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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Special City Commission Meeting: December 16, 2025              

The City Commission will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 5:00 pm at the Abilene Public Library, located at 209 NW 4th Street. 

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss and potentially take action on two items related to the City Manager search process:

• LEAPS Administrative Questionnaire - Questionnaire for City Manager Search 
• City Manager Search Selection Committee — Discussion regarding recommended community members' appointment to City Manager Search Committee.

The meeting agenda and supporting documents are available online at https://www.abilenecityhall.com/agendacenter. 

The public is welcome to attend in-person or access live streaming on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNURrU0ueP6_dRpHYu1wJEg.

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2025 Holiday Hours

Non-essential city offices will observe the following hours for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Please note that emergency services remain available at all times.

For emergencies, always call 911.
For non-emergent needs, you may contact Dispatch at 785-263-1212.

City Hall
 • December 24 – Closed
 • December 25 – Closed
 • December 26 – Closed
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed

Community Center
 • December 22 – 8:00am to 8:00pm
 • December 23 – 8:00am to 8:00pm
 • December 24 – Closed
 • December 25 – Closed
 • December 26 – 8:00am to 5:00pm
 • December 31 – 7:00am to 5:00pm
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed

Senior Center
 • December 22 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
 • December 23 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
 • December 24 – 8:00am to 4:00pm
 • December 25 – Closed
 • December 26 – Closed
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed

Recycling Center
 • December 24 – Closed at 3:00pm
 • December 25 – Closed
 • December 26 – Closed
 • December 31 – Closed at 3:00pm
 • January 1, 2026 – Closed           

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City Commission Approves Next Phase of Sports Complex Project

Progress on the future Sports Complex continues, with the City Commission taking another key step at its December 8 meeting.

Earlier this year, voters approved a 0.35% sales tax to support the Sports Complex project. Following that approval, the City and the Sports Complex Task Force completed a competitive selection process to identify a firm to assist with planning and design. In September, the City Commission selected Mid-America Sports Construction, beginning collaboration with the City during a pre-design phase focused on setting project goals, confirming requirements, and evaluating overall feasibility. Costs associated with this pre-design work were included in the overall project budget and did not require separate funding.

At the December 8 meeting, the City Commission approved a Progressive Design-Build Project Agreement with Mid-America Sports Construction, allowing the project to move into a more detailed planning phase.

The pre-design phase resulted in schematic design documents, including early sketches and drawings that illustrate the general layout and overall concept of the project. These materials are intended to confirm agreement on the basic direction of the Sports Complex before continuing into more detailed design work. The newly approved progressive design-build agreement allows this work to continue in a structured, phased manner.

This process includes two primary phases:

Design Phase

• Design development and refinement
• Preliminary cost estimates and value-engineering options
• Project schedule refinement
• Preparation of construction documents to establish scope, quality, and budget parameters

Construction Phase

• City Commission review and consideration of the design-build documents
• Establishment of a not-to-exceed project cost
• Authorization for construction to proceed, if approved

As planning progresses, information will continue to be brought back to the City Commission for review and direction, with updates shared along the way.

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Understanding Proposed Water Rate Changes: What They Really Mean for Residents

When the City of Abilene hired Raftelis to conduct a comprehensive cost-of-service and rate study, the goal was simple: determine what it would take to keep the community's water system safe, reliable, and financially sustainable for years to come.

The study found that the City's water fund reserves-used for several years to cover routine operations-will be depleted by the end of 2025. To correct this imbalance and begin addressing the long-term needs of aging infrastructure, the report recommends a 45 percent rate adjustment in 2026, followed by 9 percent annual increases through 2030.

While the 45 percent sounds alarming at first, the report makes clear that the typical residential increase is far lower-about 16.6 percent for a household using 4,000 gallons per month, which represents nearly two-thirds of Abilene's customers. For that household, the average monthly bill would move from $36.65 to $42.74. Please keep in mind that these dollar amounts reflect the water portion of the utility bill only. Total monthly bills also include sewer and sanitation charges, which are not part of the water rate study.

The percentage differences appear large in part because Abilene's current rates are unusually low. When starting from such a low baseline, even modest dollar changes show up as high percentages. In everyday terms, the City has been charging much less than what it actually costs to operate and maintain the system, so catching up requires proportionally higher adjustments on paper, even though the dollar impact for most residents remains modest.

The proposed rate structure also introduces inclining block rates for residential customers, keeping essential indoor water use at the lowest price while moving heavier outdoor and seasonal use into higher tiers. High-volume users-such as those irrigating large lawns-may see more noticeable increases because their water use places the greatest demand on the system during peak periods.

