GARNETT CITY, Kan. — Garnett City Commissioners Tuesday approved a 2026 budget that will basically be revenue neutral. The amount of property taxes raised in the budget is 27 dollars more than levied for 2025, the budget has a projected levy rate one thousandth of a mill below the revenue neutral rate, at 34-646 mills.
On another tax related item, Commissioners adopted the resolution to place a one percent sales tax question on the November general election ballot. Proceeds from the tax, if approved, would go towards construction of a new swimming pool along with wastewater management and other infrastructure and park projects.
Commissioner Matt Wiehl said this would address the two things he hears about more than anything else, parks and infrastructure, both of which he said take money. If the sales tax is approved, Garnett sales taxes would still be in line with other area cities.
The wording of the question is such that if the city is able to obtain grant funding for the wastewater projects, it would be able to address other infrastructure issues in the city.
Commissioners approved two sets of documents related to FAA Airport Improvement Grants for a future runway expansion project. This includes purchase of one tract in total and acquisition of permanent aviation easements on two other properties.
It also approved submission of an application to the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation for a moderate-income housing grant for a duplex project. It was indicated this may be the last such round of funding available.
