Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

Topeka water customers asked to start flushing lines to end boil water advisory quicker

Topeka’s city government late Tuesday encouraged city water service customers to start “flushing” water through their supply systems to help ensure that fresh water reaches every customer and the boil water advisory ends more quickly. Flushing a system varies based on the size of a building, the city said on its Facebook page. “Generally, customers should turn on all indoor faucets in their home or business for 10-15 minutes to flush approximately 40 gallons of water through their system,” it said. “Due to outdoor weather conditions, consider using only indoor faucets like sinks, tubs, toilets and other washing appliances.” For homes or businesses with larger water heaters, flush for an additional 10-15 minutes, the city said.
Source: CJonline

Municipal Bond Trends for January 12, 2024

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. 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.

Study looks at ambulance response times in Shawnee County

Ambulance response times appear to be getting worse in Topeka. That’s according to a Wichita State University study, but American Medical Response is pushing back on those claims. The percentage of “late calls” by AMR, Shawnee County’s ambulance service, nearly doubled between 2020 and 2022 in “Zone 1,” which covers most of Topeka, Topeka City Council members were told Tuesday by Tom Jenkins, project associate and technical expert for the Public Policy & Management Center at Wichita State. Jon Antrim, AMR’s regional director, took issue with that…
Source: CJonline

Speaker at Salina forum shares strategies to end homelessness

People passionate about homelessness in Salina braved the bitter cold to listen and packed into a standing-room-only setting to hear about and discuss solutions Thursday night. The City of Salina invited Julia Orlando, a consultant from New Jersey who also is the director of the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center, to speak about strategies it used to bring homelessness to “functional zero” in that county.
Source: Salina Journal

Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $5M for Digital Skills Training

Governor Laura Kelly today announced a $4.75 million initiative to improve the digital skills of Kansans not yet able to maximize the power of the internet. The Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) program strengthens access to necessary digital tools and opportunities…. DOCK promotes access to digital resources by providing awards for digital skills development programs. The maximum individual award is $250,000, with required matching funds at 5 percent…. The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) encourages local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and others to partner in making the DOCK program a success.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Shawnee Mission superintendent to step down. District will start search for new leader

Shawnee Mission Superintendent Michelle Hubbard, who was recently named 2024 Kansas Superintendent of the Year, will retire after this school year. The school board accepted Hubbard’s resignation during a special meeting Thursday evening. Hubbard, who was named superintendent in 2021, will serve the remainder of her contract through June.
Source: Joco 913 News

Great Bend Fire Department answered over 2,583 fire and EMS calls in 2023

With the ringing of a new year, the Great Bend Fire Department thought residents might be curious about the number of calls it handled in 2023, Fire Chief Brent Smith said. The information was presented to the City Council. “We thought you may wonder just how many calls we respond to in one year,” Smith said. This is the number of calls from Jan. 1 through Dec. 18. In all, the Great Bend Fire Department made 2,583 fire and Emergency Medical Services runs in that time span…
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Shawnee moves forward with new rules for Airbnbs

The Shawnee City Council Committee is getting closer to setting new rules and restrictions for short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO. On Monday evening, the committee reached a consensus for amendments to Shawnee Municipal Code Chapter 5 to regulate short-term rentals through the city’s business licensing department. Short-term rental property owners would also face penalties if they violate existing ordinances, like noise violations or health and safety codes.
Source: Johnson County Post

Overland Park mulls changing development rules

As Overland Park continues to build its new comprehensive plan, the city is also mulling some possible updates to regulations for future development and redevelopment projects. That collection of ordinances called a Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO, lays out the rules for development in a community, including land use and architectural standards. The plan is to work with a consultant to review the UDO, the cost of which Overland Park Senior Planner Danielle Hollrah said is already budgeted into city’s 2024-28 capital improvement project list.
Source: Johnson County Post

County commission approves cost of living increase for county employees

The Chase County Commission approved a 3.5% cost of living adjustment across the board for county employees at its meeting Monday morning. Commissioner Matt Miller said he was in favor of making the 3.5% increase standard for all county employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, to help with cost of living increases. “The departments have done a good job of getting some internal pay scales and structures put in place. We have made a lot of progress there with department heads meeting and updating our leave policies. Those are definitely big steps forward,” Miller said. “I encourage us as we go into budget season this year to take the pay into consideration a bit more.” The motion to approve a 3.5% increase passed unanimously.
Source: Emporia Gazette

“Need rural water!”

