Kansas Municipal News
Hillsboro to take over bowling alley
The Hillsboro City Council met on Tuesday, Aug. 20 where they approved an agreement for the city to take over the bowling alley. “As we have discussed since spring, Hillsboro Development Corporation wants the city to take over ownership of the bowling alley to ensure that the operations continue. In the agreement the city would receive the bowling alley, all the equipment and existing bank accounts for the sum of $1. There are no outstanding liabilities against the property or operation. The value of the accounts is likely to be more than $20,000 which will be used to support operations at the alley. The city will pay the closing costs and cost of any inspections. There are no stipulations on the use of the alley applied to the sale,” said Hillsboro City Administrator Matt Stiles. Stiles explained that the intention is to keep the bowling alley as a separate unit from the normal city funds.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
County hears wind farm concerns
The Marion County Board of Commissioners heard concerns about wind energy expansion from Goessel residents led by Brian Stucky. He explained that in October 2023, a story appeared in the Marion County Record to say that the Orsted Energy company was now looking to expand to the west part of the County, in the townships of West Branch, East Branch, Menno and Liberty. “Now we face the real possibility that 500-foot tall wind turbines will be near Goessel. There are positives and negatives. There are some who see wind turbines as a good thing, but there are some who absolutely do not want to live anywhere close to them for a variety of reasons. Turbines should be placed in areas with sparse population. Just not here,” said Stucky.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press
Olathe approves flat tax rate, higher utility rates, expanded rebate program for 2025
Olathe has adopted a budget for 2025 that keeps the municipal property tax rate flat but raises city utility rates. That new budget — valued at roughly $611 million — will keep the property tax, or mill levy, rate static at 23.356. It is also expected to add about $10 a month to the average utility cost in the city for residents who use all of Olathe’s utilities. Ultimately, the 2025 budget passed 4-2 Tuesday, with councilmembers Kevin Gilmore and Robyn Essex voting no. Councilmember Matt Schoonover was absent. City leaders, including Mayor John Bacon and Chief Mike Butaud, marked the opening of the reimagined Olathe Police Department headquarters with a ribbon-cutting in May 2024. Photo credit Kaylie McLaughlin.
How will this affect your tax bill? For 2025, Olathe will keep the city’s property tax rate of 23.356 mills. That’s still one of the lowest property tax rates among Johnson County cities. But Olathe property owners should expect to pay more next year on their annual property tax bill because home values — which contribute to the amount you pay — have continued their upward trend. Per the real estate statistics kept by Johnson County, Olathe’s average residential property value is $407,350, up about 7.3%. To calculate what your bill is, you multiply the value of your home by .115 (the residential assessment rate). Then, divide that number by 1,000. Multiply the result by the adopted mill levy rate of 23.356. For the average homeowner in Olathe, that means about $1,904 in property taxes owed to the city next year. Keep in mind that your total annual property tax bill also includes rates from other jurisdictions, like Johnson County and the school district you live in.
Source: Johnson County Post
Petitions rattled Prairie Village last summer. Kansas appeals court will now hear the case.
Last year’s hotly-discussed Prairie Village petitions are headed before a panel of three appellate judges next month. After nearly a year in the Kansas Court of Appeals, three much-discussed petitions — circulated by PV United, also known as Stop Rezoning Prairie Village, a group of residents who opposed zoning changes — are scheduled for a hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. City Administrator Wes Jordan told the Post via email on Wednesday that he anticipates both sides will be able to share “their perspectives of the case and be prepared to answer questions the Court may have.” Stop Rezoning PV’s spokesperson could not be reached for comment for this story. One petition called for limitations on rezoning in Prairie Village, and two separate petitions called for abandoning the city’s current form of government and adopting a new form. The “adoption” petition also wanted to slash the Prairie Village City Council in half from 12 councilmembers to six during a year when six council seats were up for election. This hearing comes nearly a year after Johnson County District Court Judge Rhonda Mason issued a ruling that only one of the three petitions — the “abandon” petition which called for less drastic government changes — was eligible for a future ballot. PV United filed a notice of appeal days after Mason issued her final ruling. The city filed its own appeal in response in early October 2023. Remember: These petitions are separate from a recent recall petition against Prairie Village Mayor Eric Mikkelson. That petition was circulated for signatures this past summer and failed to meet the necessary threshold to move forward. A breakdown of the petitions in question
Stop Rezoning PV circulated three separate petitions for signatures last summer, intending to get each petition on the November 2023 ballot. Thousands of residents signed each of the three petitions. Here’s what the petitions said, in summary: The “rezoning” petition called for limiting rezoning and, in particular, curtailing the use of accessory dwelling units — such as so-called “granny flats” — and other multifamily projects in single-family neighborhoods in Prairie Village. The “abandon” petition aimed to throw out the city’s current mayor-council form of government. The petition’s organizers have called the current form of government a “strong mayor” form and signaled an interest in paring back mayoral power. The “adoption” petition sought to replace the mayor-council form of government with a mayor-council-manager form of government. That petition included language that would have slashed the Prairie Village City Council in half from 12 councilmembers to six and would have effectively ended six councilmembers’ terms two years early.
