Neighborhood Revitalization Reauthorized, Employee Pay Raises Approved for 2022

City Commissioners unanimously approved the reauthorization of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) during Monday’s regular meeting. For homeowners, this program eliminates the fear that painting your house or adding a deck will result in higher property taxes. For developers, contractors, and/or investors, more robust property tax rebates make real estate projects/investments more financially feasible. Projects inside the City’s core neighborhoods and valued at $100,000 or more are eligible to receive a 95% property tax rebate for 10 years, with rebates of 80%, 70%, 60%, 40%, and 20% to follow in years 11 through 15.

Commissioners also unanimously denied a rezoning application for property at 2100 Forest Park, which is currently zoned B-2 (business) with applicants asking for MHC (Mobile Home Community) designation. The property has been operating as a non-compliant B-2 with some mobile homes on the premises since it was annexed in the 1980s. The Atchison Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended denial of the application during its Sept. 1 regular meeting. City commissioners can now either agree with the denial, send it back to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further consideration, or override the Planning and Zoning Commission.

While projects in the core of the City warrant the highest rebates, suburban or greenfield developments also come with a generous rebate schedule. Please call the Atchison County Appraiser’s office to learn more about the program.

In other action Monday, commissioners ordered the repair or removal of the unsafe and dangerous structure located at 437 S. 5th Street and approved the 2022 Employee Compensation Plan, which will offer 3% cost of living adjustments to all employees and create a 2% pool for merit raises.

The next regular city commission meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18, in the commission room.