% design means the layout, structural elements, utilities, and site improvements are substantially finalized, with minor refinements remaining before final design and bidding. The project remains aligned with FAA and KDOT grant requirements.
- Overview of the Commission–Manager Form of Government – A short video and staff presentation reviewed the commission–manager structure, the roles of the City Commission and City Manager, Kansas Open Meetings Act requirements, and the use of ordinances and resolutions.
Unfinished Business
- Ordinance 26-3472 – Water Rates and Water Use Provisions — The Commission considered adoption of Ordinance 26-3472, amending Chapter 7 of City Code related to water rates, peak-hour outdoor watering restrictions, and water waste provisions. [Approved]
- Resolution 020926-1 – Sports Complex Naming Rights Policy — The Commission approved a formal Naming Rights Policy for the Sports Complex. The policy establishes a consistent and transparent framework for recognizing private contributions while protecting the City’s legal and reputational interests. [Approved]
New Business
- There was no new business.
Department Reports
Study Session – No Action Is Taken
Following adjournment of the regular meeting, the City Commission held a study session at City Hall.
Topics discussed during the study session included:
- Community Improvement District (CID) Policy Update Discussion – The Commission held a review and discussion of the Kansas Community Improvement District Act and related City policy framework. No formal action was taken.
The study session provided an opportunity for Commissioners and staff to discuss items in greater detail, ask questions, and explore topics that may be brought forward for formal action at a later date. Study sessions are open to the public but are not televised.
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.
- February 18, 2026 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Special Meeting
- February 23, 2026 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting and Study Session
- March 9, 2026 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting and 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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