Source: Johnson County Post
City of Columbus announces new demolition grant program
The City of Columbus announces the beginning of a new Demolition Grant Program, made possible by a generous donation. This program offers a valuable opportunity for local business owners and residents who need to remove abandoned commercial or residential structures, as well as outbuildings like garages and sheds. Through this program, eligible property owners can have these structures demolished at no cost, helping to enhance the community’s appearance and safety without incurring expenses. To apply for the Demolition Grant Program or to get more information, interested parties can access the application form on the city’s website: Demolition Grant Program Application.
Source: KOAM News
The City of Pittsburg officially launches city trash service
The City of Pittsburg hopes to help resident’s trash concerns with the official launch of a city run trash service starting the week of Sept. 2nd. This comes after many residents have reported issues with services like CARDs Recycling & Waste Management (also known as CARDs) frequently not picking up trash while still charging customers. “We’ve stuck with (CARDs) until we get the Pittsburg one,” says one Pittsburg resident. “The city’s always been in trash. We’ve always been in the trash business. what we’re doing is just getting a little better equipment and assigning some personnel,” says Daron Hall, City Manager. “Because right now, when the trash doesn’t get picked up by one of the contractors who is supposed to pick it up, it ends up falling to the city.” The service is available for anyone within the city limits or who receives city water. The city last projected there have been around 800+ signups for the service so far. The city now has two trash trucks, hundreds of roll carts and dumpsters and a designated team. Hall says residents aren’t required to sign up for the city service, it’s just another option available. And because the trash service is supported entirely by its own fees, residents who aren’t signed up for trash pickup with the city aren’t paying for it in any way. Residents signed up for the city trash service will not be charged for September according to Hall. This is because the new team is learning the routes and the stops, and he hopes residents will be patient and understanding of any mistakes. Customers will receive their first bills in October.
Source: KOAM News
Great Bend releases app to explore the community
Great Bend has released an app that allows users to explore the city. The Great Bend Alive Tours app uses GPS navigation, photos, video, and audio narration to take visitors on two unique guided tours of the city. The first is a tour of the historic downtown, and the second is a tour of the city’s unique art. The historic tour takes visitors around the courthouse square and neighboring streets, where they will learn the history of historic buildings, as well as about sites where important structures once stood. The art tour showcases murals and sculptures around Great Bend and includes interviews and audio clips with the artists who created them. The app was created through Great Bend Alive, part of Great Bend Economic Development, a public/private partnership focused on economic development in Barton County. They plan to expand the app’s features in the future. “The potential for this app is virtually endless,” said Lee Ann June, Communications Director for Great Bend Economic Development. “We have plans to use it with downtown events held by Great Bend Alive, the City of Great Bend, and others. The Great Bend Alive Preservation Team is also excited to develop new tours focused on historic events and properties in the area.” The app is available for both iOS and Android or through any web browser.
Source: KSN-TV
Mayor gives update on Cheney level, water restrictions
Wichita Mayor Lily Wu is urging the community to remain vigilant about the drought. On Thursday, she said the city saw a slight uptick in water usage from previous weeks. Thursday marks one month since mandatory water restrictions began in Wichita and neighboring towns The graphic shows the volume of treated water going from the Hess Pump Station to the 500,000 water customers in Wichita and neighboring towns. The red line is when the restrictions began. The dips are on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays when no watering is allowed. Wichita began the watering restrictions because the water level at Cheney Reservoir was dropping, and the mayor says it continues to drop. “The 12-month moving average conservation pool is at 67.2%, which is a decrease of 1.2% in the last month,” Wu said. “Cheney is currently at 59.7% full in total. The rain we have had in August didn’t provide much relief.” She says the city has sent almost 245 warning letters to residents suspected of violating the mandatory water restrictions. However, the number of letters sent has decreased each week. Last week, only 30 were sent. The city has not issued any fines yet. “We want to continue to emphasize education and the importance of coming together to safeguard our most important resource – water,” the mayor said. Wichita’s drought plan allows people northwest of Central and Broadway to water on Mondays, northeast on Tuesdays, southwest on Wednesdays, and southeast on Thursdays. Watering is limited to before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m. NW Wichita can water on Mondays. NE can water on Tuesdays. SW can water on Wednesdays. SE can water on Thursdays. The City of Wichita continues to offer rebates to people who install water-saving devices. So far, the city has approved rebates for 343 devices totaling almost $25,000. More than $50,000 remains in the rebate program. The rebates are for many products, including rain barrels, rain sensor shutoffs, smart irrigation controllers, toilet repair kits and dual-flush converter kits. Click here to learn more.