After fighting for clean, oil-free water since September, mother of three and wife, Jenna Krob, says she’s tired of being redirected. “I feel like I’m getting tossed around just like I did when I didn’t have water at first,” said Krob. “Now I’m being tossed around again just trying to find a permanent solution.” The problem began as a foul smell filling their newly purchased home located at SW Thunder Rd and SW 150th St in rural Augusta. Soon after, their plumbing pipes, toilet tank, shower and sinks were coated in a black oily substance. The family suspected crude oil to be in their private water well but were still disappointed when the test came back positive. The family has gone without water in their home since Oct. 1, despite extensive efforts of testing, advocacy, and multiple attempts of finding a grant to cover the cost of a permanent solution. After testing the water, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, (KDHE), concluded that the oil was in fact crude oil from previous activities being 10 years or more older, without identifying the source of the oil. After hearing about the Krob family and other community member’s ongoing issue, Rural Water District #5 was willing to help find a permanent solution to the problem. That solution would be connecting the community to rural water. While the crew and community knew it would be a big undertaking, they were still hopeful of finding a way to bring clean water to their families. The biggest hurdle would be to find financing.
Source: Andover American

‘Wage war’: Sedgwick County hikes pay for sheriff’s officers after Wichita police raises

Sedgwick County boosted pay for sheriff’s office employees Wednesday in an escalating law enforcement wage war with the city of Wichita. The county will transfer approximately $4.5 million from reserves to cover 8.7% increases for all sheriff’s employees, including Sheriff Jeff Easter, who presented the funding request to commissioners Wednesday. That’s on top of the 2% increase that went into effect at the beginning of the year. The new raise comes a month after the Wichita City Council voted to give police employees 13.27% raises and one-time $5,000 bonuses. “If people don’t believe that we’re going to lose people to Wichita, they’ve got their head in the sand, because they’ll go where the money is,” Commissioner David Dennis said before the unanimous commission vote. With the Wichita Police Department increases, starting officer pay is now $29.75, compared to $23.97 at the beginning of 2024 for new sheriff’s deputies. The pay bumps approved Wednesday get the county’s starting pay to $26.02. “It is threatening to see this wage war continue,” Commissioner Jim Howell said. “I don’t know how it’s going to stop. I have a concern that it’s just going to continue ping-ponging back and forth because as soon as we do this, they’ll use our increase as a rationale for another increase across the street.” The Wichita police union is entering another round of negotiations with the city in 2024.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

County leadership program serves to develop leaders

K-State Research and Extension Agent Tristen Cope has learned to look at leadership differently, especially after taking a class on the topic through Kansas Leadership Center and helping run the Marion County Leadership Program. “I was in a lot of leadership positions in high school and throughout college, but I was never taught or shown leadership as a verb. I was always taught that leadership was a noun,” said Cope. “It’s an act of how you’re a leader as opposed to a noun— acting as a leader— it’s what you do to gain those leadership skills or to help engage and empower others into leadership positions. It’s a different mindset when you’re looking at it as a verb. As a leader, what are you doing to empower others?” Marion County Leadership is a seven-week program that seeks to identify, motivate and continually develop new and emerging leaders from business, non-profit and private sectors to affect change in the quality of civic, cultural and economic life in Marion County. Thanks to funding from the Marion County Leadership Endowment held by Central Kansas Community Foundation (CKCF), Marion County residents have an opportunity to participate in the county leadership program that is designed to teach leadership skills while learning about the county’s needs. The course is facilitated by the KLC and includes tours of the county as well as discussions about how to apply learnings to opportunities and challenges in Marion County. The program, made available by Marion County, CKCF and KLC, originally started in 1992.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

Hesston gives OK to expanding police force

The Hesston Police Department will hire an additional police officer. The Hesston City Council approved the action after some discussion of shifting budgets Monday night. Police Chief Chris Eilert made the case to the council for the hiring. An officer informed him that he plans to pursue another job in 18 to 24 months. Eilert said the city, in the past, had trouble finding quality applicants for open positions, and he had a strong applicant, a Hesston resident currently working at another interested department. “He will be getting out if he can’t find something,” he said. “He fits perfectly what I’m looking for in this position. I know it’s a big undertaking.” The undertaking would represent around $90,000 of unbudgeted expense for the city to add the position until the other officer leaves. Eilert said he planned to defer the purchase of vehicles to help offset the cost. He also noted savings in part-time and overtime for the department with the hire of around $10,000. Other savings would come from one officer planning on being gone for more than a month due to a deployment with the National Guard. These savings still leave the city slightly short of the cost. “I’ll look, and if I can’t find it, I’ll give my 5.5 percent back,” Eilert said of his past raise. “That’s how much I want to get this guy.” Council Member Susan Swartzendruber asked Eilert what the new officer would bring skill-wise to the city. Eilert said he didn’t want to divulge too much to give away the applicant’s identity but he had skills and training the department currently didn’t possess.
Source: Harvey County Now

