News – Page 1284 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Kansas explores new road for highway funding

info2021-11-08T00:39:42-06:00November 8th, 2021|

The days of paying gas taxes at the pump may eventually be as passe as using a landline to place a phone call. States across the country are studying new ways to tax the driving public for transportation as gas taxes become less sustainable with more fuel-efficient and electric vehicles on the road. At least 10 states have passed legislation to study what’s known as a road-user charge. Many are already looking at how they could move to a tax based on miles driven as compared to how much gas a driver buys. Source: Sunflower State Journal

Louisburg to offer Snow Buddies program again this winter

info2021-11-08T00:37:24-06:00November 8th, 2021|

With winter just around the corner, the city of Louisburg is ready to roll out its annual Snow Buddies program.Snow Buddies is a volunteer program that matches the city’s senior citizens or those who may have a disability and are unable to shovel snow from their sidewalks with a volunteer who is able to assist with snow shoveling, according to a city news release. The program also asks for volunteers to shovel a path from the front door to the sidewalk or street, if there is no sidewalk on the property. To qualify, a Louisburg resident must be a senior citizen [...]

Dickinson County clerk retires after 44 years with the office

info2021-11-05T07:49:07-05:00November 5th, 2021|

When Barbara “Barb” Jones went to work in the Dickinson County clerk’s office more than 44 years ago one of her job duties included typing tax statements — emphasis being on the word “typing.” “When I tell people I typed tax statements they say, ‘You did what?’ There were a lot of typewriters flying then,” Jones recalls with a laugh. “And that was done on three-part carbons. So if you made a mistake, you couldn’t just erase it a little.” After more than four decades in the clerk’s office, including 12 years serving as county clerk/election officer, Jones will retire Nov. [...]

After more residents express interest, Douglas County to hold public meeting on expanding commission from three members to five

info2021-11-05T07:37:11-05:00November 5th, 2021|

Douglas County is seeking to hear from residents about whether they would like to see the County Commission expand from three members to five. The county has scheduled a listening session for Dec. 9 to gather residents’ input about expanding the commission after more residents started getting in touch with local leaders about the idea. Commissioners initially expressed interest in expanding the commission to five members in March, but at a meeting in July they essentially decided to put the conversations aside because few residents had expressed interest in the idea. At that time, commissioners agreed that unless they heard from [...]

Ignite Emporia seeking feedback on child care needs in Lyon County

info2021-11-05T07:36:25-05:00November 5th, 2021|

Child care access has been identified as one of the four major barriers to local workforce development. Through the course of the pandemic our community saw the critical role that our child care providers contribute and how limitations and disruptions can impact families in a variety of ways. One critical impact is the decision that families must make to balance workforce participation with the cost and access of child care services. To better understand the needs our community is facing, Ignite Emporia has partnered with the University of Kansas Center for Public Partnerships and Research. This brief online survey will help [...]

Survey says most Lawrence residents like parklets

info2021-11-05T07:34:42-05:00November 5th, 2021|

Most visitors to downtown Lawrence like the street parking stalls-turned-al fresco dining spaces and would use them in the long term, according to the city’s recent survey. The temporary right-of-way program, implemented to help restaurants stay in business amid the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to expire on Dec. 31. The city is considering implementing a long-term version of the program. City commissioners asked staff to gather public feedback to help determine what to do next. Those results are in, and staff now recommends extending the temporary parklets through the end of March 2022 to allow time to develop a long-term plan. [...]

Proposal to consider changing Johnson County’s name one of 18 items before Charter Commission

info2021-11-05T07:34:06-05:00November 5th, 2021|

A recommendation to consider whether Johnson County should be named after its slave owning namesake is among 18 suggested changes that have been submitted by members of the county Charter Commission for its consideration. The list of amendments and recommendations also includes some ideas about which county races should be partisan and which should be elected — subjects that have proved controversial among people who have attended the charter commission’s recent public hearings. The proposal to consider a name change asks county commissioners “to adopt a process for meaningful consideration of Rev. Thomas Johnson as the namesake of Johnson County.” Source: [...]

Sales tax questions approved in area elections

info2021-11-05T07:33:16-05:00November 5th, 2021|

Voters in Andover approved a one-cent sales tax proposal in Tuesday’s general election. The sales tax will fund the construction of a second fire station as well as renovations to the current fire station. Some of the tax revenue will also support renovations to the 13th Street Sports Park. ... Voters in Sumner County approved the extension of an existing sales tax for health care services. The half-cent tax provides funding for the health department, emergency medical services, mental health programs and other needs. The tax will be extended for ten years. The proposal received 1,584 yes votes and 813 no votes [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for November 4, 2021

info2021-11-05T06:57:36-05:00November 5th, 2021|

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.

Johnson County voter turnout set a record this year

info2021-11-05T06:53:24-05:00November 5th, 2021|

More Johnson County voters went to the polls or mailed in ballots for the 2021 general election than in any other recent odd year election. Before Tuesday, county election officials predicted a 20% turnout among registered voters, but actual turnout comfortably surpassed that estimate. As of Wednesday, the Johnson County Election Office reported 110,027 ballots cast, for a turnout of 24.88%. And that number will continue to creep up over the next few days as mail-in ballots that were dropped off or postmarked before polls closed on Election Day are added to the total, along with provisional ballots. Source: Prairie Village [...]