info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Kansas closes fiscal year with $758 million above estimated tax receipts

info2021-07-21T19:06:15-05:00July 21st, 2021|

Kansas' tax receipts at the end of the 2020-21 fiscal year exceeded anticipated revenue levels by $758 million. Gov. Laura Kelly attributed this growth to signs that efforts to strengthen the states' economy are working. Others say it's time to cut taxes. “It is time for the state of Kansas to look at lowering its tax rates – sales, personal income, and corporate income – all should be discussed. We encourage the Kansas Legislature and Governor Kelly to look at our Kansas Tax Modernization study conducted by the Tax Foundation," a statement provided by Kansas Policy Institue said. "It proposes very specific [...]

Lawrence approves close to $2M in pay increases for three unionized worker groups

info2021-07-21T08:08:00-05:00July 21st, 2021|

Expressing appreciation for the results of a long negotiation process, city leaders have approved close to $2 million in pay increases for three unionized employee groups, including the newly unionized solid waste workers. At its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission voted unanimously as part of its consent agenda to approve agreements with the Teamsters Union Local No. 696, the Lawrence Police Officers’ Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1596. Collectively, the three contracts represent $1.94 million in additional pay for 2022. Source: LJWorld.com.

County health officers regained powers as delta variant cases spike in Kansas. Will they use it?

info2021-07-21T08:03:46-05:00July 21st, 2021|

With a key set of reforms limiting how local and state officials can respond to COVID-19 struck down in court last week, county health officers in Kansas regained a set of tools at a critical juncture, as the delta variant has seen case counts jump in recent days. Whether any counties will use their ability to issue health orders, limiting gathering sizes and imposing other mitigation requirements remains to be seen, however, as the political realities of the virus remain unchanged. Johnson County District Court Judge David Hauber opened the door last week when he ruled Senate Bill 40, the sweeping set of [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for July 20, 2021

info2021-07-21T07:58:09-05:00July 21st, 2021|

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.

Bird scooters roll into Emporia

info2021-07-21T07:55:08-05:00July 21st, 2021|

A flock of birds has nested in downtown Emporia. Bird Scooters, that is. The electric scooters are a new mode of transportation popping up in cities around Kansas. The goal, the company said, is to give the community access to another mode of transportation and bring a boost to the economy. “A growing list of cities, states, and countries are looking to micromobility alternatives, such as scooters and bikes, not only as a means of minimizing congestion but also as a way to support local economic recovery,” a Bird spokesperson said. “We are excited to work with Emporia to offer residents [...]

Schools confront more polarization with mask rules for fall

info2021-07-21T07:54:44-05:00July 21st, 2021|

Students in Wichita, Kansas, public schools can ditch the masks when classes begin. Detroit public schools will probably require them only for the unvaccinated. In Pittsburgh, masks will likely be required regardless of vaccination status. And in some states, schools cannot mandate face coverings under any circumstances. With COVID-19 cases soaring nationwide, school districts across the U.S. are yet again confronting the realities of a polarized country and the lingering pandemic as they navigate mask requirements, vaccine rules and social distancing requirements for the fast-approaching new school year. Source: KAKE - News

KCK schools to require mask-wearing amid renewed COVID-19 concerns

info2021-07-21T07:53:24-05:00July 21st, 2021|

Amid growing regional concerns about COVID-19 resurgence, the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools Board of Education has adopted a back-to-school plan requiring all students to wear face masks except for those with health exemptions. School board members approved the fresh guidelines Tuesday night. The measure comes as area public health officials are concerned about the growing number of new cases resulting from the COVID-19 delta variant, which is spreading through parts of Missouri and beyond — especially in areas where vaccination rates are low. Other requirements for Kansas City, Kansas students returning to in-person learning include obtaining all required immunizations under [...]

Overland Park committee creates canopy streets award

info2021-07-21T07:52:28-05:00July 21st, 2021|

The city of Overland Park Legacy of Greenery committee created the Canopy Street of Excellence award — and named its first-ever honoree recently.Residents on 101st Street from Hemlock Street to Hardy Drive, part of the Pinehurst Estates subdivision, won the canopy street award this year. Canopy streets are defined, per the city’s website, as those with “continuously spaced trees near the street, with overarching limbs that are usually touching, creating a canopy.” Source: Shawnee Mission Post

City Council sides with neighbors, rejects mixed-use plan in east Wichita

info2021-07-21T07:43:24-05:00July 21st, 2021|

In a rare break with the Planning Commission, Wichita’s City Council has rejected a proposed complex of apartments, office and retail service space proposed at the site of a closed-down school in a historically Black neighborhood in east Wichita. Siding with neighbors opposed to the plan, the council rejected the Nguyen Senior Village, a proposal for 78 apartments with a gathering center for residents, rental office space and personal service businesses that may have included such uses as a barber shop, beauty salon and laundromat. The five-acre site is the former location of Holy Savior Catholic Academy and before that, was [...]

Johnson County: Schools should mandate masks for unvaccinated

info2021-07-21T07:42:29-05:00July 21st, 2021|

The health department in Kansas’ most populous county urged its public schools Monday to require students and staff who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 to wear masks indoors when classes resume for the fall. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment’s guidance came with confirmed cases of the faster-spreading delta variant continuing to rise across Kansas and fueling larger numbers of new COVID-19 cases overall. “We want a return to normalcy, but we need to be cautious and get vaccinated if eligible.” said Dr. Sanmi Areola, the department’s director. Source: The Arkansas City Traveler

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