‘Nothing in the middle’: Senior housing options limited

After getting divorced in her mid 60s, Darlene Palsmeier was forced to look for a new home. She didn’t like what she found, a least in terms of cost. With an annual income of $38,640, Palsmeier doesn’t consider herself well off. But when she began applying for apartments in government-subsidized senior living communities around the area, she discovered she was above the income limit for residents by almost $3,000. Needing a place “pretty quick,” she rented an apartment on Rock Road in east Wichita for $1,400 a month. That equals 43 percent of her monthly income, well above the 30 percent recommended by the government and most experts. “I didn’t have any idea this was going to happen at 66,” Palsmeier said. “Now I’m going to be 68 in a couple of weeks.” Palsmeier’s income comes from Social Security and a pension from her former job at Cessna Aircraft. She said she knows “there are a lot of people who make a lot less than I make” but feels like there’s “nothing in the middle” range for people like herself. Her experience is not unusual for older residents seeking a new home, the large majority of whom are women. “We do get calls like that,” said Melissa Espinoza, resource center supervisor with Central Plains Area Agency on Aging. “We also get calls that they can’t afford any rents in the area any longer, or that the rent has increased from the previous year.”
Source: KLC Journal

Pottawatomie County offices briefly evacuated due to mystery odor

An odor issue caused a brief closure Wednesday of the Pottawomie County Office Building in Westmoreland. The facility was evacuated and closed for about an hour and a half as Kansas Gas Service performed a check of lines in the building. They were able to rule out any gas leak. Employees and customers were allowed back into the building at 2 p.m. The office building has been deemed safe for employees and customers. County officials say more work will be done to narrow down the mysterious odor. The building houses offices for the Pottawatomie County Treasurer, Clerk, Appraiser, Register of Deeds, Planning and Zoning, GIS and Administration.
Source: 1350 KMAN

State sales tax on food drops to 2 percent

Kansans are now paying less tax at the grocery store as the state tax rate on food dropped from four to two percent on Monday. During the 2022 Legislative session, lawmakers passed the “Axe The Food Tax” bill, which phases out the state tax on food at the grocery store. At the start of 2023, the state tax rate on food decreased from 6.5 to four percent. Now in 2024, the rate is dropped to two percent. The tax will be eliminated on Jan. 1, 2025. “Axing the food tax down to two percent keeps more money in Kansans’ pockets. High prices shouldn’t force anyone to choose between paying their bills or feeding their family,” Gov. Laura Kelly said. “In 2024, we’re giving Kansans some additional tax relief at the grocery store.” According to Gov. Kelly, Kansans saved more than $187 million when the food tax was cut in 2023. In 2024, Kansans are expected to save about $12.5 million per month, which is $150 million in savings throughout the year. The “Axe The Food Tax” bill reduces the tax on food and food ingredients, as well as certain prepared food. Most grocery store food items are included in the tax reduction, as well as bottled water, candy, dietary supplements, soft drinks, bakery items and food sold through vending machines. The bill excludes alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Food sales will still be subject to sales taxes imposed by counties and cities, it was reported.
Source: Holton Recorder

Cherokee County Sheriff Reports Significant Decrease in Crimes for 2023

The Cherokee County Sheriff is reflecting on the last year and what he calls some “good news.” Last year’s numbers show a 61-percent decrease in aggravated assaults and batteries from 2022 in Cherokee County, as well as a decrease in thefts when compared to the five-year average. “The trend has been over the last ten years for violent crimes to be going up. And so for us to see that significant of a decrease with regards to aggravated assault matters was certainly something we welcome,” said David Groves, Cherokee County Sheriff. Sheriff’s deputies were also able to log a 5-percent “solvability rate” higher than the national average for thefts. In addition, they also logged a 16-percent solvability rate higher than the national average for burglaries. “When they go out to a call and somebody has been victimized, the data shows that they’re taking it as far as they can take it. And they’re really working hard to try to solve those crimes for the victims here in our county and hopefully not only bring justice to their case, but in the case of property crimes, get that property back to the rightful owners,” said Groves. Groves also points to the relationship deputies have with the community, and he’s looking forward to building on that relationship in 2024 with their new Community Outreach Deputy. “Engaging members of the community, whether through civic groups or other organizations, and provide education on what is fentanyl. How is it getting here? Why is it a danger? And what do we collectively, not just law enforcement, or citizens, but as a team, what do we as a community do to help slow that pandemic issue here in our community,” said Groves. He’s also excited for the addition of the Tru-Narc device.
Source: KSNF/KODE

