How it works
How the Budget Is Made
The City's budget isn't decided behind closed doors. Kansas law lays out a public process every year — and the most important step is one any resident can take part in: the public budget hearing.
The short version
- Estimate needs. Staff figure out what each service costs for the coming year.
- Draft a proposed budget. The Governing Body assembles a draft and sets a proposed mill levy (property-tax rate).
- Publish it. The City must publish a Notice of Budget Hearing so residents can see the proposal in advance.
- Hold a public hearing. Residents attend, ask questions, and comment before anything is final.
- Adopt & certify. The Governing Body votes to adopt the budget, and it's certified to the county.
2027 budget calendar
Key dates for the 2027 budget. Dates marked Public are open to residents.
- [Spring 2026] Departments build requests
Staff estimate what each service area needs for the coming year and submit requests to the City.
- [Early summer 2026] Proposed budget drafted
The City Clerk and Governing Body assemble a draft budget and set the proposed mill levy.
- [Summer 2026] Public Notice of Budget Hearing published
Kansas law requires the City to publish the proposed budget and announce a public hearing.
- [to be set — August 2026] Public Public budget hearing
Residents can attend, ask questions, and comment before the budget is adopted. This is the key moment for public input.
- [to be set — late summer 2026] Public Budget adopted & certified
The Governing Body votes to adopt the budget, which is then certified to the county.
How to weigh in
The budget hearing is the moment built specifically for resident input, but you don't have to wait for it:
- Attend the public hearing ([to be set — August 2026]) and speak during public comment.
- Email the City any time at mayor@linnvalleyks.com with questions or priorities.
- Read the proposal once published, and use this site's breakdown and glossary to understand it.