Manning City Council spent much of May and early June focused on two major priorities: finalizing the city's fiscal year 2026-27 budget and advancing plans for the Church Street Town Centre and Venue, a long-awaited downtown park and event space.
Through a series of regular meetings, budget workshops and work sessions, council members reviewed public safety spending, employee compensation, construction costs and infrastructure improvements while moving several projects closer to completion.
BUDGET
The city's budget discussions began in earnest during an April 28 workshop, where department heads presented funding requests and outlined priorities for the coming year.
Much of the conversation centered on public safety.
Manning Police Chief Sean Briley told council the department's proposed budget reflected rising operational costs, equipment needs and efforts to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining officers. While the department's request showed a substantial increase over the previous year, Briley noted that approximately $140,000 of the increase was tied to vehicle purchases that had not traditionally been included in the department's budget.
Briley also highlighted the need to replace the department's records management software before its current system becomes obsolete later this year. City officials said they had identified a replacement system that would cost significantly less than other options being considered statewide.
The chief also discussed salary compression within the department and the challenge of competing with neighboring agencies for experienced officers.
Budget discussions continued during a May 19 workshop, where council reviewed potential adjustments aimed at reducing costs and balancing the proposed spending plan. Among the changes discussed were vehicle purchases, insurance expenses and other operational costs.
Council members also discussed potential cost-of-living adjustments for employees as they worked toward a final budget proposal.
The process moved closer to completion on June 9, when council held a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget. No final action was taken during the meeting, but officials indicated the budget was nearing completion following weeks of revisions and workshops.
CHURCH STREET PARK
While budget discussions occupied much of council's attention, the Church Street Town Centre and Venue remained one of the city's most significant ongoing projects.
The proposed downtown park and event space was the focus of both the April 28 work session and a special work session held May 27.
Project engineer Larry Watt updated council on construction costs and potential savings opportunities as bids came in for various elements of the project. Discussions included parking areas, lighting, pavilion features and other amenities that could be modified or phased in later if necessary.
Council members emphasized that the project represents a long-term investment in downtown Manning and noted that a significant portion of the funding has come from grants and outside sources rather than local tax dollars.
During the May 27 work session, council addressed several design and construction issues, including the future of a large pecan tree located near the center of the project site. After reviewing recommendations from an arborist and discussing utility concerns beneath the tree, council agreed to move forward with its removal.
Council also reviewed plans for an ADA-compliant dressing room and restroom facility adjacent to the stage area and discussed lighting and signage options for the park.
Officials said construction continues to progress as the city works through final design decisions and change orders.
OTHER ACTIONS
Council also addressed several other matters during the spring meeting cycle.
At its May 12 regular meeting, council held a public hearing and later approved rezoning property on Kennedy Lane for the proposed Peaks II at Manning apartment development. Developers said the project would provide additional workforce housing and build on the success of the existing Peaks at Manning complex.
At the June 9 meeting, council approved a $9,000 local match for a 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant after learning that some originally proposed expenditures were ineligible for reimbursement.
Council also recognized and swore in a new Manning police officer during the June meeting.