USD 250 continues search for new super

Since USD 250 Superintendent Rich Proffitt announced his retirement, effective at the end of the school year, the Board of Education has begun the process of hiring his successor. To that end, the board has hired Omaha-based McPherson-Johnson Consultants’ Randy Gilson and his colleagues to meet with USD 250 staff, students, and parents to get a feel for the right person to take over the school district. Gilson met with certified staff at Pittsburg High School on Wednesday night to discuss what they are looking for in a new superintendent. About a dozen 250 teachers gathered Wednesday evening to share what qualities and skills they are looking for in a new leader. Among the top desired traits the teachers shared is a leader who is passionate about education and will build a cohesive and supportive staff that sets a positive tone. They are looking for someone with good communication skills with both the USD 250 family and the general public and will be an advocate on their behalf with the state legislature and board of education. The ideal candidate understands the value of building lasting relationships is someone who is personable and takes the time to learn the names of students and staff members. The candidate needs to be open to personal development and constructive criticism as a leader without being vindictive. He or she needs to understand that the teachers are the subject-matter experts who don’t need to be micro-managed, and the students are more than just test scores and that many of them are at or below poverty level.
Source: Morning Sun

Osawatomie launches Comprehensive Plan 2040

The city of Osawatomie has kicked off its Comprehensive Plan 2040 initiative, and residents are encouraged to share their insights and get involved in the process of planning for the community’s future. Comprehensive Plan 2040 will be a visionary road map that will guide the future development and growth of Osawatomie, according to a city news release. The key components of the plan will be community engagement, manageable development and preserving heritage, according to the release. The city is inviting all residents, businesses and stakeholders to actively participate in the planning process. The first phase of engagement is a public survey that is available now. Community members can participate by going online to osawatomieks.org/2040survey. The survey covers a variety of topics, including housing, transportation, economic development, recreation and more. The city release states that, “Comprehensive Plan 2040 will focus on practices that promote stewardship of community assets, economic resilience, and building a community that will last another 150 years. By embracing responsible and strategic growth, we aim to create a city that thrives while respecting our natural resources and supporting a high quality of life for all residents.”
Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Municipal Bond Trends for January 11, 2024

Lawrence has nearly $2B in retail sales in 2023, but city’s growth since pandemic has been slower than average

Even if we are browsing through the clearance items at the Goodwill store, all of us Lawrence shoppers can feel like we are almost part of an exclusive club — the $2 billion club. Lawrence fell just short of posting $2 billion in total retail sales in 2023, which would have made it just one of six communities in the state to do so. Now that the Kansas Department of Revenue has released its final sales tax figures for the year, we can look at what cities in the state are the biggest when it comes to serving and attracting shoppers.
Source: LJWorld

Attracting new affordable housing developers will be key to hitting the goal of adding 1,700 new units throughout Douglas County in the next 5 years

Five years from now, there may be well over a thousand new affordable housing units constructed throughout Douglas County. That idea is no secret in Lawrence. Lawrence City Commission candidates regularly highlighted the hundreds of affordable units currently in the development pipeline along the campaign trail in late 2023, and such projects have been an emphasis for local leaders when allocating American Rescue Plan Act funds and Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars for the past several years.
Source: LJWorld

Louisville, Kan. Fire Chief helps rescue resident from housefire

Just before 4:30 am, on Tuesday, January 9th, Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Dispatch was contacted by a Wamego resident who reported he neighbor’s home appeared to be on fire and the residents were home. Louisville Fire Department Chief, Travis Ten Eyck, who lives nearby, responded directly to the residence from his home and found smoke and fire coming from the residence when he arrived on scene. Shortly after arriving Chief Ten Eyck learned there were two occupants at the residence, one had made his way safely outside, however, a 66-year-old male was unable to leave his bedroom. Chief Ten Eyck made the decision to enter the residence, without any protective gear, to attempt to locate the resident and assist them with exiting the house.
Source: Little Apple Post

City of Wichita relaunching home repair program

The City of Wichita has revamped its Home Repair program and will open applications and the wait list on February 1.The Home Repair program assists low- and moderate-income homeowners with critical home repairs to achieve two main goals: Stabilize homeowners within their primary unit of residence, assisting with the goal of sustaining affordable homeownership, and Assist with critical repairs for existing affordable housing units to maintain and sustain these units as affordable housing stock within the City. Under the program, qualified Wichita homeowners can receive up to $5,000 in forgivable assistance with critical home repairs, such as water service and sewer line updates, furnace and water heater replacements or other key upgrades.
Source: KWCH

Municipal Bond Trends for January 10, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for January 9, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for January 8, 2024

Kansas braces for ‘arctic air mass’ that could bring wind chills of minus 20 degrees soon

