News

A total of 31.6 percent of real estate in Jackson County was tax exempt last year, which was the third highest percentage among the 100 counties reporting in the state, according to a recent report shared by the Kansas Association of Counties. Sean Robertson, Saline County appraiser, compiled the report which notes that nearly $43 billion worth of appraised real estate values were exempt from paying taxes in Kansas last year. According to the report, a total of $427,451,940 in appraised values were exempt in Jackson County last year. This number represents the value of the property and not the amount [...]

Overland Park will soon end a special sales tax incentive at Oak Park Mall ahead of schedule, making it just a little bit cheaper to shop there. Back in 2007, Overland Park approved a 0.5% Transportation Development District (TDD) special sales tax at the mall to help pay for transportation-oriented improvements and some redevelopment at the mall site. Later, the city issued $16.2 million in revenue bonds tied to the TDD that would need to be paid back by April 1, 2032. In 2022, the city added $3.8 million more in refund bonds, with an expected payback date of 2032. Source: [...]

Voters in the Gardner Edgerton School District approved a $100 million bond measure in a special mail-in election Tuesday that will fund the construction of a new elementary school and renovations to other district facilities. According to the Johnson County Election Office, unofficial final results show the bond passed with nearly 60% of voters supporting it. Overall, 2,236 votes were cast for the bond measure, with 1,581 against. Turnout following Tuesday’s count was about 20%. Source: Johnson County Post

City and county staff are set to begin looking into ways to potentially “streamline” the zoning process for city developments beyond the city limits. That was a major talking point for both city and county commissioners when they convened for their latest joint session Wednesday afternoon. Following roughly 30 minutes of conversation, commissioners gave direction for City Zoning Administrator Justin Givens and County Zoning and Floodplain Manager Sam Seeley to meet with city and county legal counsel to begin developing recommendations for a process or board that could help oversee the matter. Source: d2430

Gov. Laura Kelly on Thursday signed seven more bills, bringing to 29 the number of pieces of legislation that she has signed into law this year. So far, she has vetoed four bills, including two on Monday. She has been overridden twice so far, with the Legislature scheduled to return April 10 for more veto override votes. She has allowed three bills to become law without her signature. Source: Sunflower State Journal

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. Every issuer's credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has announced the recipients of waste tire product grants. These annual waste tire grants are awarded to local municipalities and public and private schools K-12 across the state. ... The grants totaled $460,973.24 and were awarded to the following organizations to fund projects that include the use of recycled tire products like playground surfacing and picnic tables. Source: KDHE, KS - News Flash

Longtime Wichita City Manager Robert Layton is retiring at the end of the year, according to a city news release. Layton joined the city of Wichita in 2009. ... The Wichita City Council will lead a national search for a new city manager. Source: Wichita Eagle

The City of Linn is excited to announce that they are working to bring a large mural to the community. ... Alan Ohlde of Linn said during a recent city council meeting the idea was brought up to help celebrate Linn and its storied history. The project, which is still in its infancy, is in the idea and design phase. Source: KCLY Radio