info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Senate panel expands bill eliminating food sales tax

info2022-02-13T20:23:20-06:00February 13th, 2022|

A proposal eliminating the state sales tax on food moved out of a Senate committee Thursday but was expanded to cover utilities, delivery charges and allow theaters to keep sales taxes on ticket sales. The bill would eliminate the state’s 6.5% sales tax on food – one of the highest rate rates nationally – starting Jan. 1, 2024. It would still allow local governments to collect food sales taxes although they would have the option to eliminate the tax if they choose. Source: Sunflower State Journal

Governor Laura Kelly Announces More than $17 Million in Grants to Support Redevelopment Efforts for Rural Communities

info2022-02-13T20:21:18-06:00February 13th, 2022|

Governor Laura Kelly announced 40 rural Kansas communities will receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) totaling more than $17.6 million to help support critical community development projects. “These grants will help our communities improve public safety, revitalize vital infrastructure and maximize economic opportunity for our Kansas families,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “It’s further proof that investments like this are critical to positively impact lives of Kansans living in rural parts of the state.” The awards are administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce and granted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Small Cities CDBG program. Eligible CDBG public improvement [...]

Topeka rethinks budget process

info2022-02-13T06:56:03-06:00February 13th, 2022|

Budgeting is a topic that can make one’s eyes roll. And when a city budget is in question, forget it. Lights out. Topeka is trying to change that perception by adopting an outcome- based budget for FY23. Following in the footsteps of Redmond, Wash., and Baltimore, Md., outcome- based budgeting can open a direct line of dialogue between the city and those who live in it. To date, Topeka has held four virtual workshops that have focused on neighborhoods, quality of life, infrastructure and public safety. Source: CJonline

10-year Treasury yield tops 2% for the first time since 2019 after hot inflation

info2022-02-11T07:56:56-06:00February 11th, 2022|

U.S. Treasury yields climbed on Thursday, with the benchmark 10-year rate breaching the 2% level, after key inflation data showed hotter-than-expected price pressures. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note jumped 12 basis points to about 2.05%, the first time that the benchmark rate reached 2% since August 2019. ... The yield on the 2-year Treasury bond, the most sensitive duration to interest rates, surged 26 basis points to top 1.6%. The surge marked the 2-year’s biggest single day move since 2009. Source: CNBC

Winfield natural gas fees lowered

info2022-02-11T07:30:53-06:00February 11th, 2022|

Fees assessed to City of Winfield natural gas customers to cover costs from Winter Storm Uri last year have been lowered after penalties were waived from the city’s pipeline company, according to Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall. It was previously reported that residential customers would pay an average of $29 per month more over the next six years to help cover repayments for a state-backed loaned taken out by the city to cover natural gas costs incurred during the storm. However, with penalties waived it lowers the average to around $19 per month. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Plot fees increased at county-owned cemeteries

info2022-02-11T07:30:22-06:00February 11th, 2022|

To better cover the rising costs of upkeep for Barton County owned and operated memorial parks and cemeteries north of Great Bend, the County Commission Wednesday morning OKed an increase in plot fees. These apply to both Golden Belt Memorial Park and Hillcrest Cemetery located on NW 50 Road. “The regulations were last passed in 2015,” Register of Deeds Pam Wornkey said. Due to the continuous increase in expenses to maintain and keep things up at the memorial park and cemetery, she suggested the price increase from $250 to $350 for all plots. Plot recording fees will remain the same because [...]

Siemens Gamesa lays off workers in Hutchinson

info2022-02-11T07:29:58-06:00February 11th, 2022|

Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Inc. plans to lay off workers in Kansas and Iowa because of a reduction in orders for commercial wind turbines. The company, which manufactures wind turbines, announced Wednesday that 69 employees will lose jobs in Hutchinson, Kansas, and 121 jobs will end in Fort Madison, Iowa. That will leave 117 workers in Hutchinson and 254 in Fort Madison. Company spokesman Andrew Luther said future furloughs at the plants remain possible... Source: KAKE - News

Food System master plan approved by city and county leaders

info2022-02-11T07:29:08-06:00February 11th, 2022|

The food insecurity issue in Wichita just got one step closer to getting relief after the food system master plan was approved by county leaders Wednesday. It's part of a joint effort between city and county leaders to help the community get more healthy, sustainable and regionally sourced food to areas that need it in the county. Fresh locally grown produce, limited food waste, and new job opportunities are just a few of the things local leaders hope to accomplish with a new food system plan. And Wednesday that plan was finally approved by Sedgwick County commissioners. Source: KAKE - News

Wesley hires private ambulance company, a blow to struggling Sedgwick County EMS

info2022-02-11T07:28:34-06:00February 11th, 2022|

One of Wichita’s largest healthcare systems dealt a blow to Sedgwick County’s struggling ambulance service Thursday, announcing plans to break with the county and hire a private ambulance company starting next month. Wesley Healthcare is set to begin contracting with American Medical Response (AMR) on March 1 for patient transfers between Wesley-owned medical facilities. Those transfers have been a financially important part of the county’s EMS budget for decades and were seen as a key piece to rebuilding a department that has faced high turnover and slow response times. Wesley accounts for 77% of interfacility hospital transfers (4,873 in 2020) done [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for February 10, 2022

info2022-02-11T07:27:55-06:00February 11th, 2022|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

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