It’s shaping up to be a chilly week in Wichita and across much of Kansas. The National Weather Service says Thursday evening will take a turn, with a low of 12 degrees and a 40% chance of snow. Friday is expecting a high of 21 with that same chance of snow before noon, while Saturday expected to hit a high of 18 and a low of a chilling 2 degrees. In a tweet Sunday, the NWS credited those chilling temperature forecasts to an “arctic airmass” making its way through the area Thursday through Sunday. Wind chills in Wichita are expected to reach minus 7 degrees Friday morning and minus 13 Saturday, according to a tweet from the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, Hutchinson’s wind chills are supposed to get as low as minus 17 over the weekend, while Russell has the projected coldest wind chills at minus 26 degrees Saturday morning. But what is an arctic air mass and how should you prepare to stay warm if temperatures hit the single-digits? Here’s what to know. “When you say Arctic air mass, it’s an air mass that originates in the Arctic, and stream of air comes down from the pole area … it’s just bitterly cold temperatures,” Bryan Bearg, a forecaster for the NWS’s Wichita office, told The Eagle Monday. According to Encyclopedia Brittanica, arctic air masses originate in the northern and southern hemispheres and can cause biting winds and truly chilling temperatures. Bearg said wind chills are supposed to get as low as minus 20 both Saturday and Sunday morning in Wichita. The last time the city saw these kinds of wind chills was due to an arctic air mass was just after Christmas 2022, the forecaster noted.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Governor Kelly Announces More than $4.6M for Six Fast-charging EV Locations

Governor Laura Kelly announced that more than $4.6 million in federal funds will be directed to the first six locations selected for the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. With existing fast-charging stations spread across the I-70 and I-135 corridors, these selected locations will fill gaps in EV charging stations along the state’s major highways and interstate system.
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas

Governor Kelly Unveils New Designation for Kansas Cities Improving High-Speed Internet

Governor Laura Kelly announced the launch of Kansas Broadband Ready Communities, a new certification from the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) for communities working to improve access to high-speed internet. “Participation in the Kansas Broadband Ready Communities program spurs internet access improvements and builds resilient, future-ready communities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “A Broadband Ready Community designation signifies that a local government has taken steps toward economic growth, educational opportunities, and improved quality of life for its residents.” With the Kansas Broadband Ready Communities designation, Kansas communities will be prepared to make their bids for service more competitive and be ready for future grant opportunities. By adopting specific local ordinances ahead of time, communities can ensure more successful and sustainable broadband deployment projects.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce

Johnson County mega-development defaults on bonds from controversial KS incentive program

The sprawling Prairiefire development in southern Overland Park has defaulted on its Kansas STAR bond debt, the latest in the project’s years-long struggle to generate enough sales to meet its obligations under the controversial state tax incentive program. Bondholders were sent a notice of default last month after Prairiefire could not pay off $15 million in debt by its maturity date, which is the first slice of $65 million in Kansas Sales Tax and Revenue, or STAR, bonds issued in 2012. The 60-acre development — a combination of restaurants, shopping and a museum at 135th Street between Lamar and Nall avenues — has had a hard time for years meeting lofty sales projections set when Overland Park and Kansas approved the state incentives.
Source: Joco 913 News

Fed officials in December saw rate cuts likely, but path highly uncertain, minutes show

Federal Reserve officials in December concluded that interest rate cuts are likely in 2024, though they appeared to provide little in the way of when that might occur, according to minutes from the meeting released Wednesday. At the meeting, the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee agreed to hold its benchmark rate steady in a range between 5.25% and 5.5%. Members indicated that they expect three quarter-percentage point cuts by the end of 2024. However, the meeting summary noted a high level of uncertainty over how, or if, that will happen.
Source: CNBC

‘It’s a problem here in Topeka’: Experts say human trafficking not confined to big cities

Few in Topeka and Shawnee County recognize a societal problem operating in the shadows. Unless, that is, you know what to look for. Local experts hope to use Human Trafficking Awareness Month, observed across the country in January, to shed light on a problem most people don’t realize exists in the Topeka area.
Source: CJonline

Dighton grocery store burns down

A grocery store in Dighton burned down Saturday night. According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, they received a call at 9:27 p.m. for the report of a fire at K&J Foods. Upon arrival, crews were met with a large amount of smoke. It took crews a couple of hours to get it extinguished. No injuries were reported. The building is considered a total loss. According to the LCSO, the owner was out of town. The City of Dighton said while crews were battling the fire, the northeast side of town was filled with dangerous smoke. To help residents avoid breathing in the smoke, the Catholic Hall and the 4-H building were opened for shelter. Fire Chief Collins advised residents to turn off any heating and cooling units that draw outside air in. An investigation into the fire is ongoing.
Source: KSN-TV

Fire department wins ‘Battle of the Badges’

