Kansas Municipal News
City Administrator – Hillsboro, KS (Due April 5, 2026)
The City of Hillsboro, Kansas, is seeking an experienced, ethical, and community-focused professional to serve as its next City Administrator. Hillsboro is committed to sound financial management, strategic growth, and maintaining a high quality of life for residents and businesses. The City Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer of the City and is responsible for the daily operations of municipal government, implementation of policies established by the governing body, and leadership of City staff.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following education and experience:
- 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in local government management.
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field preferred
- Master’s degree in public administration or related field preferred
- Relevant and progressively responsible local government experience may substitute for formal education requirements
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong expertise in public finance, municipal budgeting, utility management, zoning administration, and airport management.
- Experience in human resources management, including personnel administration and organizational leadership
- Background in economic development initiatives
- Familiarity with or experience in downtown revitalization efforts
- Ability to provide strategic and operational leadership
- A collaborative, team-oriented management style
- High ethical standards and professional integrity
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with elected officials, staff, businesses, and community members
- An approachable and accessible leadership presence
The salary range for this position is $90,000-$120,000, depending on qualifications, with a competitive benefits package. Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references in one PDF file to LEAPS-HILLSBORO@lkm.org. Applications deadline is April 5, 2026.
Municipal Bond Trends for March 6, 2026
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.
Wichita PD asks council for $650,000 for two robotic dogs
The robotic dogs are different than the robots the department already uses. “These robotic systems provide capabilities that address current operational gaps, including the ability to open and close doors, navigate stairs, and move over uneven terrain and obstacles commonly encountered in real-world environments,” Wichita Police capt. Aaron Moses said in an email. “These capabilities allow officers to manage high-risk incidents more safely and reduce risk to both the public and responding personnel.”
Read more: Wichita Eagle
Tornado sirens sent false alarms to parts of Wichita early Friday
Sedgwick County’s siren system is undergoing a six-year improvement, and currently, two different system communicate with the sirens. The devices are split into zones so sirens can target various parts of the county. In this week’s case, the wrong zone was activated. “Because the city of Mulvane falls in both counties and the programming challenges we have with two systems, it did activate our zone in the southeastern part of the county,” … When a tornado warning is issued, it’s for a specific area. In weather broadcasts, the area under a warning will appear as a polygon. That polygon is issued by the National Weather Service and, when under a warning, every siren in that polygon is activated. In response to Friday’s issue, the county has readjusted its zones.
Read more: Wichita Eagle
Municipal Bond Trends for March 5, 2026
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.
Kansas lawmakers are advancing property tax relief. Here are the major proposals
The leading proposals this year are similar to the bills and resolutions that failed just a year ago. But lawmakers are more optimistic that relief will come this time around. Here are the two leading proposals: Constitutional amendment to cap valuation increases, and Spending caps on local governments.
Read more: Johnson County Post
Municipal Bond Trends for March 4, 2026
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.
Interim city administrator hired at Hillsboro
Hillsboro City Council approved an agreement Thursday with Michael Webb to serve as interim city administrator after Matt Stiles steps down until the city recruits a permanent replacement.
Read more: Marion County RECORD
Marion County approves rental rules
The updated definition states that owner-occupied means the owner lives on the property at least 180 days during the calendar year. New language states that a rental unit must be located within the primary residential dwelling on the property and may not be located in an accessory building unless the main dwelling is owner-occupied.
Read more: Marion County RECORD
Landlord Incentive Program expanding housing access to those in need in Johnson County
Since launching in 2023 as a grant‑funded initiative, the program has brought more than 80 new landlords into local housing programs and helped remove barriers that often prevent property owners from participating in federal rental assistance. The incentive program offers landlords a sign-on bonus and access to a damage reimbursement fund.
Read more: Johnson County Kansas
Municipal Bond Trends for March 3, 2026
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.
Top Fed Official, Wary of Inflation, Calls for Extended Rate Pause
Beth M. Hammack, head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, says it is too early to gauge the economic impact of the Iran war and backs holding interest rates steady for “quite some time.”
Read more: NYT > Business
Newton USD 373 Voters Approve $50M Bond Issue Tuesday
Voters in Newton USD 373 gave overwhelming approval to a $50M bond issue Tuesday. Unofficial results from the Harvey County Clerk’s Office indicated 2.316 votes were cast in favor to 2,116 votes against. Most of this bond will go towards projects at Newton High School including upgrades to science labs and culinary arts kitchens original to when the school was built in the 1970’s along with other remodeling and pool upgrades. Other projects include updates at Chisholm Middle School, addition of a classroom that will double as a storm shelter at Cooper Early Education Center, and HVAC, roof and elementary playground projects across the district. Harvey County Commissioners will conduct their vote canvass on March 10, including provisional ballots. 18 advance by mail ballots will be counted Wednesday.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio
McPherson USD 418 Bond Questions Pass in Special Election
The fourth time proved to be the charm for McPherson USD 418, as voters Tuesday approved both bond questions submitted to them in a special election. Unofficial results from the McPherson County Clerk’s Office indicated Question 1, a $62.6 million project which includes a new academic wing at McPherson High School and demolition of the hex area, passed with 2,290 votes in favor and 1,313 against. Question 2, a $27 million dollar proposal which includes converting Eisenhower Elementary School into a middle school, was approved by a 2,172-1,435 vote. After the last votes were counted, USD 418 Superintendent Shiloh Vincent told Ad Astra News he was pleased with the outcome. “Thank you to all of our voters and everyone who contributed to this process. Just an absolutely monumental moment for all of the kids and families here in McPherson,” he said, adding there are some very “bright and exciting” things ahead.
