Ellsworth City officials will continue to monitor local drought conditions and residents will continue to be encouraged to voluntarily conserve water as per the water watch program. The splash pad will remain open seven days a week and the new grass on the soccer field at the Ellsworth Health and Recreation Center will continue to be watered on a regular basis.
That was the consensus of the Ellsworth City Council Monday after receiving an update from City Administrator Dustin Stambaugh.
“While the recent rainstorms may have given the impression that they compensated for months of dryness, it is essential to emphasize that historical data does not support this assumption,” Stambaugh said. “The summer months, particularly August, mark the driest part of the annual cycle. Any deficit in rainfall during June and July will not be replenished, leaving us with limited water reserves to sustain us throughout the year.”
Stambaugh recommended the city continue the water watch program, albeit with some modifications based on the current situation.
“By maintaining the program, we can ensure ongoing awareness and participation in water conservation efforts among our community members,” he said. “This will help us navigate the upcoming dry period and mitigate the risks associated with prolonged drought conditions.”
In other business:
• Jon Halbgewachs of Kirkham Michael gave an update on construction projects in Ellsworth. He said some of the contractors for the multi-use path project will start July 24, so traffic control for the Ellsworth County Fair should be a non-issue.
On the sidewalk project, Halbgewachs said the only item remaining is the installation of the metal handrail on the Security First Title property. He said the contractor anticipated that will take place next week, depending on whether the manufacturing of the handrail is complete.
He said plans are being finalized to submit to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for the sanitary sewer study on the 11th Street sewer main retention.
Construction has started on the Rolling Hills Electric sewer main.
Final plans have been submitted for the J.H. Robbins Memorial Library board of directors to review. The plans deal with making accessibility improvements from the library parking lot and installing a sidewalk on the west side of the library to make access to the ramp easier to navigate.
• Approval was given to adopt the city’s notice of intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. It will be delivered to Ellsworth County Clerk Shelly Vopat by July 20.
“The state of Kansas requires municipalities, including the City of Ellsworth, to adhere to the revenue neutral rate guidelines,” Stambaugh said. “The revenue neutral rate is the tax rate that would generate the same amount of revenue as the previous year, accounting for changes in property valuations. For the year 2023, the revenue neutral rate had been determined to be 72.792 mills. Looking ahead, the revenue neutral rate for 2024 is decreased to 69.612 mills.”
Stambaugh said as city officials progress through the budget process, it has become apparent that meeting the revenue neutral rate for 2024 may pose challenges for Ellsworth.
“While our commitment to fiscal responsibility remains unwavering, it has become clear that maintaining the revenue neutral rate without compromising essential services and community needs will be difficult,” he said. “By closely examining our expenditures and revenue sources, we aim to formulate a strategy that will enable us to achieve a mill rate below the proposed 76.525 mills, which signifies our intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate. This approach aligns with our commitment to responsible financial management and addresses the concerns of our community members.”
Stambaugh said a public hearing will take place at 5:25 p.m. Monday, Aug. 28, on both the city’s 2024 budget and the revenue neutral rate.
The next meeting of the Ellsworth City Council will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 24, at city hall.