The Eureka City Council took another step towards adopting the city’s 2027 budget during its regular meeting Monday, July 27, while also discussing demolition costs associated with tax sale properties and seeking bids for a trash service provider.
The council approved publication of the proposed 2027 budget and the required Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) hearing notices, clearing the way for public hearings on Aug. 24.
Finance Committee Chair Cinda Beals told the council the budget process has involved extensive work over the past several weeks. After an initial review with the city’s financial consultant, officials found the proposed budget was approximately $200,000 short of balancing revenues and expenditures.
City officials met again Monday, July 27, to reconcile the budget and were able to close the gap. Councilmember Dan Campbell explained that transfers from the city’s water and sewer funds will be lower than anticipated this year, leaving additional funds available for proactive projects the city has previously been unable to undertake.
A copy of the proposed budget can be found on page 7 of this week’s edition.
The Finance and Personnel Committee also praised City Clerk Renee Burk for her preparation throughout the budget process, saying she had done a great job helping make the long budget discussions run smoothly.
During the Finance and Personnel Committee report, council members also discussed the city’s ongoing efforts to address dilapidated structures and how demolition costs will affect new property owners.
Council Member Miranda Colangelo questioned whether individuals who purchased properties through county tax sales fully understood that, if the city demolishes dangerous buildings on those properties, the demolition costs will still ultimately be assessed back to the new property owner through taxes. Mayor Stephen Coulter acknowledged her concern, saying the city should be proactive in communicating with property owners so they clearly understand their potential financial responsibility before demolition work begins. Code Enforcement Officer Steve French explained that purchasers bought these properties with knowledge of the stipulation that the city will tear down the dilapidated structures at the purchaser’s expense.
Mayor Coulter suggested that if individuals who purchased property at the Sheriff’s auction have questions, they should contact French for clarification to ensure they understand their options. Owners may choose to arrange for demolition themselves rather than having the city complete the work and recover the costs through tax assessment; however, their costs may be higher because the city has obtained a lower contracted rate for the labor for these demolitions.
Beals reiterated that the city’s goal is to remove dangerous structures for several reasons, including but not limited to improving public safety, increasing property values, beautifying neighborhoods and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
In other new business, the council voted unanimously to seek bids for the city’s residential trash collection contract, which expires at the end of December.
Mayor Coulter said he would like to explore whether companies using smaller collection trucks are available and could better serve the community. He noted the city’s current provider now operates a single large, heavy truck that contributes to street wear.
Council members discussed the possibility that operating two smaller trucks could initially cost more but agreed the reduced damage to city streets could offset those additional costs over time.
The city will advertise the request for bids in the newspaper and on its website, with proposals due by Oct. 1.
During committee reports, officials also discussed progress on a potential $17.4 million loan for water line improvements through the Kansas Revolving Loan Program. The city would acquire a loan in the amount of $17,404,250 and be eligible for loan forgiveness, totaling $1.1 million. After having the pre-application approved, the city is now able to submit a full application. If the council chooses to move forward, the application will be due in October.
The city has completed the pre-application process for the grant, which would help fund replacement of the W-7 water line. The full application is due by Oct. 15 if the city chooses to move forward.
City officials reported that the Main Street chip seal project is progressing well.
The final fog seal application has been delayed due to extreme high temperatures forecasted last week. Businesses and courthouse officials will be notified once a new application date is scheduled.
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including: minutes from the July 13 regular meeting; claims totaling $111,032.16; a purchase order to APAC for $5,839.75; and a purchase order to Pishny Real Estate Services for $102,490.33.
Council members also approved transfers for Lake Lot 104A, John Talley and Stephen Casper to Stephen Casper and Lake Lot 81, CAM Investment Properties LLC to Nicole Thatcher.
The next Eureka City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m., at the Eureka Public Library.
