OVERALL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2026 BUDGET

• Flat mill levy – The 2026 Budget holds the mill levy flat for the tenth consecutive year.

• General Fund Budget – The 2026 General Fund Budget is $7,087,213 (excluding reserves) which is a 0.09% increase from the 2025 Budget.

• Reserves –The City’s total unrestricted reserve is will be $1,588.497 in 2026 and is split between the General Fund and the Equipment Reserve Fund. This, plus the $200,000 Contingency budgeted in the Administration Department, totals 27.36% of the 2026 General Fund Budget. In 2018, the City updated its General Fund Reserve guideline from a minimum of 10% to a recommended 20% (excluding the Contingency). Achieving the higher reserve was a multi-year effort.

• Salary increases – The 2026 Budget includes a 4% merit based salary increase for full-time employees.

• Health Insurance – The City experienced a 3% mid-year increase for health insurance. A 6% increase is anticipated in 2026.

• Transfer to Equipment Reserve Fund – A $150,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Equipment Reserve Fund is currently budgeted to build a reserve for CIP equipment purchases. In addition, the Public Works Department will also transfer $30,000 to Equipment Reserve for the future purchase of a street sweeper.

There are many opportunities for citizen input during the City’s 2026 Budget process. Committee meetings offer an excellent opportunity for learning. Additionally, you are welcome and encouraged to attend City Council meetings the 2^nd  Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Fairway is very transparent with residents regarding its budget process, through email communications, newsletter articles and hosting a budget public forum, which is in addition to the Public Hearing required by Kansas statute.