City Commission

Regular Meeting Minutes City Hall Minutes of September 3, 2025 The Governing Body met at 7:00 p.m. on this date for the Regular City Commission Meeting, with the following members present and participating: Mayor Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, Commissioner Caylor, Commissioner Crowley and Commissioner Skidmore. Mayor Allen called the meeting to order. Mayor Allen welcomed the audience and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. Commissioner Skidmore gave the invocation. Public Comments None were received. Appointments, Proclamations, Recognitions, Nominations, and Public Hearings Consent Agenda Commissioner Crowley moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton. The agenda included the minutes from the August 27, 2025 Regular Meeting and approval of the Regular Meeting agenda. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared the consent agenda duly approved. Declaration No declarations were made. Unfinished Business New Business Public Hearing for Intent to Exceed Revenue Neutral Rate and 2026 Budget Mayor Allen explained that this public hearing had been scheduled to receive comments regarding the City’s intent to levy property tax exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) and the proposed 2026 operating budget. The notice of public hearing was published on August 20, 2025, in the Ottawa Herald. The 2026 published budget includes total expenditure authority of $72,854,331, supported by ad valorem taxes of $7,002,855, and an estimated mill rate of 44.643. Mayor Allen opened the public hearing at 7:03 pm. City Manager Silcott reviewed the overall budget process and key budget concepts. Director Landis then presented highlights of the proposed 2026 budget and summarized the steps taken during the budget process, which included departmental reviews of utilities, special revenue fund, community partners, debt services, and the general fund throughout June and July. She noted that the budget is guided by the City’s strategic pillars and provides for continued participation in the Franklin County Emergency Communications Center, rebates for residential and commercial incentive programs, and incorporates Community Attraction and Tourism programming. Additional highlights included support for major infrastructure and maintenance projects such as the airport taxiway reconstruction, utility and parks improvements, sidewalks and city facility maintenance; and planning efforts including levee system evaluation, electric utility master planning, and GIS data updates. Director September 3, 2025 Unofficial Until Approved 1 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2025 Page 2 Landis also explained that increases in property insurance, personnel benefit costs and materials for line construction were significant factors in the budget. Director Landis reported that assessed valuation increased by $10,832,074, including $3,824,061 in new construction value. The City’s outstanding debt totals $16,012,525, representing 6.2% of the statutory debt capacity of $44,681,235. The debt service and library mill levies, which are reflected in the total City mill rate, were also reviewed. The adoption of the 2026 budget as published would exceed the RNR calculated at 44.112 mills, requiring the formal resolution to levy a property tax rate in excess of that threshold. Public comment was received from 13 individuals. Request for Approval of a Resolution to Levy Property Tax Rate Exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate Director Landis presented a resolution to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate (RNR) of 44.112 mills as calculated by the Franklin County Clerk. The adoption of this resolution is required under Kansas law when a city intends to levy property taxes above the RNR, as enacted through 2021 Kansas Senate Bill 13. Director Landis noted that the published 2026 budget reflects a proposed mill rate of 44.643, which is necessary to support the total expenditure authority of $72,854,331 and ad valorem revenues of $7,002,855. Maintaining the budget at the RNR would reduce the City’s general fund revenues by $83,295, requiring reductions in service levels or fund balance allocations. Adoption of the resolution authorizes the City to levy the higher mill rate in order to sustain current service levels, support infrastructure investments, and continue participation in community programs and partnerships identified in the budget. Commissioner Caylor made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Crowley, to adopt the resolution authorizing the City to levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and duly numbered Resolution No. 1993-25. Mayor Allen closed the public hearing at 8:05 pm. Request for Approval of a Resolution Adopting the 2026 Budget Director Landis explained that following a series of public discussions during regular meetings in June and July, as well as tonight’s presentation and the public hearing, adoption of the 2026 Budget was recommended. The Governing Body was reminded that the published budget establishes expenditure authority across all City funds, guided by the strategic pillars of Infrastructure & Stewardship, Economic Development & Job Creation, and Quality of Life & Community Engagement. Director Landis noted that the 2026 Budget reflects total expenditure authority of $72,854,331, supported by ad valorem taxes of $7,002,855, and a proposed mill