News – Page 1527 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

City of Manhattan facing budget issues, looking at raising taxes or cutting services

info2021-01-29T07:50:32-06:00January 28th, 2021|

The city of Manhattan is facing a budget crisis and it could mean difficult decisions in the near future. This week, the Manhattan City Commission received an update from city departments. This includes an overview of 2020 and challenges going into this year and beyond. Assistant City Manager Jason Hilgers told KSNT News that the city relies too much on sales tax revenue. He said that revenue has been flat for more than a decade and saw a dip during the pandemic. This leaves the city with tough decisions to make about the future. "It gets complicated to maintain revenue streams, [...]

Replacement mask mandate passed in Washington County

info2021-01-29T07:51:32-06:00January 28th, 2021|

The Board of County Commissioners has approved a new county-wide mask mandate. This mandate replaces the statewide mandate that Washington County has been under since late November. The new, local mandate is less stringent than the state-wide mandate and requires people to wear masks both indoors and outdoors in public spaces when unable to maintain 6 feet of distancing. The provisions do not apply to people who live together, and residential property and private offices or workspaces that are not open to customers or public visitors are exempt. County attorney Elizabeth Baskerville Hiltgen told the commissioners this week that the authority [...]

Wyandotte County is confident it can vaccinate thousands over the next few weeks

info2021-01-29T07:51:47-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Wyandotte County is confident it can vaccinate thousands over the next few weeks. Of course, it all depends upon supply. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids said that a shortage of COVID-19 vaccine is holding up progress on fighting the virus. On Thursday, state Rep. Louis Ruiz received the first dose of the vaccine at the Wyandotte County vaccination center. "We don't care who you are or where you are in Wyandotte County, if you're a resident, I want your arm and I want to stick a needle into it," said Bob Bennett, director of vaccinations for Wyandotte County. Bennett said his goal [...]

Kansas expects over $1 billion in federal coronavirus relief funding

info2021-01-29T07:52:35-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Kansas anticipates getting at least $1.1 billion from the latest federal coronavirus relief and expects to spend about half of it on K-12 schools, higher education and grants for child care. State data shows about $168 million is earmarked for testing, tracing and mitigation. Another $26 million is planned for vaccine distribution. How the money is spent is dictated by federal law. The new funding, which follows $1.03 billion in federal aid received last year, arrives as the state is working to speed up vaccinations. Governor Laura Kelly received her second dose Wednesday and used the occasion to urge continued caution, [...]

Counties take lead as residents await vaccine

info2021-01-28T07:05:02-06:00January 28th, 2021|

As counties across Kansas are ramping up to carry out Phase 2 of the state’s COVID19 vaccination plan, Osage County is tracking things the old-fashioned way. With residents age 65 and older, as well as essential workers, now eligible for the vaccine, phones are ringing off the hook in the county of 17,000 residents south of Topeka. One of the county’s five staff members fielded over 100 calls in just one hour from residents seeking a vaccine appointment, and county health administrator Jackie Patterson said that has been a normal volume in recent days. Source: Garden City Telegram.

Municipal Bond Trends for January 27, 2021

info2021-01-28T07:02:53-06:00January 28th, 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.

Valley Center looking at quiet zones

info2021-01-28T07:01:56-06:00January 28th, 2021|

The Valley Center City Council on Jan. 19 took a step toward creating a railroad quiet zone across the city. The council directed the city's engineering firm to put together a proposal to thoroughly study the possibility. The study would include an evaluation of the measures that have to be taken to further protect train intersections to alleviate the use of train horns. Council members said they often hear complaints about train noise in town. Source: Ark Valley News

Sedgwick downtown no longer looks the same after transformation

info2021-01-28T06:58:38-06:00January 28th, 2021|

The last two years have seen quite a transformation of downtown Sedgwick. First the City purchased the empty medical building, and while it was still new, they remodeled to make it functional as a City Hall. Then they completely remodeled the old City Hall and turned it into a new, bright library. These early weeks of 2021 are significant in the continued downtown transformation. First, the Sodality Room and Truly You held a ribbon cutting last weekend, offering tours for residents to see the now beautiful insides of a building that not long ago had been condemned and near collapse. Mayor [...]

Merriam considers banning pedestrians from busy medians, but some worry it won’t address causes of panhandling

info2021-01-28T06:56:14-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Motorists traveling near Interstate 35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway may have seen individuals standing or sitting in medians, often asking for money or food. Now, Merriam city officials are considering prohibiting pedestrians from standing, sitting or otherwise being in nine major intersections across the city, citing concerns for driver and pedestrian safety. But some worry such a prohibition may put extra burdens on people already struggling on the margins of society without addressing the deeper roots of the problem. Source: Prairie Village Post

Residents can help plan for public art in Johnson County parks

info2021-01-28T06:55:52-06:00January 28th, 2021|

Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) has launched a new Public Art Program. The goal is to embed public art into park spaces, trails, and facilities to enhance and enrich the experience for visitors. JCPRD is undergoing a public art master plan to establish a road map for this program and seeks citizen involvement to make the plan reflective of the community. ”The COVID-19 pandemic brought patrons to JCPRD parks in record numbers, said Executive Director Jeff Stewart. “The community has a renewed appreciation for the role parks play in our overall health and well-being. We have always been about [...]