info2021-07-13T06:47:30-05:00July 13th, 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.
info2021-07-13T06:45:28-05:00July 13th, 2021|
Kansas lawmakers added transparency and accountability measures to the widely criticized STAR bonds program this spring, but the new rules will not apply to two youth sports facilities — in Overland Park and Kansas City, Kansas — that are moving closer to construction. STAR bonds, a development incentive backed by Kansas sales tax revenue, have drawn scrutiny because of failed projects that did not meet the program’s tourism and income goals. When legislators reauthorized the program for five more years in April, they insisted on higher investment minimums and added a handful of new guidelines intended to prevent future unsuccessful ventures. [...]
info2021-07-13T00:44:12-05:00July 13th, 2021|
Graffiti can be an eyesore, but through an artist's eyes it can turn into something beautiful. Covering its rough past up, and transforming it before our eyes. That's the goal of a Fort Scott artist, which, incidentally, parallel's the artist's own life story of transforming from a rough past. "I'm really attracted to the walls you know, as a kid growing up I liked to paint on the walls, I always got in trouble for it. Now that I'm older you know people think it's cool." Says Stephen Toal, Muralist. Source: KSNT News
info2021-07-13T06:45:45-05:00July 13th, 2021|
The Fraternal Order Of Police and the city of Topeka are in a deadlock over contract negotiations, the union announced Tuesday. Monday the Fraternal Order Police released new information that mediation is scheduled for this Wednesday, July 14th, in hopes of reaching a final agreement. “TPD staffing levels continue to be critical and our force is currently 27 officers short with more anticipated departures from the department,” said Charles Wilson President of FOP Lodge #3, “The recruiting and retention crisis in policing is affecting departments across the country and Topeka is no different. Earlier the union said the two sides had [...]
info2021-07-13T00:38:35-05:00July 13th, 2021|
As part of federal COVID-19 relief packages passed in the last 18 months, Lawrence and Douglas County are poised to take in millions of dollars this year that can be used to address chronic homelessness and aid in affordable housing solutions. The city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board on Monday gave an initial approval of the funding level it intends to allocate later this year to applicants focused on housing services — an increase of 175% over the funds that were available last year. In 2020, hampered by a tighter budget and uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic, AHAB had $450,000 available from [...]
info2021-07-13T00:36:31-05:00July 13th, 2021|
Overland Park has taken the first step toward another annexation, albeit a small one involving only one property owner. Last Wednesday, the city council’s Community Development Committee unanimously voted to recommend that about 29 acres south of 183rd Street and east of Aberdeen Street near the state line be annexed for an eventual development of single family homes. The request was made by the property owner, Sundance Land and Cattle II. That company was formed in Kansas a year ago, with developer Brian Rodrock listed as agent, according to records with the Secretary of State’s office. Rodrock is CEO of Rodrock Development. [...]
info2021-07-13T00:34:58-05:00July 13th, 2021|
It may be easy to miss amid the persistent partisan clashes in Congress, but there is a growing concern among federal lawmakers of all stripes about the condition of the country’s water infrastructure. That concern has translated into millions of dollars in the American Rescue Plan Act that can be used for water improvements by states and localities, and more funding could be coming down the pipe in a bipartisan infrastructure bill. “We’re very happy that there’s this renewed focus on investing in water infrastructure at the congressional level,” says Tommy Holmes, the legislative director of the American Water Works Association, an [...]
info2021-07-13T00:32:34-05:00July 13th, 2021|
Pottawatomie County officials appear to be pumping the brakes on developing solar regulations, at least temporarily. Members of both the county commission and planning commission agreed during a joint meeting Thursday, to pause the development of regulations. County Planner Stephan Metzger tells KMAN there are several components to the draft plan which have caused hesitation among county officials. There are also concerns from ag producers on disrupting some of the natural elements of the region. Metzger explains what’s attracting solar companies to Pottawatomie County. Source: 1350 KMAN
info2021-07-13T00:29:21-05:00July 13th, 2021|
This summer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has begun accepting applications for two important programs for rural development. The first is the Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge, which has seen a $2 million increase in funding after its initial set of grants met with a great deal of enthusiasm. This program is available to tribal entities, non-profits, local governments, universities, and small businesses for the purpose of rural placemaking, which is a collaborative process to strategically improve the social, cultural, and economic structure of a community. The second program, the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy grant, is available to nonprofit organizations, universities, tribal [...]
info2021-07-12T09:56:47-05:00July 12th, 2021|
Lenexa can’t fill entry-level maintenance jobs. Shawnee watched as firefighter applications fell by nearly half in two years. Kansas City, Kan., closed its only public swimming pool for the summer after struggling to staff it and lingering concerns about the pandemic. In Lawrence, city officials this spring began hunting for dozens of lifeguards, traditionally the domain of teens and college students. The applicants this time weren’t always who you’d expect. Marilyn Hull, a 64-year-old former program and communications officer at a local non-profit, applied for and accepted a position. Starting pay is listed at $10 an hour. “I felt bad for [...]