Read more: Ad Astra Radio
Mulvane looks to expand tourism appeal
Mulvane is filled with unique spots that draw both locals and out-of-town visitors. From the highway, passersby might notice the bright lights of the Kansas Star Casino, but that is not where the road ends. Mulvane Chamber of Commerce Director Brittany Kruger recently traveled to Topeka to attend Destination Statehouse, an event hosted by the Travel Industry Association of Kansas, also known as TIAC. She represented south central Kansas and joined tourism leaders from across the state for legislative updates and strategy discussions focused on growing Kansas tourism. “It’s really about making sure our legislators know we’re here and that tourism matters,” Kruger said. “TIAC is the lobbying group for Kansas tourism, so they do a lot of work to promote tourism in Kansas, and that has a big impact on us.”
Read more: www.derbyinformer.com
Golf carts will be allowed on some city streets
An ordinance allowing licensed drivers over 18 years old to operate golf carts on some city streets during daylight hours was approved Monday by the Great Bend City Council. The ordinance was approved with seven councilmembers voting in favor and councilmember Davis Jimenez voting against it. Some details were decided Monday before the ordinance came to a vote. The council considered allowing the carts to operate from sunrise to 10 p.m., but opted for sunrise to sunset. The council also chose to up the minimum age to 18, after initially considering 16. Councilman Gary Parr also suggested a higher registration fee, with a portion going to youth programs, and the council settled on a $50 registration, payable at a one-time inspection and reviewed annually. (Fees go to the general fund.) Police Chief Steve Haulmark said he is not opposed to the ordinance. He does not believe it will create an extra burden on staff and when people come for their registration sticker they will be given a copy of the ordinance.
Read more: Great Bend Tribune
Edgerton special sales tax measure scrapes to narrow victory in Tuesday’s election
Edgerton voters narrowly approved a 1% special use sales tax for stormwater and street improvements, according to unofficial final results from the Johnson County Election Office on Tuesday. Voters approved the measure by a nine-vote margin, with 52.4%, or 98 voters, for the measure, compared to 47.6%, or 89 voters against. Final official results will be certified on March 10 by the Board of County Canvassers. The 1% tax bumps up the city’s sales tax to 9.975%. That money will help fund stormwater and street infrastructure improvements, as well as all things necessary for the construction and financing of such projects, including bonds and other financial obligations.
Read more: Johnson County Post
In JoCo, a $400,000 home is now ‘affordable.’ Rep. Davids touts Habitat housing projects as part of solution
A cul-de-sac of modestly priced homes in Olathe was the backdrop recently for a visit by U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, who spoke with local experts about how to get more affordably priced homes built. Davids, a Johnson County Democrat, met privately with home builders, county and city officials last Friday, Feb. 27, as well as the president of Habitat for Humanity KC, the non-profit that built the cul-de-sac known as Olathe Pathway at Heritage Park. The Congresswoman later took a short tour of two homes in the subdivision near 159th and Black Bob Road that are substantially completed. Davids and the roundtable participants drilled down on various challenges, including a supply chain inflexible to newer and less expensive building materials, an aging workforce of contractors, efforts to train and encourage young people in the building trades and financing strategies.
Read more: Johnson County Post
‘Good Morning America’ to visit Kansas Speedway to celebrate USA’s 250th birthday
“Good Morning America” will be at the Kansas Speedway in KCK on its Thursday broadcast as part of a yearlong series celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. Filming is closed to the public, but viewers in Kansas City can watch from 7-9 a.m. Central. TOP VIDEOS The video player is currently playing an ad. You can skip the ad in 5 sec with a mouse or keyboard The “50 States in 50 Weeks: America the Beautiful” series sends a “GMA” anchor or correspondent to a different state each week following the order in which they became a state. Kansas was the 34th state to join the Union on January 29, 1861.
Read more: KCStar
Dickinson County Launches America 250 Community Grant Program for 2026 Celebrations
Dickinson County communities will soon be able to apply for funding through the America 250 Community Grant Program, supporting local celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Funded by Dickinson County and administered by the Community Foundation of Dickinson County, the program will distribute $30,000 to cities, nonprofits, schools, and community groups for events and legacy projects held within the county. Grants range from $500 to $3,500 and support efforts such as parades, concerts, murals, oral history projects, public art, and beautification initiatives. A local match is encouraged, and larger awards may require a stronger commitment.
Read more: KCLY Radio



