IOLA, Kan. — With minimal comment, the Iola City Council Monday approved a 2026 budget and a related resolution to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for this budget. The budget calls for an increase of about seven tenths of a mill in the property tax levy, with the proposed levy to be just over four mills higher than the Revenue Neutral Rate that would raise the same amount of property tax dollars as for 2025. It will raise an additional just over 162 thousand dollars for the city.
One comment during the RNR hearing dealt with valuations, which is handled through the County, with the comment during the budget hearing of a mostly general nature.
The Council approved the sale of a ten-acre parcel in the city’s industrial park across from Russell Stover. A letter of intent for the sale to Vine Energy, LLC of Overland Park was approved at the last meeting, The city’s legal counsel has reviewed the sale contract and gave his approval to it.
It discussed a proposal for a disinterment ordinance for Highland Cemetery. Park and Cemetery Superintendent Robby Dressler said this is an infrequent request, but he’s been requested by a woman living in Florida who wants to move the urn of her brother buried in Iola closer to her. The proposal, which the council will act on Sept. 8, is similar to procedures used by Chanute.
Approval was given to a revised nuisance ordinance that will allow the city to proceed with abatement of property nuisances within the city, which it didn’t have the power to do previously, and setting out procedures for it. This also allows costs of abatement to be assessed on property taxes if they are not paid with 30 days.
The Council approved a request from Liberty Homeschool Alliance to charge admission and sell concessions for games and practices at the Recreation Community Building it rents for practices and games. The admission charge required Council approval, through as a non-profit they are allowed to sell concessions without approval.
Thrive Allen County’s Vickie Moss reviewed a new grant application to USDA to continue a housing rehabilitation program. Moss said this would the third such grant they have applied for, with grants awarded in 2022 and 2024. The 2024 grant has funded projects on eight homes, and they have funds available for two more.
These funds have been used for such things as new roofs, walk-in showers, handicap ramps, air conditioning units, sewer line repairs, water heaters, and other projects people have struggled to get done on their own. This grant application is for 45 thousand dollars, which will fund 5-7 projects.
