info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Overland Park City Council may limit recording of public comments

info2020-09-24T10:02:42-05:00September 24th, 2020|

The debut of the public comment period at the Sept. 14 council meeting went pretty well, members of an Overland Park City Council committee agreed. Just the same, that committee is now looking at a rule change that would turn off cameras during future comments, making them inaccessible to live stream viewers and leaving them out of the official minutes. The council’s Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee discussed rule changes last week that could also include an advance sign-up for speakers and perhaps moving the comments to the end of the meeting rather than the beginning, where they are now. [...]

As SMSD plans for in-person learning, health officials say JoCo remains in ‘red zone’

info2020-09-24T10:01:50-05:00September 24th, 2020|

Johnson County health officials told public school leaders Tuesday that current COVID-19 trends continue to suggest in-person learning remains unsafe, even as districts plan to bring more students back to school starting next month. As of Tuesday, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment said the county remains in the “red zone” of its school reopening criteria. In the “red zone,” JCDHE recommends that schools can have elementary students in school for in-person learning following “safe opening principles,” while it’s recommended middle and high school students learn remotely. Source: Prairie Village Post

University of Kansas helps three Kansas counties — Johnson, Miami and Wilson – determine how to spend more than $44 million in federal COVID-19 funds

info2020-09-23T12:45:22-05:00September 23rd, 2020|

Every community has been touched by the COVID-19 pandemic, and while all have experienced some sort of negative outcomes, no two communities have been affected in the same way. That lack of a roadmap or template can make recovery difficult, especially in using federal funds dedicated to a pandemic response. A diverse group of University of Kansas scholars, researchers, staff and students has been helping three Kansas counties — Johnson, Miami and Wilson – determine how to spend more than $44 million in federal COVID-19 funds by the end of 2020 to have a lasting influence. “We felt county governments could [...]

USDA Invests Over $471,000 in Renewable Energy in Rural Kansas

info2020-09-23T10:14:46-05:00September 23rd, 2020|

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $471,792 in renewable energy projects for farmers, ag producers and rural-based businesses and institutions in rural Kansas. “Kansas is a leader in renewable energy production and that industry creates jobs and opportunities in all areas of the state,” said Hinrichsen. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural Kansas in building stronger and healthier communities through renewable energy, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.” Background: [...]

Arkansas City, KS saves over $2.7 million as a result of yesterday’s competitive bond sale

info2020-09-23T08:36:59-05:00September 23rd, 2020|

Working with the city administration and city commission, Ranson Financial Group helped save the City of Arkansas City, Kansas over $2.7 million. The competitive bond sale had 5 bidders. The winning bid provided an average interest rate of 1.55% over the 15 years. The restructured debt also shortened the final payoff date by 2 years. Email Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren for a refunding analysis of your community's debt or to explore funding options for new projects. For a better understanding of the parties and process involved in the bond issue process, click here or contact Larry or Beth.

Municipal Bond Trends for September 22, 2020

info2020-09-23T07:44:32-05:00September 23rd, 2020|

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.

This Johnson County district plans to have all students back in classrooms next month

info2020-09-23T07:39:28-05:00September 22nd, 2020|

Blue Valley is poised to become the first of Johnson County’s largest school districts to bring older students back into classrooms. District officials announced plans to allow middle and high school students in school buildings starting Oct. 5 in a hybrid model, learning in classrooms part of the time and learning online the rest of the week. That same day, the district plans to bring elementary students back to in-person learning, five days a week. “Throughout this pandemic, we have said multiple times we want to bring students back to school in-person in some form as soon as we can safely [...]

Wichita workshops incentives to bring jobs, boost small business

info2020-09-23T07:39:40-05:00September 22nd, 2020|

The city council of Wichita is working on a small business idea, to get a big boost to the economy. "This is a move that just makes sense," said city council member James Clendenin. "With the right planning, dollars and cents." The council workshop on Tuesday focused on getting incentives in place for small businesses. It includes tax breaks, fast-tracking business plans for new business and other incentives. "Still a work in progress, to be sure," said Clendenin. But the idea could get a vote in just a couple of weeks. Some small businesses in Wichita say any news is good [...]

City of Topeka launches program to help residents face COVID-19 financial challenges

info2020-09-23T07:39:47-05:00September 22nd, 2020|

The City of Topeka announced Tuesday its intention to launch a free Financial Navigators program to help residents navigate critical financial issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial Navigators is available to provide guidance over the phone to help residents access available programs and services to manage loss of income and other financial concerns. Financial Navigators help residents one-on-one to make priorities, identify steps to manage expenses and maximize income. Source: KSNT News

Hutchinson officials call new testing availability ’game changer’

info2020-09-23T07:39:59-05:00September 22nd, 2020|

Local health officials called the recent availability of rapid COVID-19 testing at Hutchinson Clinic and the hospital “a game-changer,” but also noted the battle to contain the virus in the community remains an uphill one because that testing came so late. Hutchinson Clinic physician Dr. Scott Pauly told the Reno County Commission that asymptomatic testing of the general population also remains a critical piece in local health efforts to keep spread under control. The free testing at the Hutchinson Clinic will end on Saturday, but the county is expected to announce a plan next week on how to take it over [...]

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