Commercial and irrigation customers would also see adjustments, including a uniform commercial rate of $5.98 per thousand gallons and a new irrigation rate of $6.72. Even with these changes, Abilene's water bills remain below the regional average. After the proposed adjustment, the typical 4,000-gallon bill in Abilene is projected at $42.74, compared to a regional average of $43.39.

The need for updated rates stems from significant capital requirements. The City currently budgets $500,000 annually for water main replacements, though long-term needs exceed $2 million per year. The plan gradually increases funding to $1 million by 2030. The City's two water towers, each nearing 100 years old, will also require replacement in the coming years at an estimated cost of $15 million apiece. Additionally, the study recommends rebuilding a 90-day operating reserve to ensure the utility can respond to emergencies and unexpected repairs.

While the proposed increases are significant, they are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable water system. Most residents will see increases far below the 45 percent headline, and Abilene's rates will remain competitive within the region. The adjustments aim to secure clean, dependable water today while building a sustainable system for years to come.

The city commission will continue discussing the cost-of-service and water rate study recommendations at their December 22, 2025, study session.

Please contact Jon Quinday, Interim City Manager, at 785-263-2550, or 419 N. Broadway, with any questions.

Written by Interim City Manager Jon Quinday and published in the December 11, 2025, edition of the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle.
                                                                                                 

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Abilene Police Department Honors Retired Captain Lonnie “Steve” Cathey

The Abilene Police Department is honoring the life and service of retired Captain Lonnie “Steve” Cathey, who passed away earlier this month.

Captain Cathey faithfully served the community for more than 28 years, dedicating his career to public service and leadership within the Police Department. His commitment to the profession and to the community left a lasting impact on those who worked alongside him and the residents he served.

The Department extends its gratitude for Captain Cathey’s years of service and leadership, and joins the community in remembering his contributions.

We extend our sincere condolences to Captain Cathey’s family, friends, and former colleagues during this time.

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Kansas I-70 Association Receives Tourism Marketing Grant

 
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that $100,000 has been awarded to support 20 new tourism marketing projects across Kansas. These projects will help communities elevate their advertising efforts and inspire new visitors to explore the Sunflower State.

 “Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth — and these grants help communities market attractions that tell unique stories in ways that bring more visitors and create new opportunities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Last year, tourism contributed $8.2 billion in visitor spending to the state’s economy — and we’re committed to supporting our local partners who are working to strengthen communities by expanding Kansas’ visibility.”

 In total, the 20 grant recipients will invest more than $177,000 in matching funds towards approved marketing projects.

 Several standout initiatives from this year’s awardees showcase the creativity and collaboration happening across Kansas: 

• Digital Passport Program: Kansas I-70 Association is developing an interactive digital passport program tied to both World Cup travel and the America 250 celebration, giving visitors new ways to experience attractions along the corridor.
• FIFA World Cup Campaign: Wabaunsee County Economic Development is launching a targeted marketing campaign aimed at FIFA World Cup travelers, highlighting the Flint Hills and nearby attractions to an international audience.
• Tour die-Kapellen: Hays Area Bicyclists Inc. is preparing a campaign to boost out-of-state participation in the annual Tour die-Kapellen bike and bus tour, spotlighting the region’s striking limestone churches.  
• Trek Passport App: Nemaha, Jackson, Doniphan and Brown are partnering to create a new Trek Northeast Kansas passport app, offering themed tours that encourage deeper regional exploration. 

These projects – along with many others – demonstrate the innovative approaches communities are taking to inspire travel and elevate tourism in Kansas. To view the full list of Tourism Marketing Grant awardees, visit here. 

“Through these grants, we’re able to help communities bring fresh ideas forward and shine a spotlight on what makes them unique,” Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe said. “Each project individually reflects the dedication of our partners, and together we’re inviting new audiences to discover the remarkable experiences found across the state.” 

For more information about Kansas Tourism grants, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2025/12/commerce-awards-100000-for-tourism-marketing-projects-across-kansas/ or contact Kansas Tourism Grant Program Manager Babette Dixon at babette.dixon1@ks.gov.

About the Kansas I-70 Association:

Kansas I-70 Association, Inc. was established in 1989 in Abilene, Kansas and has since grown to include 17 member communities along the Kansas I-70 corridor.

