During a budget work session on Tuesday, the Manhattan City Commission directed city staff to publish the 2026 budget, opting for a 1.35 mill levy increase.

That brings the mill levy to 54.459, which will increase property taxes for the average Manhattan resident by 7.7%, based on a 5% average increase in existing, single-family home valuations.

For example, a homeowner who paid $610.75 in property taxes on a $100,000 home in 2025 would pay $657.59 on a home worth $105,000 in 2026.

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Eight of the nine candidates seeking a seat on the Manhattan city commission participated in the first candidate forum of the election season on Saturday, hosted by the United Kansas Party at Manhattan Public Library.

Among the key topics discussed was workforce housing and differing approaches to solving the city’s affordable housing challenges.

Incumbent Peter Oppelt suggested ongoing reviews of zoning regulations, including parking minimums for new structures.

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