On Tuesday, August 26th, 2025 the Liberal City Commission addressed the following items during their regularly scheduled meeting:
Consent Agenda items (CMB license and airport leases) were approved by the Commission.
The Commission reviewed and approved the 2024 financial audit presentation from Hay, Rice, & Associates. Commissioners also approved a contract for Hay, Rice, & Associates to perform the 2025 financial audit.
A Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) public hearing was opened for public comment on the 2026 mill rate. Staff noted that while final budget totals are not yet complete, it is anticipated that the budget amount will land between the revenue neutral rate (43.275 mills) and the RNR publication rate of 50.367 estimated mills. The 50.367 mill rate is flat compared to the current year, although increased property valuations would result in a larger dollar amount being received at this same rate. There were no comments provided from residents in attendance during the hearing. Following the hearing, the Commission voted to approve Resolution No. 2437, which allows the City to exceed the RNR rate and budget for a mill levy rate of up to 50.367 mills. The City of Liberal’s 2026 final budget is expected to be completed in September.
The Commission approved Resolution No. 2438, allowing staff to apply for the Kansas Water Authority Water Projects grant funding opportunities.
Commissioners voted to accept the dedication of multiple streets within the recently completed Ortuno Housing addition infrastructure project. Following discussion of the retention pond near the housing addition, the Commission took no action to obtain the retention pond as a city-owned responsibility.
The Commission voted to approve the purchase of replacement water meters.
Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of firearms, holsters, and training aids for the Liberal Police Department. This purchase will allow the department to transition from SIG Sauer P320 handguns, which have recently raised safety concerns nationwide due to potential discharge without a trigger pull.
The Commission reviewed an appeal from a property owner for property upgrades to be approved for tax rebate incentives through the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. The Commission voted to allow the owner’s application to be accepted for the incentive program.
The Commission voted to approve the appointment of Kathleen Alonso to the Liberal Memorial Library Board for a term beginning August 2025 and ending August 2029.
The next regularly scheduled Liberal City Commission meeting will take place September 16th, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.