The association works to boost economic benefit for these communities by inspiring travelers to stop, explore, and experience more of Kansas during their journey. Through collective marketing and strategic outreach, the organization encourages travelers to discover the attractions, hospitality, and unique experiences found in the communities along I-70.

Pictured Left to Right: Melissa Sowers (Visit Topeka), Bridgette Jobe (Kansas Tourism), Julie Roller Weeks (Visit Abilene and Kansas I-70 Association President), Megan Gilliland (City of Bonner Springs and Kansas I-70 Association Vice President), and Beth Ansell (Visit Shawnee and Kansas I-70 Association Coordinator). 

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Online Forms Updated for Easier Access

Finding City forms should be simple, and we’ve made a few updates to help with that.

We recently updated our Online Forms & Applications page to make it easier to find commonly used forms in one place. Forms are now grouped by category, helping residents, contractors, and businesses quickly locate what they’re looking for.

To ensure you’re always using the most current version, we recommend accessing forms directly from the City’s website rather than saving copies to your personal devices. Forms are occasionally updated, and using the website version helps avoid confusion caused by outdated information.

While not all forms are fully ADA accessible at this time, we continue to work toward improving accessibility across online forms and the website, with a goal of completion in 2026.

The updated page is intended to save time and make the process more user-friendly.

Online Forms & Applications: https://www.abilenecityhall.com/403/Online-Forms 

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Don't Flush 'Flushable" Wipes

 Our crews have seen an increase in sewer line blockages caused by wipes and other non-flushable items.

To help keep the sewer system flowing properly — and to help you avoid costly plumbing repairs — please follow the guidelines below.

Even wipes labeled “flushable” don’t break down like toilet paper. They clog pumps, block pipes, and cause expensive backups.

Toss in the trash, not the toilet —

• Flushable Wipes
• Cleaning Wipes
• Paper Towels
• Tampons
• Diapers
• Sanitary Pads
• Wet Wipes

When in doubt, throw it out!

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our systems running efficiently.

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Join Our Board — Airport Advisory Committee

Apply online at www.abilenecityhall.com/BoardApplication

The 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 is seeking individuals interested in helping guide the future of airport operations, maintenance, and long-term planning.

City residency is not required for appointment to the airport committee. 

For more information about the advisory committee, visit https://www.abilenecityhall.com/383/Airport-Advisory or call Kelsey Briand at 785-263-2550.

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Thank You for the Community Spirit Behind Cowtown Christmas

We would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2025 Cowtown Christmas weekend a success.

From organizers and volunteers to local businesses, sponsors, City staff, and public safety personnel, many people contributed time, effort, and support to create a festive and welcoming weekend. Events like Cowtown Christmas highlight the strong partnerships and community spirit that make Abilene special.

We also extend our appreciation to those who participated in and supported the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown.

2025 Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown Winners

• 1st Place – $2,000
  Melissa Reynolds, 1003 N. Walnut St.
   Sponsored by West’s Plaza Country Mart & AC Westside Market
• 2nd Place – $1,000
  Tori Murphy, 1215 NW 2nd St.
   Sponsored by Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro, Dickinson County Heritage Center, and additional donors
• 3rd Place – $500
  Austin Bruna, 1200 N. Olive St.
   Sponsored by Brierton Engineering
• Mayor’s Choice Awards – $100 each
  Billy Hansen, 1006 Spruceway
  Bridgette Avinger, 209 NE 12th St.
  Michael Fulton, 411 SW 2nd St.
   Sponsored by the City of Abilene and presented by Mayor Brandon Rein

Thank you to all who participated and helped make Cowtown Christmas a memorable tradition once again.

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The following letter was written by Interim City Manager Jon Quinday and published in the Abilene Reflector-Chronicle on December 4, 2025. We are sharing the letter to continue our efforts toward transparency and to provide residents direct access to leadership communications. We appreciate the kind words expressed by Mr. Quinday.

What Would We Do Without Public Servants?

Like many others, I am thankful for my faith, my family, and my freedom. As family and friends who gathered around our tables this season head back home and the holiday settles, I find myself reflecting on the many other things I’m grateful for.

For me, the answer is clear. I am thankful for the people who keep our cities running every single day. Their work may not always make headlines, but it is the steady, quiet force that allows the rest of us to live, work, and gather in a community that functions.

We ask our public servants to do their jobs in an environment that constantly pulls at their time and attention—where many demands compete for limited capacity, yet the mission stays the same: to turn finite people, resources, and hours into dependable outcomes the community can count on. In that world, gratitude is more than a feeling. It is an acknowledgment that their discipline, skill, and consistency make our daily lives so much better.

