Commission adopts 2026–2036 capital improvement plan and directs sales-tax ballot planning

The Herington City Commission voted to adopt the 2026–2036 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) at Tuesday’s meeting and heard staff outline next steps for a possible sales-tax question to fund priority projects.

City staff said the CIP is a ten-year, living document focused heavily on streets; it highlights major corridors and potential projects such as extending hard surfacing to Third Street on Sturgis, island South and Second, and lists smaller West Side projects. Staff clarified that the cost figures in the draft are estimates and the plan will be updated as revenues, grants or bonding options are explored.

Commissioners discussed the timeline to place a sales-tax question on the November ballot. Staff said they plan to present a sales-tax resolution for consideration in early January (noting the January 3 or January 17 meeting window) and would like to complete necessary resolution steps in June to give the county ample notice. Staff outlined a notification process that begins roughly 100 days before the vote and said the city expects to hold one or more public hearings and work sessions before the election.

The commission adopted the CIP by motion. Separately, commissioners voted to move the CIP discussion and ancillary election steps to the June 3 meeting and directed staff to prepare a sales-tax resolution and supporting materials for future consideration and public outreach.