levy of 44.643. She emphasized that the budget maintains the City’s commitments to public safety, utilities, street and facility maintenance, and community partner support, while also addressing increased costs related to personnel, property insurance, and construction materials. The budget also ensures continued financial participation in the September 3, 2025 Unofficial Until Approved 2 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2025 Page 3 Franklin County Emergency Communications Center and maintains adequate reserves for future projects. Adoption of the budget as published allows the City to continue current service levels and move forward with identified infrastructure priorities. While a reduced budget at the Revenue Neutral Rate had been presented as an alternative, such a reduction would have required cuts to the General Fund and diminished flexibility for future planning. After review and discussion, Commissioner Skidmore made a motion, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Clayton, to adopt the 2026 Budget which includes expenditure authority of $72,772,361 supported by ad valorem taxes of $6,919,560 and an estimated mill rate reflective of the revenue neutral rate of 44.112. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and duly numbered Resolution No. 1994-25. Consider Approval of Resolution Adopting the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program Director Landis presented the proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2026–2030. She explained that the CIP serves as the City’s multi-year planning tool for prioritizing and funding major infrastructure, facility, and equipment projects, aligning with the City’s strategic pillars and financial policies. Highlighted projects in the 2026–2030 CIP include continued investment in airport taxiway reconstruction, utility system improvements, parks enhancements, street and sidewalk maintenance, and city facility upgrades. Planning studies such as the levee system evaluation, electric utility master planning, and GIS data flyover were also incorporated to guide future infrastructure decisions. Director Landis emphasized that inclusion of a project in the CIP establishes expenditure authority but does not constitute immediate funding approval; individual projects will still be presented to the Governing Body for authorization as they advance. The CIP provides a framework for coordinating timing, financing, and departmental capacity to ensure that investments remain sustainable while addressing community needs. Following discussion, Commissioner Crowley made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caylor, to adopt the resolution approving the 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Program. The motion was considered and upon being put, all present voted aye. The Mayor declared this resolution duly adopted and duly numbered Resolution No. 1995-25. City Manager Comments City Manager Silcott thanked the Governing Body and staff for their hard work throughout the budget process and for their commitment to fiscal stewardship. He provided an update on the temporary four- way stop at 1st and Main following damage to the traffic signal pole, noting that assessments are underway. Operational highlights included the repair of the fountain at Haley Park after vandalism, setup of flags downtown for Labor Day, and street support for Ottawa University’s Fusion event, the Parade of Champions, and the recent half marathon. At the Water Plant, staff completed needed mower repairs. Upcoming community events include Brews, Beats & Boutiques on September 6, the 30th Annual Power of the Past Antique Engine & Tractor Show September 12–14, and the Old Depot Museum’s Chamber Coffee on September 12. He also reported that the City is actively recruiting for several open positions, including Assistant City Clerk, Director of Neighborhood and Community September 3, 2025 Unofficial Until Approved 3 City of Ottawa Regular Meeting Minutes September 3, 2025 Page 4 Services, Pro Shop Attendant, and Seasonal Grounds Worker. The selection process for the Director of Neighborhood and Community Services is underway with applications closing September 25 and interviews scheduled in October. Governing Body Comments Commissioner Crowley thanked the City Manager, Finance Director, and staff for their work on the budget, noting the importance of balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining community amenities. Mayor Pro Tem Clayton expressed appreciation for the strong public turnout, encouraged continued engagement through various channels, and highlighted the City’s ongoing investments in street repairs. Commissioner Caylor, in her fourteenth budget process, thanked staff and emphasized that the majority of the budget supports personnel who serve the community daily. Mayor Allen thanked the public for attending, reminded them that commissioners are also taxpayers, and affirmed her commitment to making decisions in the best interest of Ottawa. Announcements A. September 10, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall B. September 17, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 10:00 am, City Hall C. September 24, 2025 City Commission Meeting – 4:00 pm, City Hall Adjournment There was no further business before the Governing Body, the Mayor declared the meeting duly adjourned at 8:47 pm. /s/ Melissa Reed Melissa Reed, City Clerk September 3, 2025 Unofficial Until Approved 4