After expressing support earlier this year for moving forward with a ban on single-use plastic bags, city leaders will soon review particulars of a draft ordinance, including the process, fines and costs associated with enforcing the ban. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive an update on the single-use plastic bag draft ordinance and provide direction to city staff regarding potential next steps. The city estimates it will cost about $31,000 annually to enforce the ban, and a structure for fines for violations has been laid out.
Source: LJWorld

The South Hutchinson City Council voted unanimously to hire Jeff Schenk to be the next city administrator at Friday night’s special meeting. Schenk brings more than 15 years of public sector service to the role, having most recently served as the interim director of engineering for the City of Hutchinson. Schenk manages more than $25 million in capital improvement projects each year and has been intimately involved with the Woodie Seat bridge replacement project. “He was our unanimous pick because he possesses a unique blend of skills, relevant infrastructure experience, and solid relationships within the region,” said Mayor Brian Garretson.
Source: Hutch News

Topeka’s mayor and city council next month will consider providing property tax relief to property owners who meet guidelines that include having a total household income of $37,750 or less. Council policy and finance committee members Spencer Duncan and Hannah Naeger voted 2-0 Thursday to recommend the mayor and council approve the proposal involved. … Duncan’s proposal would enable eligible property owners to receive a rebate of the property taxes they pay that are levied specifically by Topeka’s city government. … Under Duncan’s proposal, the city would make the rebate available to all residents who pay city property taxes … and had a total household income of $37,750 or less.
Source: CJonline

With the warmer months of the year approaching, and summer vacation plans afoot, it can be hard to narrow down the best way to spend time with friends and loved ones. One way to celebrate a much-needed time out of the office this season is behind the wheel, enjoying the freedom of the open road and interesting stops that come your way. In Kansas, some of the most interesting stops come via hard-to-beat small town atmospheres that are rich in culture and history, with unique forms of entertainment and recreation.
Source: Salina Journal

Saline County’s Board of Commissioners began to look at a preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year, with a focus on trimming down expenses and limiting potential tax increases. Department heads and other county staff presented their requested portions of the budget at the commission’s weekly meeting May 30. In the next couple months, the county will continue to revise and refine the budget, narrowing the requests made by the county departments and non-county entities. Last week, the commission got a brief first look at the preliminary budget. At that time, County Administrator Phillip Smith-Hanes noted property-tax supported fund requests were initially 16.66% higher than what was adopted in 2023. Among other county staff, the commissioners noted that kind of increase is not possible.
Source: Salina Journal