They make choices for the betterment of the community—choices that age well. They tell the truth about what is possible, prioritize work by consequence rather than popularity, and renew core systems on schedules that most of us will never notice but all of us rely upon. They plan the future, start their days where the real work waits, teach the job so others can step in without drama, and resolve tough disputes without burning the relationships needed tomorrow. These acts may not be glamorous, but they are the backbone of a usable, resilient city.

I am thankful for the people who make this work real every day:

For administration staff who keep finances accurate, records organized, and operations steady.

For community development teams whose inspectors and planners guide growth responsibly, tell the truth about capacity, and help residents and businesses navigate firm conversations with fairness.

For the men and women of police and fire, who bring skill, courage, and calm to the hardest minutes of someone else’s week.

For public works crews—in water, sewer, stormwater, and streets—who stage materials before sunrise, show up in every kind of weather, and finish the work because reliability matters.

For parks and recreation staff who care for the spaces where neighbors gather, play, and build community.

For the senior center team, who offer dignity, connection, and support to residents who built this community long before us.

For the Convention & Visitors Bureau, who welcome guests, promote local businesses, and strengthen the city’s story.

And for the families who make room for late dinners, early calls, and holidays rewritten by duty—because their sacrifice makes public service possible.

True gratitude also calls us to action. It asks us to recognize the promises already on the books and support the work required to fulfill them. It urges investment in reliability before optics. It reminds us to protect the time and attention of those who fix things, so progress is measured in problems solved, not explanations offered. It encourages real succession planning, so knowledge moves cleanly from shift to shift. And it challenges us to let results speak for themselves, because results are the only language that lasts.

Thanksgiving doesn’t pause what these public servants owe the community; it clarifies what we owe them—our respect, our support, and our commitment to decisions that make their work easier, safer, and more sustainable. They are trusted with the city’s time, money, and safety every day. The thanks that matters most is a city that honors that trust by backing the people who deliver it.

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City Commission Actions: December 8, 2025

The following is a brief summary of action taken at the December 8, 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

• Meeting Minutes – November 24, 2025 — Formal record of actions taken at the previous City Commission meeting. [Approved]
• Appropriation Ordinance A-120825 — Routine approval of scheduled City expenditures. [Approved]
• AP Payment Register – 120825 — List of accounts payable (vendor invoices and bills) authorized for payment. [Approved]
• Closing of All Non-Essential City Services on December 26 — Approved holiday closure for City offices. [Approved]

BUSINESS ITEMS

• Farmland and Hay Lease Agreements — Approved updated lease agreements for City-owned farmland and hay ground. [Approved]
• Ordinance No. 25-3465 – Open Public Records Requests — Amends City Code sections related to fees and costs for accessing or copying public records. [Approved]
• Ordinance No. 25-3466 – Solid Waste Collector Licenses — Approved amendments to Section 3-1103 of the City Code related to solid waste collector licensing. [Approved]
• Progressive Design-Build Agreement – Recreation Improvement Project — Approved entering into a Progressive Design-Build Project Agreement with Mid-America Sports Construction. [Approved]
• Resolution 120825-1 – Purchasing Policy — Approved an amended and restated purchasing policy, including the addition of language authorizing the City Manager to approve sole-source purchases up to $25,000. [Approved]

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

• Water Rate and Cost of Service Study — Presentation by Raftelis. [No Action Taken - Discussion Only]
• Concession Structures and Tenancy on City-Owned Property — Discussion regarding facilities and tenancy arrangements. [No Action Taken - Discussion Only]

EXECUTIVE SESSION

• Executive Session — The Commission recessed for 15 minutes to discuss the performance and role of a City employee, including the City Manager and City Attorney. The meeting resumed at 6:10 p.m. [No Action Taken]

 STUDY SESSION
Study sessions are information only — No actions are taken.

Following the adjournment of the regular meeting, the City Commission held a study session approximately 15 minutes later at City Hall. The study session was not televised.

Study sessions are held for informational and discussion purposes only, and no formal action is taken. This format allows Commissioners and staff to engage in roundtable discussion, ask questions, and explore topics in greater depth to support learning and understanding of items that may later be presented to the Commission for formal consideration and action.

This study session format was used by past City Commissions prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. During that time, space limitations and distancing requirements led to study sessions being held in the Commission room. The City has returned to this earlier format to better support discussion and learning. While not televised, study sessions remain open to the public.

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. 

• December 22, 2025 — 4:00 p.m., City Commission Meeting & Study Session
• January 12, 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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