Source: KSN-TV
Burlingame offers solution to ‘mitigate’ fox population
The City of Burlingame recently shared a list of nuisance animal trappers who could help ‘mitigate’ the city’s local fox population – a process that usually kills the fox. On Aug. 19, a concerned citizen addressed the Burlingame city council about the overpopulation of foxes in the community. The citizen asked what the city could do to help with the problem. Chief of Police Matthew Baker said the city doesn’t handle foxes but said the city can loan live traps to citizens. He said once an animal is caught, it’s up to the person who trapped it to dispose of.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Voters will decide this fall whether Lawrence should change its government structure, including a directly elected mayor
Voters won’t be choosing Lawrence’s city leaders in this November’s elections, but they will be weighing in on how they should be chosen — including whether voters should decide on the mayor themselves. Back in February 2023, the Lawrence City Commission approved a resolution to put a question on the November 2024 ballot about whether Lawrence should change its form of government to one with a directly elected mayor and geographic districts for commissioners.
Source: LJWorld
Clearwater Schools struggle with rising chronic absenteeism rates
“We had a pretty large increase in our chronic absenteeism,” said Jason Johnson, superintendent of Clearwater Public Schools. “So, prior to COVID, we were about 13% chronically absent, and this past year, we were about 25%.” When a student misses at least 10% of a school year, Johnson said a student is chronically absent.
Source: KWCH
Lawmakers dig into proposed Bonner Springs theme park
Kansas lawmakers heard an update on a theme park being developed by Mattel, the toy company behind Barbie and Hot Wheels, in Bonner Springs. The park is working with the city and state to secure Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) Bonds to help pay for the project…. In April, Bonner Springs approved of a STAR Bond district boundary, which would allow the state to award funds to businesses that will be repaid over time with the sales taxes generated by in-district businesses.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for September 4, 2024
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.
City clerk’s death spurs push for more checks
Controversy surrounding the disappearance and death, confirmed Thursday, of Peabody’s interim city clerk has prompted the governor and lieutenant governor to promise to be “pursuing changes to the background check statutes this upcoming legislative session.” “Clearly, Jonathan Clayton was able to avoid the discovery of his criminal convictions,” Will Lawrence, chief of state to Governor Laura Kelly, said in a release Thursday. “His financial crimes coming to light, and questions about his involvement with local organizations that received ARPA grants, appear to have set off the chain of events that have occurred over the last several weeks.”
Source: Marion County RECORD
Governor Kelly Announces MARSHALLTOWN to Invest $27M, Create 40 Jobs in Wyandotte County
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that MARSHALLTOWN, a recognized supplier of high-quality tools and products to major brands such as Lowe’s and Home Depot, is investing $27 million to build a new distribution center in Wyandotte County. Once the project is completed, MARSHALLTOWN is expected to create 40 new jobs in the Kansas City area. “My administration continues to attract economic development projects that will create a significant number of new jobs,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “MARSHALLTOWN’s investment in the state reflects the work we are doing to make Kansas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.” MARSHALLTOWN will place its new 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Scannell Properties’ 435 Logistics Park. The new facility will act as the company’s satellite location and will include warehouse space and distribution. “I am thrilled to announce MARSHALLTOWN’s plans to build a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in the Kansas City metro area that will significantly enhance our logistics capabilities,” MARSHALLTOWN COO Jack Murders said. “This strategically located facility is set to become a key hub for distribution and a vital transfer point between our operations. We believe this move represents another forward-thinking step for MARSHALLTOWN, reinforcing our commitment to strategic growth and operational excellence.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Moran says OSHA rules threaten volunteer fire departments
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran says financially strapped volunteer fire departments in Kansas and other states should be exempt from costly federal regulations included in a proposed update of health and safety standards for emergency response workers. Standards under consideration by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration would apply to firefighters as well as personnel engaged in emergency medical services and technical search and rescue operations. The agency recommended changes to rules regarding written emergency response plans, hazard vulnerability assessments, training, personal protective equipment, medical screening and behavioral health services. Moran, a Kansas Republican, joined a bipartisan group of eight U.S. senators who asked the federal Department of Labor to exclude volunteer fire departments from “burdensome” portions of the proposed regulations. In Kansas, nearly 80% of fire departments are staffed by volunteers.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Pete’s Puddle in disagreement with county