The Wichita Fire Department came out on top again. It’s the fifth consecutive win for the fire department in the annual “Battle of the Badges.” The annual friendly competition is held annually over the holidays to encourage blood donations to the American Red Cross at a time when donations are typically low. “We didn’t think that we were gonna win this year we thought that the Red Cross would give law the win so that they’d keep coming back and playing with us but we won,” says Wichita Fire Captain Chriss Flemming. “We know as first responders that the need for blood products is never…never goes away. And so we know that there’s a great need for that and so we want to encourage everybody in the community to continue throughout the year to come out and donate the gift of life.” Each December, people are encouraged to donate blood, and as they do so, vote for either the Wichita Fire Department, Police Department, or Sedgwick County EMS. The contest runs through Dec. 31, with participants receiving a free T-shirt. This past year marked the 29th year of the annual drive.
Source: KSN-TV

Pretty in Pink: Liberal business forced to stop painting building pink, mayor pushes for change

A Hispanic-owned business in Liberal is at the center of a controversy over the color they chose for their new building. Erika Marino purchased a building on 210 S. Kansas Ave. in 2023 to expand her business, Chikas Fresas, located in the Kansas Avenue Overlay District. The owners got approval for interior renovations. They say the city inspector told them they didn’t need any permits for the exterior. “When they started the process of the painting, midway, they gave her a correction notice to stop immediately with the color, with any of the renovations for the outside of the building,” said Citlaly Reyes, the daughter of Erika Marino. Liberal’s zoning code requires any building color changes in the Kansas Avenue Overlay District to be approved by the zoning and planning commission. “The stated purpose initially was to maintain the character of Kansas Avenue and to emphasize a consistent design and appearance,” explains Keeley Moree, the Director of Public Affairs for the City of Liberal. KSN News asked the mayor why another building on the street was already painted pink. “The other pink building had a much smaller face that they had to paint,” said Jose Lara, the Mayor of Liberal. “They did that on the weekend when inspectors aren’t working to stop them.” Now it’s up to the planning and zoning commission to decide the future of the building. “If that is approved they are cleared to move forward and continue with their full renovations and paintings, if it’s not approved at that meeting we will be taking it to our city commission,” said Moree. The third option is for both parties to decide on a “mutually agreeable color scheme.” Mayor Lara says at the moment, the city doesn’t follow a specific color scheme, which is why he’s pushing to repeal the almost 20-year-old ordinance. “I don’t like that one person can be on there, and they like lime green, and another person be on there, and they like dark purple, and there might not be any cohesion,” noted Lara. The business was allowed to finish painting the front while they went through the process. In the meantime, Reyes says they are appreciative of the support they’ve received.
Source: KSN-TV

Parsons Land Bank sees success

A house that was in the city’s land bank is being renovated, city commissioners heard this week. Jim Zaleski, city economic development director, told city commissioners the house at 1621 Chess has been a test case for the land bank. The house was acquired by the land bank and the board took proposals early this year from those interested in rehabbing the house. Zaleski said drywall is being installed inside and a new heat pump has been added outside. The land bank offers property owners the chance to donate lots, with or without buildings on them, so the land or buildings can be repurposed with the hope of improving the look of the city. This could include razing the homes or structures or having structures renovated if they can be fixed up. The land bank exists to get houses with delinquent property taxes back on the rolls as soon as possible, Zaleski said. The land bank board voted in January to award 1621 Chess to B.C. Construction/Bryan Stringer. Interest in the land bank continues as seven more properties have been cleared to bring to the land bank board to consider, he said. Zaleski also addressed recent concerns about the city using grant funding to renovate downtown Parsons instead of using that money on other streets in the city. The Kansas Department of Transportation will pay $583,142 for working on sidewalks and changing the parking angles between Central and 17th and the city’s portion will be $102,908 plus the cost of engineering and design work. “Our Main Street is the heart of our community,” Zaleski told commissioners. Some critics thought the money should have been directed to other city streets that needed the work more. Other cities that received these grants will use the grant to improve streets, critics noted.
Source: Parsons Sun

