City leaders will soon continue their discussion about a policy that generally requires property owners to pay for repairs to sidewalks bordering their homes and businesses unless their income qualifies them for city assistance. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will receive information about how other municipalities handle sidewalk repair, expansion of the city’s repair assistance program, and a plan for asking residents for input. The city’s sidewalk repair program has been controversial with some homeowners, and the information is being provided to the commission for discussion after some commissioners said they were open to reconsidering the program.
Source: LJWorld

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Kansas State Director Christy Davis today announced that USDA is awarding $155,100 in grants to improve rural health care facilities in Hodgeman and Sumner counties. The details of the Kansas grants are:
• A $130,100 grant will help purchase equipment and recover lost revenues for Hodgeman County Health Center. The Center experienced a loss of revenue in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Once the project is completed, the facility will be able to provide new and improved health care services to the community.
• A $25,000 grant will help to recover lost revenues, make improvements to electronic health records system, for Sumner County Home Health Agency in Wellington. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Agency from providing home health services in 2020, resulting in loss of revenue.
USDA will announce additional awardees for Emergency Rural Health Care Grants in the coming weeks and months.

After a lengthy and passionate discussion, the Saline County Commission approved a wage increase and incentives bonus for new and existing correctional officers – a measure aimed at hiring and maintaining enough staff to operate the new county jail after its completion. The measure passed in a 3 to 2 vote, with commissioners Robert Vidricksen II and James Weese in the minority. Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan and Human Resources Director Marilyn Leamer presented the measure Aug. 9 to the commission, describing the current state of need for employees.
Source: Salina Journal

As Hutchinson turns 150 this year, the Reno County Museum, the City of Hutchinson, Hutch Rec and the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce partnered to create a community spirit block party on Thursday, Aug. 18. The mile-long celebration on Main Street will include 12 block parties with Hutchinson-area organizations acting as block captains for free activities, photo opportunities and interactive exhibits. To begin the celebration, residents can participate in a 150th Historical Photo Event at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at East Sherman Street and Main Street.
Source: Hutch News

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.