News – Page 1393 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Mission residents to vote on citywide sales tax increase in special mail-in election this September

info2021-07-06T23:33:09-05:00July 6th, 2021|

The city of Mission will ask residents to increase the current one-quarter cent sales tax to a three-eighths cent sales tax with a special election in September. Why it matters: The city uses the current one-quarter percent sales tax for budget items related specifically to transportation, according to city documents. Mission residents have repeatedly identified streets and maintenance as a top priority, prompting the conversation about a sales tax renewal, according to the city. Background: Mission’s quarter-cent sales tax will sunset in March 2022 and is currently used to pay off previous street improvements. Source: Prairie Village Post

As Shawnee’s western half grows, resident-led group aims to preserve city’s open spaces

info2021-07-06T23:29:26-05:00July 6th, 2021|

Shawnee resident Jim Magaziner has started an advocacy group dedicated to conservation efforts and preserving open space in his growing city. His group, Shawnee Open Space, urges city leaders to consider implementing ordinances that support “Conservation Subdivision,” a design concept that, in general, advocates for developers to dedicate part of their project sites — up to 50% of more in some cases — to natural, open space. The result would preserve the natural beauty of Shawnee’s countryside, protect wildlife and allow space for a comprehensive trail system throughout the city’s neighborhoods, Magaziner says. The main point of “Conservation Subdivision” is to [...]

Wichita passes anti-discrimination ordinance after marathon hearing on religious liberty

info2021-07-07T07:06:15-05:00July 6th, 2021|

For the second time in three weeks, the Wichita City Council has approved an anti-discrimination ordinance by the barest of majorities, after five hours of debate and dozens of residents saying it would infringe their religious liberty. The ordinance is designed to prevent discrimination within city limits on the basis of “age, color, disability, familial status, gender identity, genetic information, national origin or ancestry, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other factor protected by law.” It bans discrimination in employment, housing and businesses that serve the general public. The new ordinance would replace an anti-discrimination law that mysteriously [...]

New brewery opens in downtown Great Bend

info2021-07-07T07:11:42-05:00July 6th, 2021|

Although Kevin Burkey and Ryan Fairchild have brewed beer for years, last month the two men took a gigantic step and opened a brewery, Dry Lake Brewing, on Main Street in Great Bend. They wanted to open the brewery last year, but because of COVID-19, the opening was postponed. After visiting breweries around the state, ripping up carpet, drilling into the concrete to make drains, and building a kitchen in the town’s old shoe store, the two were ready to go. ... Burkey and Fairchild wanted to open their brewery in downtown Great Bend. Staying local and becoming an anchor was [...]

Wichita drops mask mandate in City Hall, libraries, rec centers and other facilities

info2021-07-06T08:05:35-05:00July 6th, 2021|

In a sign of a continuing return to normalcy, the city of Wichita on Friday dropped the mask mandate that has been in effect in municipal facilities since early in the COVID pandemic. “City employees and members of the public who have been fully vaccinated by one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines and are not otherwise at-risk, are no longer required to wear a mask within City of Wichita facilities,” the new policy states. Masks will still be “strongly encouraged” for the unvaccinated, but “there’s not an outright mandate, City Manager Robert Layton said. Source: Wichita Eagle

Mapping out a vision for Paola’s future

info2021-07-06T08:04:59-05:00July 6th, 2021|

A vibrant downtown shopping area with family-friendly restaurants… a bustling town Square full of apartments and businesses… a variety of entertainment options ranging from bowling and miniature golf to a movie theater. These are just a few of the things on the wish lists of Paola residents who attended an interactive workshop Tuesday, June 29, to help the city update its comprehensive plan. The update process has been dubbed “Planning Paola 2050,” and city leaders are working with the consulting firm Confluence to map out a vision that will help guide the city’s growth and development over the next three decades. [...]

‘Our Market’ debuts in Humboldt

info2021-07-06T08:03:28-05:00July 6th, 2021|

Residents of Humboldt now have a new option when debating where to purchase groceries, as Our Market made its debut with a soft opening Thursday. The grocery market is housed in the same building as the town’s only other former grocery store, Moon’s Hometown Market, which closed in 2019. “It’s huge for Humboldt,” said City Administrator Cole Herder. “I’ve seen so many people making comments about the opening on (the city’s) Facebook page, and that this is something they should not take for granted.” Source: The Chanute Tribune

Municipal Bond Trends for July 2, 2021

info2021-07-06T08:01:54-05:00July 6th, 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.

Real estate agents sometimes fail to disclose pending specials, frustrating home buyers

info2021-07-06T08:08:31-05:00July 6th, 2021|

Kansas law requires that sellers disclose impending liabilities like special tax assessments to buyers before a sale. Across the region, most real estate agents use a standardized seller’s disclosure form created by the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors when marketing existing homes. In addition to asking about home repairs and damage, the form includes questions about bonds, assessments and special taxes. In addition to those disclosures, most title companies would find the tax liability upon researching a home for potential buyers, said Max Gordon, an Overland Park real estate attorney. “If a title company missed that, that’s another issue. But [...]

Lifeguard shortage forces these Kansas City area pools and beaches to close this year

info2021-07-06T08:00:57-05:00July 6th, 2021|

Last year, most Kansas City area pools closed because of the pandemic. This year, several pools and beaches can’t open for a different reason: a lifeguard shortage. Jackson County Parks + Rec couldn’t hire enough lifeguards this summer to staff both Blue Springs Beach and Longview Lake Beach. As a result, only Longview is open. Overland Park did not open the Bluejacket and Marty pools for the same reason. “Overall the effect is that pools are closed. Beaches are closed,” said Tina Spallo, Jackson County’s superintendent of recreation. “Therefore the general public doesn’t have as many aquatic centers to choose from.” [...]