County approves purchase of 5 license plate reader cameras for main highways

Neosho County commissioners Tuesday heard from Neosho County Sheriff Greg Taylor regarding traffic cameras and the commission approved the purchase of five for the county. Taylor said the Chanute Police Department asked him to come to a meeting to discuss license plate reader cameras created by Flock Safety. “These are cameras that they put out throughout the city,” Taylor said. “End up being five of them. Essentially a vehicle goes by that’s got a NCIC, you know, it’s wanted for stolen vehicle or an Amber Alert as it’s coming into their jurisdiction. Those cameras would read the plate, send their jurisdiction notification, ‘Hey, this vehicle just came into your jurisdiction,’ so that they could try to get it stopped.” The five cameras’ total cost is $15,000. Commission chair Gail Klaassen said she thought it was a good price for the five cameras. “It’s one year at a time so you’re not locked into a long-term contract. You can evaluate and see if it’s actually worthwhile or not,” Taylor said of the cameras. “What makes this probably the most enticing thing: You get access to their nationwide system.” Taylor said officials had discussed obtaining five for Neosho County. “Essentially on the main thoroughfares coming into Neosho County, like north and south 169 Highway, same one on 59 Highway and then this other one on 47 coming into Neosho County. Because 39 will all get covered by Chanute,” Taylor said. “We have quite a bit of money still left over in the Pilot fund.” Taylor said that funding could be used to pay for the first year. The cameras also will give the sheriff’s office the ability to see how many cars are coming to and through the county each day on the highways, Taylor said. It also will help the department with ongoing investigations, Taylor thought.
Source: The Chanute Tribune

State, local leaders debate tax program

County leaders want the state to reinstate the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction. The program was introduced to help local governments during difficult times, but the state has withheld funding for the past 20 years. Kansas, grappling with economic challenges, introduced the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction (LAVTR) in 1937 to alleviate the burdens on local governments during the Great Depression. For the last 20 years, the state has withheld that funding. Today, a measure to reinstate the funding is gaining traction. During the economic turmoil of the 1930s, the state faced a dire situation, with Kansas being hit especially hard by the Dust Bowl. LAVTR was conceived to stabilize and reduce local property taxes by channeling surplus state sales tax revenue to struggling counties. By its design, the funds paid for such services as police and fire protection, parks, streets, jails, elections, and many other services county governments are required to provide. Allen County would have received $529,100 in LAVTR funds in the most recent payout, had LAVTR been in effect. In 1965, the funding became law. Considered a demand transfer, two payments were made – Jan. 15 and July 15 – based on the formula set in statute: 65% is distributed based on population, while 35% is distributed based on property tax valuations. The 1990s brought changes, with amendments allowing reductions in transfers if the state’s ending balance fell below a certain threshold. The early 2000s saw the end of increased distributions, setting the stage for a steady decline in LAVTR funding. In 2001, the amount for distribution in fiscal year 2002 was set at $27,340,335.50. In 2002, the amount for distribution in fiscal year 2003 was set at $26,246,722. Less than half of what it was supposed to be. Between 2001 and 2022, Kansas counties have lost over $1.7 billion in revenue from LAVTR alone. “While LAVTR is the focus, we’ve also lost out on billions in County and City Revenue Sharing funds and Special City-County Highway Fund (SCCHF),” noted Allen County Commissioner Bruce Symes. “All three lost amounts total $3.5 billion to counties and cities.” THE INTENT behind LAVTR was not to eliminate local property taxes entirely, but to provide stability and potential reductions during economically favorable periods. However, the lack of funding over the years has shifted the burden back onto property taxpayers. Fast forward to 2023, and there is a glimmer of hope for LAVTR. On March 28, 2023, the Kansas House debated LAVTR funding as a potential budget amendment for the 2024 fiscal year. The proposed amendment, introduced by the House Minority Leader Vic Miller, aimed to fully fund LAVTR for the first time since 2000. Despite passing decisively with an 83-40 vote, the lack of support from the House majority party leadership and little momentum in the Senate has left the future of LAVTR uncertain.
Source: The Iola Register

A look inside the Village, Lawrence’s community to help people recover from homelessness

Fifty small cabins will soon be available to help Lawrence community members experiencing homelessness recover and secure housing. The City of Lawrence has raised the Village of Pallet emergency shelters at 256 N. Michigan St., the former location of Veritas Christian School. Lawrence Community Shelter staff members will run the site. Misty Bosch-Hastings, homeless programs coordinator for the City of Lawrence, said she thinks a lot of people will probably compare the village to the city-sanctioned camp in North Lawrence. But “I want them to know that this is a very well thought out plan. The operational plans are to help individuals end their homelessness,” Bosch-Hastings said. “It’s not just a place to sleep and party, and it’s actual working towards an end to their homelessness, with any support that they need to do so.” Veterans, older people, women emerging from domestic violence situations and people with disabilities who require specialized support and care are among the people the village aims to serve. Local agencies that work with people who are unhoused will be able to refer people for a spot. It is not a low-barrier shelter; drugs and alcohol will not be allowed, and the village will have a curfew, with case-by-case exceptions for people who work nights. There will be no smoking allowed inside the cabins, and there will be a designated outdoor smoking area. Despite snow falling Friday and a temperature of 32° outside, the small heater units kept cabins warm. The structures are small, but three journalists and a city staff member could comfortably stand inside one of the 64-square-foot spaces. Here’s a panoramic image taken from the center of one cabin. Touch or click to load the panoramic, drag the image around and get a look inside. Guests will be allowed to decorate the insides of their cabins. Dry erase markers work on the walls. Each cabin has lights, a fire extinguisher, wall outlets and four windows. Shelving provides space for clothing and belongings, and a small desk surface. There’s also sitewide WiFi access. Bedding will also be provided for guests, Bosch-Hastings said. Staff members at the shelter’s main campus, 3655 E. 25th St., will prepare three meals a day and deliver them to the village. Cicely Thornton, homeless programs project specialist for the city, said guests will be able to have two totes stored if they have possessions that won’t fit in their cabins. There are 50 64-square-foot cabins for guests. They’re spaced about 10 feet apart. The site also has three 100-square-foot cabins — one that will serve as the staff office, and two that will serve as meeting spaces.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Clerk tabbed as 1st county administrator

