info2020-04-23T09:05:39-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
The coronavirus shut downs are hitting people’s pockets hard. In Wyandotte County, the Unified Government is facing a $15-20 million budget shortfall due in part to all the business closures. From the empty streets, parking lots and stores, the Legends almost looks like a ghost town. (Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF)
info2020-04-23T09:09:00-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
The Hiawatha City Commission held its second virtual meeting on Monday evening, and the group spoke with Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper about the status of summer sports and programs, given the extension of the stay-at-home order to May 3 in Kansas. Jasper said she has been in contact with other local recreation departments, and does not intend to cancel summer activities like some others have done unless it becomes definitively necessary. (Read more: hiawathaworldonline.com)
info2020-04-23T09:08:03-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
County commissioners once again discussed hiring an administrator, with support from Goessel resident Mark Voth, Hillsboro city councilman Kevin Suderman, and county commission chairman Jonah Gehring. Voth said an administrator can spend hours doing detailed research on a subject and present the facts to the commission for a decision, which would allow shorter commission meetings and better decisions. “I see all this time and energy spent on just putting water on things,” Voth said. “I see an administrator as giving you time to vision for the county.” (Read more: HILLSBORO Star-Journal)
info2020-04-23T09:18:30-05:00April 22nd, 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.
info2020-04-22T09:48:55-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
Overland Park is planning to open its farmers market this weekend. But worried about large crowds spreading the novel coronavirus, officials said shoppers will be restricted to their cars. The city was planning to open the market for the season earlier this month — with fewer vendors and a move to a nearby parking lot — but decided to postpone it after several residents complained that the event could lead to more cases of COVID-19. Now, officials announced the market will open in drive-thru format on Saturday in a different location. Like grocery stores, farmers markets are considered essential operations under [...]
info2020-04-22T09:49:05-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
Even with construction considered an “essential service” under COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, major development projects across Johnson County are facing setbacks or coming to a halt. With major public and private projects in the works — including new housing, entertainment complexes, sports amenities, a courthouse and community centers — leaders had expected 2020 to be another year of strong growth in the booming Kansas City suburbs. Now, from the Interstate 35 expansion to the long-awaited Mission Gateway development, crews are struggling to finish projects due to a shortage of supplies and strict social distancing requirements. Some developers have decided that operating during [...]
info2020-04-22T09:50:14-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
Trading in the secondary market saw AAA benchmark yields rise by three to five basis points but the primary market showed signs of life with several larger new deals getting done at appropriate levels given current market conditions as the coronavirus continues to ravage state and local credit quality. The municipal market weakened a little but that did not prevent new issue deals from coming in and pricing, as demand for the asset class seems to be gaining steam. Meanwhile, more issuers are opting to go the private placement route. ... “I think buyers are finally starting to get comfortable at [...]
info2020-04-22T09:51:15-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
The City of Hutchinson’s General Fund Balance is projected to decline by $1.3M for the remainder of 2020 largely due to a drop in sales tax revenue in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. City Manager John Deardoff, working closely with department heads, has developed a measured approach to addressing the inevitable financial impact. “We are fortunate to have a strong fund balance, which we have made a priority in recent years. While that exists for unexpected downturns like this, it would be irresponsible to rely solely on that reserve while so many others in our community are tightening their belts,” [...]
info2020-04-22T09:52:02-05:00April 22nd, 2020|
Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple wants to create a position of “deputy to the mayor” or a chief of staff similar to support positions for mayors in comparable cities. He said the position would help with policy research, community outreach, working with city department heads and engaging in efforts to increase transparency and accountability. After a lengthy discussion during their meeting Tuesday, the city council voted unanimously to hold off on a decision until city manager Robert Layton completes a staffing study. That study should be complete by the end of June. Whipple said there was a previous position of executive assistant [...]
info2020-04-21T23:54:42-05:00April 21st, 2020|
The Wichita City Council at its meeting Tuesday tabled a proposal to hire an assistant for Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple. The mayor wants to establish a deputy mayor position. The person holding that job would help the mayor research policy and meet with council members, City of Wichita department heads and stakeholders. Whipple says previous Wichita mayors have had similar help and believes establishing the assistant position could improve transparency at City Hall. Some of Whipple's critics on the proposal say the city is going through an uncertain time and should not consider adding new staff. Other criticism touches on Whipple's [...]
