As of now, it appears the city of Emporia will be increasing the local mill levy for the fiscal year 2023.
During their regular study session Wednesday afternoon, commissioners approved a resolution to publish a notice of intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate just ahead of the formal deadline. Additionally, commissioners voted 4-1 to increase the city’s mill levy rate from 42.8 to 45 mills for the coming year.
Commissioner Erren Harter stated the increase would give the commission a bit more “wiggle room” as inflation continues to be a present concern for all taxing entities among other factors. Harter explains the rate is not set in stone just yet as the city will have the option to lower it before the budget is finalized in September.
Commissioner Danny Giefer was the lone no vote on the matter saying he feels it is an unnecessary increase.
Separately, commissioners also approved a four percent wage increase for all city staff effective immediately. The increase will be reflected in the coming pay period.
According to City Treasurer Janet Harouff, the city is currently looking at a total budget of $54.6 million. Commissioners will hold a public hearing to finalize the budget on Sept. 7.
During the commission’s action session earlier in the morning, commissioners unanimously approved a request for rezoning to assist a new housing development project in eastern Emporia. With the commission’s approval, the majority of a 5.6-acre property located east of Michelle Street will now be rezoned to R-2 medium-density residential while the northern edge of the property will be rezoned to R-3 high-density residential.
City Zoning Specialist Justin Givens says this was done out of a desire by the city commission to keep the northern end of the property uniform with adjacent land.
Throughout the zoning process residents have expressed a number of concerns, namely longstanding stormwater drainage runoff that has led to street flooding in the neighborhood. Givens says the city has been aware of the issues for some time and believes the planned development, 15-20 new single-family attached and multiplex units, could go a long way in addressing and correcting some of those issues.
Separately Wednesday, commissioners also continued their discussions on a new city logo design as part of the city’s overall rebranding effort. Following discussions commissioners agreed to begin a crowdsourcing endeavor to receive logo submissions from local residents while also sending out requests for qualifications from professional design firms.
Commissioners also approved a change order request for the Americus Sanitary Sewer extension project and an ordinance establishing the commission’s bi-weekly joint meeting format as the new permanent meeting format.
