News – Page 1781 – Ranson Financial Group LLC

Legislative session delayed, two-thirds of lawmakers at risk of contracting virus

info2020-04-23T09:17:49-05:00April 23rd, 2020|

The Kansas Legislature’s leadership postponed resumption of the session Wednesday to protect two-thirds of lawmakers considered at risk of being infected with COVID-19, a decision likely to compel Gov. Laura Kelly to issue a new statewide emergency declaration and potentially jeopardize millions of dollars in federal aid. Lawmakers were scheduled to reconvene April 27, but concern about undermining health of House and Senate members led the bipartisan Legislative Coordinating Council to abandon that plan. The LCC voted unanimously to delay a decision on resumption of work at the Capitol to no later than May 6. The governor’s overarching emergency declaration for [...]

Wyandotte County facing huge budget shortfall as many businesses remain closed

info2020-04-23T09:05:39-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

The coronavirus shut downs are hitting people’s pockets hard. In Wyandotte County, the Unified Government is facing a $15-20 million budget shortfall due in part to all the business closures. From the empty streets, parking lots and stores, the Legends almost looks like a ghost town. (Read more: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 - WDAF)

Cities discuss summer programs

info2020-04-23T09:09:00-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

The Hiawatha City Commission held its second virtual meeting on Monday evening, and the group spoke with Parks and Recreation Director Stacy Jasper about the status of summer sports and programs, given the extension of the stay-at-home order to May 3 in Kansas. Jasper said she has been in contact with other local recreation departments, and does not intend to cancel summer activities like some others have done unless it becomes definitively necessary. (Read more: hiawathaworldonline.com)

Marion County weighs hiring administrator

info2020-04-23T09:08:03-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

County commissioners once again discussed hiring an administrator, with support from Goessel resident Mark Voth, Hillsboro city councilman Kevin Suderman, and county commission chairman Jonah Gehring. Voth said an administrator can spend hours doing detailed research on a subject and present the facts to the commission for a decision, which would allow shorter commission meetings and better decisions. “I see all this time and energy spent on just putting water on things,” Voth said. “I see an administrator as giving you time to vision for the county.” (Read more: HILLSBORO Star-Journal)

Municipal Bond Trends for April 21, 2020

info2020-04-23T09:18:30-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

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.

Overland Park farmers market to open Saturday — but customers won’t leave their cars

info2020-04-22T09:48:55-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

Overland Park is planning to open its farmers market this weekend. But worried about large crowds spreading the novel coronavirus, officials said shoppers will be restricted to their cars. The city was planning to open the market for the season earlier this month — with fewer vendors and a move to a nearby parking lot — but decided to postpone it after several residents complained that the event could lead to more cases of COVID-19. Now, officials announced the market will open in drive-thru format on Saturday in a different location. Like grocery stores, farmers markets are considered essential operations under [...]

COVID-19 shutdown slows some major Johnson County construction projects, but not all

info2020-04-22T09:49:05-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

Even with construction considered an “essential service” under COVID-19 stay-at-home orders, major development projects across Johnson County are facing setbacks or coming to a halt. With major public and private projects in the works — including new housing, entertainment complexes, sports amenities, a courthouse and community centers — leaders had expected 2020 to be another year of strong growth in the booming Kansas City suburbs. Now, from the Interstate 35 expansion to the long-awaited Mission Gateway development, crews are struggling to finish projects due to a shortage of supplies and strict social distancing requirements. Some developers have decided that operating during [...]

Demand for municipal bonds is reemerging, as new issues see ‘decent’ demand

info2020-04-22T09:50:14-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

Trading in the secondary market saw AAA benchmark yields rise by three to five basis points but the primary market showed signs of life with several larger new deals getting done at appropriate levels given current market conditions as the coronavirus continues to ravage state and local credit quality. The municipal market weakened a little but that did not prevent new issue deals from coming in and pricing, as demand for the asset class seems to be gaining steam. Meanwhile, more issuers are opting to go the private placement route. ... “I think buyers are finally starting to get comfortable at [...]

Hutchinson braces for financial impact of covid-19 crisis

info2020-04-22T09:51:15-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

The City of Hutchinson’s General Fund Balance is projected to decline by $1.3M for the remainder of 2020 largely due to a drop in sales tax revenue in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. City Manager John Deardoff, working closely with department heads, has developed a measured approach to addressing the inevitable financial impact. “We are fortunate to have a strong fund balance, which we have made a priority in recent years. While that exists for unexpected downturns like this, it would be irresponsible to rely solely on that reserve while so many others in our community are tightening their belts,” [...]

Wichita council votes to delay action on deputy position for Wichita mayor

info2020-04-22T09:52:02-05:00April 22nd, 2020|

Wichita mayor Brandon Whipple wants to create a position of “deputy to the mayor” or a chief of staff similar to support positions for mayors in comparable cities. He said the position would help with policy research, community outreach, working with city department heads and engaging in efforts to increase transparency and accountability. After a lengthy discussion during their meeting Tuesday, the city council voted unanimously to hold off on a decision until city manager Robert Layton completes a staffing study. That study should be complete by the end of June. Whipple said there was a previous position of executive assistant [...]