News – Page 1171 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

De Soto could issue $100M of industrial revenue bonds for a commercial facility

info2022-03-10T07:46:37-06:00March 9th, 2022|

Industrial development near the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant in De Soto continues as Prairie Village-based Flint Development's commerce center picks up steam. De Soto's City Council will hold a public hearing on the issuance of $100 million worth of industrial revenue bonds as an incentive mechanism for Flint Commerce Center's construction at the northwest corner of 103rd Street and Edgerton Road. In a December memorandum of understanding, officials agreed to provide property tax abatements for 3.5 million industrial square feet of Class A warehouses. The rezoning for 371 annexed acres also was approved in January, alongside a 5,877-acre tax increment financing district for [...]

‘A lot more art’: Lawrence leaders express interest in reexamining workings of public art program

info2022-03-09T07:16:47-06:00March 9th, 2022|

Lawrence city leaders expressed interest Tuesday in reexamining how the city funds public art, selects artists, and places public art around the city. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission reviewed the city resolution governing the long-standing Percent for Art program as well as related city administrative policy. The resolution allows city leaders to set aside up to 2% of a capital project’s budget for public art, and the policy sets out a process for selecting art or artists. Source: LJWorld.com

Western Kansas home of state’s first Black female mayor

info2022-03-09T07:15:19-06:00March 9th, 2022|

The town of Stockton, Kan., is the county seat of Rooks County. It’s also where Kim Thomas became the first Black female mayor in the state and one of the longest-serving mayors. “Stockton has always been kind of, they’ve always welcomed black people. It hasn’t been like some places where you weren’t welcome,” said the former mayor. Thomas’ career in politics began in the 90s. “You know the first time I ran for city commission, I didn’t make it, but I tried again. I wasn’t defeated,” recalls Thomas. Source: KWCH

Municipal Bond Trends for March 8, 2022

info2022-03-09T07:10:56-06:00March 9th, 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.

Applications Open for Community Service Tax Credit Program

info2022-03-09T07:00:40-06:00March 8th, 2022|

Governor Laura Kelly today announced that applications are currently being accepted for the Community Service Tax Credit Program (CSP). CSP provides an opportunity for private, non-profit organizations and public health care entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship and youth technical training and health care. “The Community Service Tax Credit program is an incredible opportunity for nonprofit organizations to create lasting, meaningful changes for people across Kansas,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “These tax credits will foster local solutions to local challenges, and they will help improve [...]

Riley County Fire District #1 tests new technology for emergency response

info2022-03-08T23:53:47-06:00March 8th, 2022|

Riley County Fire District #1 will be using new technology for emergency response. Emergency Management Director Russell Stukey says the fire district is conducting a test for a startup company for a new program. Maps, personnel and apparatus resources, weather conditions, and incident pre-plan documents will be available in one location with this new program. Stukey says the pilot program as of now isn’t costing the department any money. The software pilot test started in February and will continue for the next several months. Source: 1350 KMAN

Grants available for Edgerton residents, businesses

info2022-03-08T23:50:11-06:00March 8th, 2022|

ElevateEdgerton! has announced the creation of a new grant program for residents, property owners and small business owners within the City of Edgerton. The Encouraging Development and Growth in Edgerton (EDGE) Grants are designed to support residential and commercial improvements and small business growth within the City of Edgerton. The program offers two options: The Residential and Commerical Beautification Grant and the Small Business Attraction and Expansion Grant. The Residential and Commercial Beautification Grant provides financial assistance to homeowners, renters, small business owners and property owners located anywhere within Edgerton city limits. The reimbursable grants award 50% of the total project [...]

Senate advances extension of Kansas rural workforce recruitment and retention tool

info2022-03-09T07:05:39-06:00March 8th, 2022|

A year after the House chose to continue offering financial incentives to Kansans moving to rural areas that are struggling with workforce, state senators followed suit, with their own added flare. The proposal would extend the Rural Opportunity Zone program by five years and expand eligibility to any county with a population less than 40,000. The program provides these designated counties the opportunity to offer income tax credits and student loan repayments to reverse population decline. Supporters said the bill provides for the program to continue while allowing the Legislature to focus on any needed tweaks. “Our rural areas continue to [...]

Labette County USD 506 receives $60,000 for new busses

info2022-03-09T07:07:13-06:00March 8th, 2022|

EPA Awards Rebates Totaling $17 Million to Fund Clean School Buses that Reduce Diesel Emissions and Protect Children’s Health. ... The $7 million in American Rescue Plan funding is directed toward school districts in underserved communities to replace old diesel buses with new, zero-emission electric models. The $10 million in DERA rebates will assist with 444 school bus replacements across the country... The $7 million in American Rescue Plan funding is directed toward school districts in underserved communities to replace old diesel buses with new, zero-emission electric models. The $10 million in DERA rebates will assist with 444 school bus replacements [...]

Kansas bill could require light mitigating technology on wind turbines

info2022-03-08T23:38:10-06:00March 8th, 2022|

Some Southeast Kansas residents say they’d like to see the state do more to limit the annoyance of wind turbine lights. “We were traveling home from doing some industry work and came upon one on one highway to head home towards Mound Valley, Kansas. and we noticed just a bunch of red flashing lights that just went miles from about this view,” said Debbie Cramer. Cramer is a concerned resident of Labette County, she says the lights from the wind turbines that guide aircrafts hit rural residents like herself the hardest. “When the sun goes down, the sky becomes a big [...]