During the Sept. 8 Eureka City Council meeting, the council heard an overview of the 2024 Audit from Kyle Spielbusch with Jarred, Gilmore and Phillips. Spielbusch highlighted a financial statement illustrating cash flow for each of the city’s funds throughout 2024. He stated that, as required, each of the city’s funds ended the year with a positive cash balance. Spielbusch touched on footnote topics such as budget, pension benefits, and long-term debt, explaining what factors might affect each. He shared that there were no budget violations found and no major concerns within the 2024 audit.
A public hearing was held for Resolution #25 -19, which is to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR). The 2025 rate was 74.941 mills and the proposed 2026 rate is 75 mills, an increase of 0.059 mills. One mill is equal to one-thousandth of a dollar, or $1 in tax for every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. There were no public comments regarding the resolution, which was approved unanimously by the council with the required rollcall vote.
A public hearing was held for the 2026 budget, which was presented for review. Copies were made available to those attending the council meeting. In public comments, Miranda Colangelo asked for clarification on the community building funds, which are part of the general fund. Colangelo expressed concern regarding the use of these funds for future repair and remodel work at the Greenwood County Community Center, noting that the city has already paid for certain electrical, plumbing, and elevator repairs. Colangelo stated, “We went from losing $13,550 a year to the Matt Samuels building to losing $34,000 in a year, so if we have an extra $20,000 in the budget to just spend a year, I think it should go toward other places rather than on a building we don’t own.” Colangelo also made a suggestion to place “internet” under Utilities rather than Supplies, to increase clarity on an audit. The council voted to adopt the 2026 budget as presented.
Code Enforcement Officer Steve French gave the council an update regarding the planned repair of the city’s old street repair shop at 400 W. River St. French informed the council that JCE Construction, who had been chosen to complete the work, was unable to provide a valid Kansas Roofing Contractor Registration Certificate.
French had contacted Manjaras Roofing, LLC and was able to negotiate a lesser bid of $67,638.61, which is $9,987.96 below the company’s original proposal. The project will include repair of structural elements of both the roof and rear wall of the building. On French’s recommendation, the council agreed to approve the bid from Manjaras Roofing. The project, which had an original budget of $50,000, will receive additional funds from a surplus in the airport fund.
In a public comment, Gary Hansard approached the council with a plea for understanding and leniency with regard to his two dogs, whom he surrendered to the Eureka Pound in cooperation with an order to do so. Hansard was ordered to relinquish the dogs under Eureka’s Pit Bull Ordinance, chapter II article 4(f), which states that it shall be unlawful to possess, within the city limits, any pit bull dog. Pit bulls, according to the ordinance, are defined as any of several bull terrier breeds, mixes of these breeds, or any dog that has the appearance of any of the breeds or mixed breeds. Hansard, however, said he has paperwork and rabies vaccination certificates, which name Labrador and Rottweiler as the breeds of his dogs, so he feels that the reasoning for having to relinquish the animals is unfounded. “I had to give up my two best friends last night and it broke my heart, for no good reason,” said Hansard. He went on to tell the council that he does not plan to stay in Eureka and is making efforts to find residence elsewhere. But, the fee of $20 per day for the dogs’ care will make it difficult to afford moving costs. He asked the council to allow him to reclaim the dogs for an extension of 30 days with the promise that he would take extra precautions to keep the dogs secure. Mayor Stephen Coulter expressed understanding of Hansard’s position but explained that because there had been an incident where a complaint was filed, more investigation is needed before placing them back into Hansard’s care. Plans were made to have the dogs tested to determine their breed. If the dogs are found not to be pit bulls, they will be released to Hansard. “If they are (pit bulls),” said Coulter. “We will have to review our laws to see what we can do.” After the discussion, Coulter asked the safety committee to meet with the attorney to discuss reconsideration of the city’s ordinance.
In old business, the council discussed the proposed signage for the Eureka Lake spillway area intended to protect Eureka’s spillway from damage that might be caused by motorized vehicles. In May, an off-road charity event prompted action by the council when several vehicles were driven in and below the spillway. The council agreed to purchase several “No Motorized Vehicles” signs to be placed in the area and intends to work with the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office to determine the appropriate fine for the offense, which will also be displayed on the signage. Because the lake and spillway are outside city limits, it is under the jurisdiction of the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office.
In new business, Mashyra Torrez approached the council with a request to continue to hold the key to Eureka Lakeside Treasures, the bait shop at Eureka Lake, during the off-season so that she may restock and make some upgrades to the store. Torrez has had a successful first season operating the bait shop which will close at the end of September and is expected to re-open in March, 2026. The council moved to pre-approve the renewal of Torrez’s lease for another year, giving her access to the shop through the off-season.
The council approved the consent agenda including the minutes of the Aug. 25 regular meeting, scheduled claims list for expenses due through Sept. 9, 2025, in the amount of $130,825.11, purchase order #730465 to Garver for $7,326.80, purchase order #730462 to APAC Kansas Inc. for $230,649.35 related to the chip and seal project, and purchase order #730466 in the amount of $6,785, for engineering costs for windows at Memorial Hall.
The next meeting of the Eureka City Council is Monday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m., at the Eureka Public Library.
