City to consider adjusting utility rates, franchise fees

The Manhattan City Commission has a full agenda for its Tuesday work session, including discussion of adjusting Evergy, Kansas Gas Service and wastewater fees.

Commissioners will consider updates to the city's wastewater rates and charges for 2027 and provide guidance to city staff. They will take no vote on any of the agenda items next week.

The city's 20-year gas and electricity franchise agreements are set to expire in 2027. Both are set at a 4% franchise fee. State law governs cities regarding franchise agreements and the fee they can charge for occupying right-of-way and easements. The maximum fee allowed per state law is 6%. The current fee generates roughly $730,000 from Kansas Gas Service and $3,000,000 from Evergy.

The commission will discuss potentially increasing the rate and how that would affect upcoming city budget efforts.

Commissioners will hear an overview of the city's revenue and assessed valuation. The city's valuation was $748,073,104 in 2025 and is projected at near $798,641,722. City administration will present the 2027 budget at their June 30 work session.

Also on the agenda for Tuesday are updates from Visit Manhattan and about city stormwater projects.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 5:22 PM.