A proposed data center in Pottawatomie County drew a large crowd of residents during an open house hosted by Georgia-based Beltline Energy in Wamego on Wednesday, May 6. The company is exploring plans for a data center project in the county, an idea that has surfaced in multiple Pottawatomie County Planning Commission meetings in recent months. During the open house, representatives from Beltline Energy outlined potential economic benefits of the proposal, including increased tax revenue and high-paying construction and operations jobs. However, many residents attending the meeting voiced strong opposition to the project, citing concerns about water use, environmental impacts, noise [...]

The Hutchinson City Council approved temporary test amendments for data center and battery energy storage system (BESS) zoning. Additionally, they would begin the process of introducing permanent text amendments for data centers and BESS. The vote was unanimous. Under these rules, large-scale data centers and BESS would not be permitted in any residential areas. These amendments will be taken before the planning commission, and a public hearing will be held before they are brought back before the council for approval. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

The Haven City Council voted four to one in favor of holding a sales tax election on Aug. 4. Council Member Nicole Sander was the only dissenting vote. The ballot measure would be a 1% sales tax, without a sundown date. The council heard a presentation on the topic from financial advisor Joey McLiney. The city is hoping that a sales tax might help pay for electric infrastructure improvements. Read more: The Hutchinson Tribune

The Big Kansas Road Trip brought hundreds of curious visitors to Humboldt this weekend. Organized by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to educating Kansans about Kansas, the trip to Humboldt seemed to check all the boxes. “It was a wonderful day,” said Monica Frye, Explore Kansas Program Manager. “So many people found great things to explore in Humboldt. They realized it was a unique, bright and welcoming community.” Read more: The Iola Register

Douglas County commissioners on Wednesday faced public calls for a moratorium or ban on battery energy storage systems and data centers, following a work session where they heard research on fire risks and rural water limits. No local projects have been proposed, but county commissioners in July 2024 asked staff members to look into how those land uses should be addressed in county codes.  Planner Karl Bauer presented research Wednesday showing these uses are undefined in the county’s code outside of solar accessory rules, meaning that battery energy storage systems, or BESS, would already be allowed in the county alongside a [...]

The Phillipsburg Fire Department has been honored with the Gold Helmet Department distinction by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), marking a significant milestone in the department’s commitment to personnel safety and long-term health. The prestigious recognition is reserved for fire departments that enroll at least 50% of their active personnel in the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer. Read more: The Sunflower State Radio Network

Taxes for those visiting Topeka is about to get higher. On May 5, The Topeka City Council voted to increase the transient guest tax percentage that was going to decrease in the next couple years. Mayor Spencer Duncan said those on the Transient Guest Tax Committee have had some talks about raising the percentage to stay current. "This is an effort to just simply get in line with what the rest of the cities in our area and our size throughout Kansas are already doing," Duncan said. "It's an effort to stop the decrease of this, which is the current move [...]

Topeka settled two lawsuits for $1.025 million. On May 1, the city announced two settlement deals: one with Topeka police administrators Jana Kizzar and Colleen Stuart and the other with Capt. Jennifer Cross. "The settlement agreement and related payment is not an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the City," a city press release stated. "The City is committed to treating all employees fairly and respectfully in accordance with its Personnel Manual and applicable laws." The money used for these settlements will come from the special liability fund, which is separate from the city's general fund. Read more: Topeka Capital-Journal

The Hutchinson Board of Education again decided to put off a resolution for another school bond at its meeting on Wednesday. Members started discussions after reviewing community survey results and looking at what an updated school bond could look like. Based on the 1,200 survey responses, the community thought the former $110 million school bond was too expensive and had too many projects. Others were in favor of a different approach that would focus on updating and maintaining existing schools. Read more: KSN-TV

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.