Leavenworth Development News

City Commission Debates Core Civic Impact Fees and Deliberates 2027 Budget Priorities

The City Commission discussed the allocation of Core Civic impact fees, totaling approximately \"$631,000\" remaining after legal fees. Staff proposed guidelines for using these funds, emphasizing community benefit and avoiding ongoing costs. Potential expenditures included police canine support, mobile data terminals, fire department training simulators and bunker gear, and probation tracking software. Several commissioners expressed a desire to allocate a portion of these funds towards legal reserves for potential future legal battles with Core Civic, while others highlighted the need for infrastructure improvements and downtown revitalization. The commission agreed to table a definitive decision until further discussion on July 13th, with a consensus leaning towards setting aside funds for legal reserves and supporting police and fire equipment needs. The commission also discussed the proposed 2027 operating budget, highlighting priorities such as public safety readiness (SWAT vehicle, bomb truck replacement, fire training officer), infrastructure (engineer position, library needs assessment), community amenities (skate park lighting), and organizational modernization. Key financial impacts discussed included conservative sales tax growth estimates, increasing personnel and health insurance costs, a decrease in debt service, and the significant financial challenge of replacing the wastewater treatment facility, estimated at over \"$120 million\". The proposed budget includes an 11% sewer rate increase and a 3% refuse rate increase for 2027. The commission was asked to consider exceeding the revenue-neutral rate and the inclusion of new staff positions.