Longtime county clerk Tina Spencer will become Marion County administrator Feb. 1. The first to hold the position, she already is a familiar face, having been county clerk since 2013 and was deputy county clerk from 2005 to 2013. County commissioners voted Friday to hire Spencer on a three-year contract. Her salary for 2024 will be $100,000. It will be reviewed each following year. Her duties will include effectively administrating the affairs of the county; coordinating and enforcing resolutions, policies, and rules; overseeing appointed department heads and human resources; attending all commission meetings; presenting proposed policies; preparing estimates of revenues and expenditures; monitoring programs and budgets of all departments; and keeping commissioners informed of the financial condition of the county, “I know that I will have a lot to learn, and it will be somewhat experimental and fluid as we figure out the actual structure of the position and what works in Marion County,” Spencer said. “I don’t expect the transition to be easy – it required a shift in thinking, away from ‘how we’ve always done it.’ I am looking forward to facilitating that thought process for our organization. We have so many great people, all with their own ideas and amazing expertise. I would like to channel that to benefit our entire organization.”
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Miller retires from county position

After helping guide Barton County through the 2001 Hoisington tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic, longtime Barton County Emergency Management Director Amy Miller will retire retiring at the end of the year after 37 years with the county. Miller was recognized by the Barton County Commission Thursday morning. But, while sorry to see her leave, commissioners also met Sean Kelly, a county engineering tech and assistant emergency manager, who was promoted to fill the post. “Amy Miller was hired on Jan. 10 1986, and is currently the county second-longest working county employee,” said County Administrator Matt Patzner. She announced her retirement earlier this year and leaves the post as of Dec. 31. Miller couldn’t be at the meeting, but Patzner read the letter of appreciation that they will present to her, along with a commemorative clock. “Few employees today have reached 37 years of service, fewer employees have reached 37 years while dealing with natural and man-made disasters, as well as insurance, workers compensation and such matters,” he read. “Having worked in various departments in the county, and with a background in journalism, you were a natural selection for a job that you understand, developing plans and response to the disasters we face on a daily basis,” he continued. “You were tasked with answering our ‘what ifs’ and you never failed in providing obtainable solutions that kept our citizens, our infrastructure safe and operational. “Focus, prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation are words we associated with your position,” Patzner read. “Educated, measured, well-intentioned, responsible and collaborative are words we associated with you. The hours spent in tabletop exercises paled in comparison to response to the Hoisington tornado, the global pandemic and other disasters over the last 37 years,” he noted. “Through it all he remained committed to your mission. For what you have brought to the table and what you have left for your legacy, you are appreciated.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Six fast-charging EV locations coming across Kansas

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced on Wednesday that more than $4.6 million in federal funds will be directed to the first six locations selected for the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. With existing fast-charging stations spread across the I-70 and I-135 corridors, these selected locations will fill gaps in EV charging stations along the state’s major highways and interstate system. “As more electric cars and trucks make their way onto Kansas roadways, they will need access to adequate charging facilities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With these awards, we’ll ensure electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to all Kansans for local and long-distance trips.” The awarded projects must provide a minimum 20% local cash match, bringing the total investment to over $5.8 million. The six new direct current (DC) fast charging stations are awarded to the following Kansas locations: Emporia, Flying J, 4215 W Hwy 50 (I-35); Garden City, Love’s, 3285 E U.S. 50 (U.S. 400); Cherokee, Pete’s, 20 U.S. 400; Fredonia, Pete’s, 2400 E Washington St. (U.S. 400); Belleville, Love’s, 1356 US Highway 81 (U.S. 81); Pratt, Casey’s, 1900 E 1st St (U.S. 400). “These six new stations will give more Kansans the option to drive electric vehicles,” said Tami Alexander, Transportation Electrification Manager at the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). “KDOT is committed to enhancing the access and convenience for EV users by leveraging the federal match to build a robust, connected, and sustainable EV charging network.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune