[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6473654,"mediaKeyId","5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf","parentId",5744733,"title","Pittsburg commission approves 2026 budget, votes to exceed Kansas revenue-neutral rate","audioSeconds",6508,"startMs",2788000,"endMs",9296000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf&start=2788&end=9296","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf/thumbnail_2788000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6473654/Pittsburg/Crawford-County/Kansas/Pittsburg-commission-approves-2026-budget-votes-to-exceed-Kansas-revenue-neutral-rate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473654-4480f1c29356d0779cea2b6de33f42c6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448080&Signature=hjC8HnnuTp9sOwRa8DqUzAW~wta3TYCNxyQ7Z3gAq-joyhvchkiBzeJlaris4JY-pvJ7P5HpoSkKKEm5vlO0qx7BfK90KqRQ~yfWVX5XsngbXYjqc2TxTEr7S6thyPbZ6YQC4DNyUf7YGKUmOHNS1diLCYWDWzulA-QrTMZYdjSh0e9xSEJK0-ZOUVr9z34MDcj~FCeO2Tw4NFaltbbcl73j9k79HdCTDGsUGwbi2WKPcqoh5iOONEvPJodN6ThmxmMzy4iTxyzNH2ovoNeq12Cg1UBGnNkouRSqAOGqeX9XqRXKnRgNnQCVSXrgKHtvDp6iujIc9xQY1qihdKfA2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Pittsburg, KS","date","2025-09-10T01:00:18Z","article","The Pittsburg City Commission voted Sept. 9 to exceed the Kansas statutory “revenue neutral” rate and adopted the city’s 2026 budget after a public hearing that drew numerous residents who opposed higher taxes.

City staff and commissioners said the adopted budget reflects rising costs for services, ongoing utility projects and employee compensation; opponents urged the commission to hold the line on taxes and use existing reserves instead.

City staff explained the technical reason for the difference between the county-provided revenue-neutral calculation and the figure the city used in its planning. Jay (city staff) said the county’s June valuation included property listed as taxable while a hospital ownership change and other “changes of use” filings would remove roughly $15.26 million from the tax rolls before Jan. 1, 2026. Because the county’s published worksheet came with that valuation at the time the city prepared its budget, staff recalculated what they called a more realistic revenue-neutral rate and presented a higher number — 47.475 mills — for use in the city’s budget planning. Jay said, “we’re not raising the mill rates at all. We’re proposing no mill rate increase whatsoever,” and described the change as a correction for the hospital and some other properties that will likely be tax-exempt by the start of the year.

The meeting included an extended public comment period focused on taxes. Speakers urged different approaches: some residents urged rejecting any action that would increase taxes paid by property owners and renters, citing fixed incomes and rising costs; others stressed the city’s obligations to maintain services and pay employees competitive wages to retain police, fire and utility staff.

Multiple residents and civic observers pressed city staff for clarity about the published budget book. Resident Christie Bittner told the commission she found numerous mismatches and spreadsheet errors between the printed narrative book and the formal, state-required budget forms. Margie (city staff) acknowledged the book contained spreadsheet-linking errors in some summary pages and said staff had corrected the underlying detailed forms; she and Jay said the state certification forms that commissioners adopt are the official budget documents and that the narrative book would be republished after policy decisions were finalized.

On the motions: commissioners first voted to exceed the revenue-neutral rate; the motion passed (outcome approved; vote record not fully specified in the meeting transcript). Later, the commission voted on the full 2026 budget (the state budget certificate and the detailed forms) and approved it by roll call. The recorded roll call on the budget showed Brooks: No; Hecht: Yes; McNay: Yes; Mensah: No; Siegried: Yes; the motion carried. City staff said the total expenditures on the state certificate equal $72,000,006.35; staff told the commission and the public that corrected summary pages reconcile to that official total.

City leaders emphasized that the adopted budget maintains existing service levels, funds commitments for a new wastewater treatment plant and funds modest employee increases in a tight market for municipal workers. Several commissioners said they weighed the fiscal impact on residents against the risk of eroding the city’s core revenue base if the city declined to capture assessed valuation growth now and later found itself unable to raise revenue when needed.

Commissioners asked staff to publish corrected budget pages and to continue explaining long-term financial plans and reserve targets. At the end of the meeting, staff said they would issue an updated budget book that ties every summary page to the officially adopted state forms.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to exceed Kansas revenue-neutral rate (revenue-neutral calculation adjusted by staff to reflect likely hospital nonprofit status): outcome — approved (motion carried; detailed roll call not fully recorded in transcript).

- Adoption of the 2026 budget (state budget certificate and detailed forms): outcome — approved (rolled call: Brooks — No; Hecht — Yes; McNay — Yes; Mensah — No; Siegried — Yes). Total expenditures on the state certificate: $72,000,006.35.

What it means

City staff said the budget captures valuation growth tied to new property and increased assessed values for existing properties so the city can cover recurring cost increases and new service obligations. Residents opposed to exceeding the revenue-neutral rate argued that many households and renters are cost-burdened and that the city should draw on reserves or cut discretionary spending rather than increasing tax receipts. Staff and commissioners said a repeated inability to capture growth when available could force service cuts later and make it harder to recruit and retain employees.

Looking ahead

Staff committed to republishing the narrative budget book to match the certified forms and to continuing the commission’s multi-year financial planning briefings. Commissioners asked staff to provide updated, easily accessible materials for public review before future hearings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting - 9-8-2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Pittsburg City Commission voted Sept. 9 to exceed Kansas\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000revenue-neutral calculations and adopted the city\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u00002026 budget, citing rising service and utility costs and the need to fund personnel and a major wastewater project.","taxTitle","Pittsburg, Crawford County, Kansas","taxId",55171,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6473642,"Grandmother urges action after child sexual assault investigation; commissioners pledge follow-up",310,2077000,2387000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf&start=2077&end=2387","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf/thumbnail_2077000.jpg","/articles/6473642/Pittsburg/Crawford-County/Kansas/Grandmother-urges-action-after-child-sexual-assault-investigation-commissioners-pledge-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473642-58a8544fe09f293c50b4b80d01f5a2da/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448080&Signature=A1RCQQ77QYLbK0BaXMjwMr56VD9BuusPotgeOyssNVRTwanzo-mM1BUHppiHod3yAUMAPcKpASU-qM2TGI7gtst464g4eNY5zUXEl2XMlKF91LJ7SIKL1~dJlXCLZyCSv9I1vls4hvqQWFQZkVGJmy1JP71HoBUkKibFmKHCsve2Wn9jAwPZY89~6oDfHy9rFVgIKgLgDVD8K6rPA-3mYqY5cZCJ0LCS87RS7fP1Xs2ycyUO-2KL5iS7jf~r~nzboGc~KuNGMJGFsUIAE6cZ3zEvSAHteEfSSI9DbFMlxlc8ZA~R2j-ko9fW2XoPx5ztKCqCPDIAMv5XCVbC3W4k1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public comment period on Sept. 9, Tammy Galloway addressed the commission about an alleged sexual assault involving her 7-year-old grandson. She said the incident occurred July 2 in Frontenac and that she and the family had pursued investigation with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and other state agencies.

Galloway said she was frustrated that, after what she described as lengthy contact with agencies, the KBI advised the family that no charges would be filed and that she had not received follow-up from the Children\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's Advocacy Center or the Department for Children and Families. She asked the commission for guidance on where to turn for assistance.

Commissioner Stu (name used in transcript) said he would contact board members of the regional Children's Advocacy Center and try to help arrange a follow-up. Other commissioners and staff offered to connect Galloway with contacts and encouraged her to provide sign-in information so staff could follow up directly.

No formal action was taken by the commission at the hearing. Several commissioners described the case as an outrage and expressed sympathy for the family; staff indicated they would help the family make contact with the appropriate advocacy agencies and board members.

Careful wording

Transcript speakers discussed sensitive allegations involving minors. This report limits detail to the complainant\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000's statements recorded at the public meeting and does not summarize or allege findings of criminal or civil liability. No charge filings or court outcomes were reported at the meeting.

Next steps

Commissioner Stu said he would contact the Children's Advocacy Center board; staff asked Galloway to provide contact information to facilitate the outreach.

Formal action on the case would be the responsibility of law-enforcement and child-welfare agencies, not the commission. The commission directed no investigation and made no formal referral at the Sept. 9 meeting.","A Pittsburg grandmother described an alleged sexual assault of her 7-year-old grandson, said she felt state investigators declined to press charges, and asked the commission for help; a commissioner offered to contact the Children's Advocacy Center board on the family's behalf.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6473645,"Residents press Pittsburg leaders for public soccer fields and recreation space",793,1862000,2655000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf&start=1862&end=2655","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf/thumbnail_1862000.jpg","/articles/6473645/Pittsburg/Crawford-County/Kansas/Residents-press-Pittsburg-leaders-for-public-soccer-fields-and-recreation-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473645-a9feb00011562aaddb7b5cbefc7fb385/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448080&Signature=NSPq7sEUMpdzQ3hEbysWujrXUqH-B7ROpqLSi696piCWKwn81x9YU3HIQs0yUDUVBe7AIW-QPi173Zt3c9msRdvctgcL5v9zph-6E2gPvKmC1d446C9fTIoRvG5wtFuIzmMghfdmE4auGnGtwka1VBlX6XKHg2tR2PLmMxahSJaM0cMgynMq9GFNwLs6s11ub-7wgnEJcVRAvUN72bvpyoxuEp1CVft31V86lnTP7kRwKcL6JQE~eMNZJd2957uXoJPJvtCuWDc53U97NiBTyHbBCTn0XLEOYWWGwNUQpmP8KPLEp93re1i0OPaUj5lDT0z13yLm2qs3JaHNAtANUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple residents used the Sept. 9 public comment period to urge the Pittsburg commission and parks staff to pursue dedicated soccer fields and broader recreational facilities.

