The fallout from a crippling ice storm last February had far-reaching ramifications for the city of Humboldt. As a result of wind chill warnings and stress to natural utility lines, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly declared a State of Disaster Emergency last Feb. 14. Eight days later, the Humboldt City Council declared a State of Financial Emergency. The city’s bill for the month of February soared to $1.6 million, dwarfing its monthly projected budget of $35,000 – as well as the $375,000 annual budget. The Kansas legislature ultimately passed legislation bailing out a number of municipalities that experienced the gas price crunch. Had it not been for the legislation, Humboldt was eying imminent bankruptcy. The $1.5 million loan received from the state is to be paid over a 10-year period at a fixed .25 percent interest rate, and has increased gas rates by approximately $2 per unit. Humboldt City Administrator Cole Herder said that the winter snowstorm that swept through this week did not remotely compare to the drastic events of last February. Even if the city had not been slammed by the 2021 ice storm, Herder said citizens would still be faced with rising gas bills.
Source: Derby Informer
