info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

As Kansas winds down COVID-era housing aid, advocates worry about impact

info2022-10-20T07:20:41-05:00October 20th, 2022|

Kansas will begin winding down a COVID-19-era rental assistance program, a move that was expected but still has housing advocates worried about whether renters and the nonprofits that help support them will be prepared. The Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program was created in March 2021 as the latest iteration in a series of efforts to provide aid to renters affected by the adverse economic conditions created by the pandemic. Backed by $200 million in federal funds and run by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the program's launch was rocky at first due to limited staffing and high demand, though things eventually [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for October 19, 2022

info2022-10-20T07:19:36-05:00October 20th, 2022|

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.

Treasury yields climb sharply, 10-year yield hits highest level since 2008

info2022-10-20T07:29:17-05:00October 20th, 2022|

Treasury yields rose sharply across the board on Wednesday as concerns over a recession spread among investors, with the benchmark yield hitting its highest level since 2008. The yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.127%, up by about 13 basis points after hovering just below the key 4% level for much of Tuesday. It rose as high as 4.136% during the session, its highest level since July 23, 2008. The policy-sensitive 2-year Treasury yield rose by 11 basis points to 4.55%. ... Concerns about a recession have been growing louder among investors as the Federal Reserve continues to follow a [...]

SEC muni chief warns issuers away from ‘problematic structures’

info2022-10-20T01:48:12-05:00October 20th, 2022|

State and local governments experiencing times of fiscal surplus and strong credit ratings should be careful not to ignore certain bond structures that came around to bite issuers during the global financial crisis a decade ago. That's according to Dave Sanchez, director of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of Municipal Securities, speaking at the Government Finance Officers Association's 4th annual Minimuni conference. Sanchez returned to lead the office this year after serving as an attorney fellow from 2010 to 2013, and noted the stark contrast in the financial conditions of state and local governments from then to now. Source: The [...]

Harvey County adopts wind regulations with some changes

info2022-10-20T07:10:41-05:00October 20th, 2022|

The Harvey County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution Oct. 13 that puts into place regulations for commercial renewable energy projects. Commissioners adopted the regulations approved by the Harvey County Planning Commission last month with six changes, the most significant of which was narrowing the setback requirement from a neighbor’s land from 1,500 to 1,000 feet. Commissioner Randy Hague requested the change because he said the longer setback would prevent those who own a quarter section to earn revenue with a wind turbine unless the neighbors also agreed to it. He initially suggested the distance should be 800 to 900 feet. [...]

Planning commissioners discuss what went into wind regulations

info2022-10-20T01:39:52-05:00October 20th, 2022|

After the Harvey County Planning Commission spent months putting together a list of recommended regulations for renewable energy, the Board of Harvey County Commissioners lowered the setback requirements to 1,000 feet. Thus, one of the most contentious issues to face the county in years now is officially on the books. The breakdown of the opposing forces has pitted neighbors against neighbors and reflected a divide between those who live in a city and out in the country. Source: Harvey County Now

Sedgwick first responders visit scouts

info2022-10-20T01:36:38-05:00October 20th, 2022|

Cub Scout Pack 487 got a special treat Monday evening as first responders attended their meeting to show off the large vehicles and equipment used to serve others in the community. Each rank of Cub Scout requires the kids to interact with first responders and to learn more about what they do and how they contribute to our community. The firefighters, EMT, and police officer talked about what they do, the equipment they use, and they answered any questions the kids asked. This was the first time we’ve organized an event like this but judging from the success of the event [...]

Armstrong takes helm of hospital

info2022-10-20T01:32:50-05:00October 20th, 2022|

Jeremy Armstrong, the new administrator for Allen County Regional and Anderson County hospitals, is no stranger to small towns. He grew up in Wetmore, a town of about 300 north of Topeka, and served as the leader of small-town hospitals in Marion and Beloit. He knows that it takes time to get to know a community. He took over the hospitals in Iola and Garnett on Sept. 19, and has spent the past month getting to know the staff and physicians in each town. “Then I’ll make my way through the community,” he said. “Each community is a little unique in [...]

Derby begins discussion of ward redistricting process

info2022-10-20T07:12:02-05:00October 20th, 2022|

Per Derby charter ordinance 60, a review of the city’s ward boundaries was triggered this year, with the City Council starting that process at its Oct. 11 meeting. As outlined in the ordinance, when the total population deviation exceeds 10% between all four wards, adjustment to the ward boundaries is required. Currently, the population deviation sits at almost 34%. All four wards are also not within the required 5% of the average ward population. Source: Derby Informer | News

Emporia discusses allowing chickens in city limits

info2022-10-20T07:12:25-05:00October 20th, 2022|

The Emporia city commission is moving forward with the drafting of an ordinance that would allow for chickens within the city limits. The city has had a moratorium on permits for chickens since 2012, with chickens allowed in agricultural-zoned districts but not within residential areas. Recommended restrictions included a yearly $50 permit fee and inspection with a maximum of four chickens per lot or parcel. No roosters would be allowed and chickens would have to be enclosed in chicken coops or runs that meet the specified size and location requirements. Source: Emporia Gazette

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