Emilio Ida, who said he is a U.S. Soccer Federation-sanctioned referee and coach, described typical field footprints and said a four-field tournament complex would require roughly 10 acres to allow space for parking, restrooms and concessions. He recommended looking at municipal examples in Chanute, Independence, Joplin and Miami, Okla., and offered to help connect staff with contacts in those communities.

Isaac Hernandez, an organizer of the local Hispanic Music Festival and a Pittsburg resident, said a public soccer pitch would provide a regular gathering space similar to the festival model and help youth activity options, particularly with regional events such as the 2026 World Cup expected to bring visitors nearby.

Parks and Recreation staff member Toby was referenced by multiple speakers as the staff contact on field footprint questions; commissioners and staff said they had met with Toby and were following up on site-selection and planning questions.

No formal action was taken at the Sept. 9 meeting. Several residents offered to assist with research and stakeholder outreach.

Why it matters

Speakers framed new fields as having health, youth-development and economic benefits (tournaments draw visitors) and asked the city to advance planning so the community can host regular tournaments and provide consistent practice space.

Next steps

Commissioners acknowledged the comments and asked staff to continue site studies and to coordinate with community groups and schools. No specific timelines or funding commitments were announced Sept. 9.","Several residents, including youth coaches and an organizer of a Hispanic Music Festival, urged the commission to pursue land and planning for soccer fields, citing community benefits and examples from comparable cities.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6473650,"SEK Humane Society asks Pittsburg commission for emergency partnership funding",1183,1316000,2499000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf&start=1316&end=2499","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5744733-a21784fdcb42971e809e7936fab4dbaf/thumbnail_1316000.jpg","/articles/6473650/Pittsburg/Crawford-County/Kansas/SEK-Humane-Society-asks-Pittsburg-commission-for-emergency-partnership-funding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473650-66b0b1792dd9f08839edb496f19ecdf4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770448080&Signature=SweDOpxUSM4Uzv~tMw57Eq1owxNc3CMby0mss5An5koO7D3s83FXNKfEdDSjmJGuXWKokXKoMJPhoypI68oLWbD4I3ApOjQbeK3SH-djcEoP9teB5pH2Sy306gTEV8Uz-PNO~f72ne4qAhj9Np-A~TDRHJmxAt-R2QKP-2zAj0g1-fwEbGb5FBOEoIKRCr76FWXK~-BfzttCLdKZc7y37DwU7aPiVgsWFqKcCRCGy7O-eW5YR9~o~vh655xw3dhim1ia-677TrAqWS5IAH59q-ueJ3TqVguJMFmqYdo0e4oOF1jgwDzN55CrItlqvDJaRYqjd5O-qxXk6y-y8muCew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the Sept. 9 Pittsburg City Commission meeting, Jasmine Kyle, speaking for the Southeast Kansas Humane Society (SEKH), urged commissioners to consider a funding partnership after the shelter reported a large operational shortfall.

Kyle said SEKH cared for more than 250 animals in the past year and that most intakes come from Pittsburg residents and local abandonments. She said the shelter provides long-term medical care, rehabilitation and adoption services, while city animal control performs short-term pickup and ordinance enforcement. Kyle said SEKH\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000reduces city holding and medical costs and that without a city partnership the shelter is projected to close at year-end.

Kyle gave a monthly operating figure to commissioners and described the organization\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000\u0000as already providing microchipping clinics, low-cost vaccine clinics, public workshops and emergency sheltering support. She requested a shared funding model rather than a city-only bailout, and said the shelter would continue to pursue grants and fundraising but needed a city contribution for sustainability.

Residents at the meeting debated whether the city should provide funds. Roger Lomcek, speaking from the audience, opposed using tax dollars for the shelter and cited nonprofit filing and ProPublica-derived numbers indicating donations and expense volatility over recent years. Other speakers thanked the shelter staff, noted its recent KDA inspection success and urged compassion for both residents and animals.

Commissioners did not take formal action during the public-comment period on Sept. 9. Staff and members of the commission thanked Kyle and others for the information and discussed following up during non-agenda time.

What was said (selected)

- \"If the SEKH shelter closes at the end of this year, it's currently projected without intervention that these animals and the challenges that they bring won't disappear and will likely most fall in the City Of Pittsburgh's animal control department,\" Jasmine Kyle said.

- \"It costs SEKH around $30,000 per month to operate,\" Kyle said (figure provided in materials to commissioners).

Next steps

Commissioners acknowledged the request and offered to discuss a possible partnership outside the formal hearing. No appropriation or formal referral was made at the Sept. 9 meeting.

Votes and formal actions related to this request: none taken on Sept. 9.","Representatives of the Southeast Kansas Humane Society told the commission the shelter is operating at a financial tipping point and asked the city to partner on funding to avoid service loss that could shift animal-control burden to the city.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pittsburg commission approves 2026 budget, votes to exceed Kansas revenue-neutral rate

Grandmother urges action after child sexual assault investigation; commissioners pledge follow-up

Residents press Pittsburg leaders for public soccer fields and recreation space

SEK Humane Society asks Pittsburg commission for emergency partnership funding