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• 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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Water Rates: Understanding Proposed Changes 

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. 

A recent Water Rate and Cost of Service Study conducted by Raftelis showed that current 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 reduces the City’s ability to plan for aging infrastructure and respond to major system needs. 

The study provides the City Commission with a clear picture of what it costs to operate and maintain the water system and outlines options for addressing those costs over time. City officials are using this information to evaluate potential phased rate adjustments intended to balance system needs with customer impact. 

The proposed rate structure will be presented to the City Commission for adoption during the February 9, 2026, regular meeting, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Abilene Public Library (204 NW 4th). Meetings are also live-streamed on YouTube and available for immediate replay. Agenda packets with all supporting documents are available online at www.abilenecityhall.com/agendacenter.

 
Current rates are available for review online at https://www.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^th.

Tags must be worn on the dog’s collar when the dog is outside.

View a printable version of registration requirements at https://www.abilenecityhall.com/DocumentCenter/View/3013/Dog-Licensing-info.

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Police Department Receives Grant for In-Car Camera Upgrades

The Abilene Police Department has been awarded federal grant funding to support the replacement of its in-car camera system.

The funding is part of a broader federal investment in crime-fighting technology for Kansas law enforcement agencies and was included in the Commerce, Justice and 

Science portion of the FY 2026 appropriations package that passed the U.S. Senate in January. 

The Abilene Police Department is among several agencies across the state selected to receive funding. 

According to Police Chief Jason Wilkins, the funds will be used to replace an aging in-car camera system. Updating this equipment will improve reliability and help reduce operational risks, ensuring officers have dependable technology while performing their duties.

In-car cameras play an important role in officer safety, accountability, and documentation. Replacing outdated equipment helps maintain consistent performance and supports the Department’s ability to serve the community effectively.

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Officers Pratt and Reyes Receive Commendation Awards

Police Chief Wilkins presented Commendation Awards during the January 26, 2026, City Commission meeting to Sergeant Grant Pratt and Officer Kevin Reyes for exceptional police action during their field duties in response to a call and in de-escalating a potentially dangerous situation on January 16, 2026.

Thank you to Sergeant Grant Pratt and Officer Kevin Reyes for their training, judgment, and service to the community.

Pictured (left to right): Office Reyes, Chief Wilkins, Sergeant Pratt

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Zook Joins Regional Planning Executive Board

Deputy City Manager and Community Development Director Kari Zook has been appointed to the 

Executive Board of the North Central Regional Planning Commission.

The North Central Regional Planning Commission works with cities and counties across the region on long-range planning, infrastructure, housing, transportation, and grant coordination. The Executive Board helps guide the organization’s priorities and regional initiatives.

Serving on the Executive Board allows the City to stay informed about regional planning efforts and funding opportunities that can directly impact Abilene. It also strengthens coordination with neighboring communities and regional partners.

Zook’s participation supports her work in community development by providing a broader regional perspective and helping ensure Abilene’s interests are represented as regional plans and projects are developed.

Residents interested in learning more about the North Central Regional Planning Commission can visit www.ncrpc.org.

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City Commission Issues January Proclamations

At the January 26, 2026, City Commission meeting, Mayor Rein presented four proclamations related to education, victim advocacy, and national observances.

Catholic Schools Week

Pictured: Commissioners with St. Andrew’s Catholic School students and staff. 

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January 2026 was also proclaimed Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The proclamation highlighted the ongoing impact of human trafficking nationwide and in central Kansas, and recognized the work of the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK) in providing services and raising awareness. View the full Human Trafficking Awareness Proclamation. 

Stalking Awareness Month

January 2026 was proclaimed as Stalking Awareness Month. The proclamation noted that stalking often involves someone known to the victim and encouraged residents to learn the warning signs and support prevention efforts. View the full Stalking Awareness Month Proclamation. 

Abilene Celebrates America 250

Abilene Celebrates America 250 marks the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The proclamation encourages community involvement in activities that highlight Abilene’s history and civic pride as part of the national commemoration. View the full Abilene Celebrates America 250 Proclamation. 

Pictured: (Left to Right) Commissioner Meysenberg, Commissioner Kollhoff, Julie Roller-Weeks, Mayor Rein, Ann Strunk, Commissioner Taylor, Commissioner Lytle 

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City Commission Actions: January 26, 2026

The following is a brief summary of action taken at the January 26, 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 12, 2026 — Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting.
• Appropriation Ordinance A-012626-1 — Routine approval of scheduled City expenditures.
• AP Payment Register — List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment.
• 4^th Quarter 2025 Treasurer’s Report 
• 4^th Quarter 2025 Investment Report
• Appointment of Public Works Director Brad Anderson as voting delegate, and City Clerk/HR Director Shayla Mohr as alternate delegate, for the Kansas Rural Water Association 57th Annual Meeting of Membership

PUBLIC COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

• Police Chief Jason Wilkins presented Commendation Awards to Sergeant Grant Pratt and Officer Kevin Reyes for their actions during a January 16, 2026, call involving a potentially dangerous situation that was successfully de-escalated. 
  
  
• The Commission also received proclamations recognizing Catholic Schools Week, Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Stalking Awareness Month, and America Celebrates 250. A presentation from the Dickinson County Economic Development Council was postponed to a future meeting due to illness.

 UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

• Economic Development Incentive Policy — The Commission tabled Resolution 012626-1 adopting a consolidated Economic Development Incentive Policy until July 13, 2026. Staff were directed to review and update individual policies, beginning with the CID Policy, which will be placed on the February 9, 2026, study session agenda.
   
• 2026-2034 Capital Improvement/Equipment Reserve Plans for Water and Sewer —  Approved long-term plans outlining scheduled equipment replacement and infrastructure needs for the City’s water and sewer systems. [Approved]
• Water Conservation Ordinance No. 26-3471— Amends City Code provisions related to the Municipal Water Conservation Plan, including conservation measures during declared water watch, warning, and emergency stages. [Approved]
   
• Water Rates Ordinance No. 26-3472 — Proposes amendments to water rates and restrictions related to outdoor watering and water waste [Discussion only. This item will be considered for approval at the February 9, 2026, City Commission meeting.]

 NEW BUSINESS: 

• Discussion and potential action regarding bids received for the purchase and outfitting of two police cars for the Police Department. [Approved]

 DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

The Commission received monthly reports from:

• Community Development/Inspection
• Fire
• Police
• Public Works.

 EXECUTIVE SESSION

• Executive Session — The Commission entered executive session to discuss personnel matters. Following the executive session, the Commission approved a one-time deviation to the City’s Personnel Policy to authorize increased vacation leave benefits for a current department head, consistent with the employee’s original offer of employment. [Approved]

 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:

• Continued Discussion and Direction for City Staff regarding a City Facilities Naming Rights Policy

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 9, 2026 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session
• February 23, 2026 — 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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