Owners of longstanding resort Pete’s Puddle argue that the county is making unfair demands of the business. The county says it asks any business in the county to meet these regulations. At the Harvey County Commission meeting, the commissioners worked to sort through both sides’ complaints. Ronald Anderson and Shad Anderson bought Pete’s Puddle in March 2023 and have been working to revitalize the resort since. The resort is located at 4801 N Willow Lake Rd. in Burrton. The Andersons have added several structures, and they have also added sewer lines without notifying the county or obtaining permits. Issues arose in June after the Andersons held a concert and follow up events without obtaining permission or notifying the county. Karen Rothe, director of the planning and zoning department, found out about the events after a member of the public brought it up to her, asking if the owners had it zoned properly for this. “Small entertainment for members and guests is allowed,” Rothe said. “However, larger events for the general public would require a CUP [conditional use permit].” The owners requested a conditional use permit after Rothe sent them a violation letter. Rothe said they had a number of requirements the owners needed to meet. The county planning and zoning commission had approved the permit with the condition that the owners meet the regulations. Some of the regulations, Rothe said, were for safety concerns, like creating a wildfire and flooding plan, sharing where the sewer lines were being dumped and contacting the fire marshal for a capacity limit.
Source: Harvey County Now
Physician returns to his hometown to practice medicine
Dr. Eyan Roth’s career has come full circle. Roth recently started work as a general practitioner at NMC Health Family Medicine-Hesston, returning to his hometown and even a place where he used to work as a teen. The 2012 Hesston High School graduate used to work in housekeeping at Schowalter Villa in Hesston when he was in high school, and when he was in housekeeping, it was all women and three high school boys employed in that department. In college, Roth was a CNA there. When he worked there, Roth remembers seeing the doctors do their rounds. “Looked forward to the day I would do something like that,” he said. Last week, which was his first week at the Hesston clinic, Roth did rounds at Schowalter with Karla Hostetler, APRN. “I’m excited,” he said. “It was fun to be back in the building. It’s also kind of weird because I still picture myself as the housekeeper/CNA. It’s fun to have this new role.” At the clinic, he’ll see patients throughout the week, will do rounds at Schowalter and colonoscopes at NMC Health in Newton. Roth also grew up going to a pediatrician in the same building at which he’s now working when it was Mid Kansas Family Practice. Roth moved back to Hesston a couple of months ago. He has a wife, Hannah, and a 2.5-year-old daughter and one on the way. Hannah is a physician’s assistant in Wichita.
Source: Harvey County Now
Here’s what the new president of De Soto Chamber says about changes coming to city
The newly named president and CEO of the De Soto Chamber of Commerce comes to the job amid a big transformation for the city. Panasonic Energy’s electric vehicle battery facility is scheduled to open in 2025 — and it’s one of the largest economic development projects in the history of Kansas. Tim Holverson had been vice president of Economic Development and Entrepreneurship with the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. He also has worked as the executive vice president of the Leavenworth-Lansing area Chamber of Commerce. Holverson started his career in government affairs, serving for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce and the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors. Holverson has a master’s degree in public administration from East Carolina University and a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Northern Iowa. He also graduated from the Institute for Organization Management with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Institute through the University of Oklahoma.
Source: Joco 913 News
This JoCo city may be the first in state to change trash collection under new law
Merriam may be the first city in Kansas to change its trash collection services under the Organized Collection Service Act. Assistant City Administrator Caitlin Gard told the Merriam City Council last week that it is the first city that is using the process outlined in the Organized Collection Service Act to potentially contract with one waste hauler for residential services. The act outlines standards for service transitions in solid waste and recyclable collections in a city, according to a 2011 summary of the legislation. This includes transitions from multiple solid waste haulers to a single solid waste hauler, which Merriam is currently exploring. Others in Johnson County, like the city of Prairie Village, have had single waste haulers for decades. Gard said the city of Lawrence used the Organized Collection Act to contract with a single recycling hauler, not a waste hauler. Gard said the details about a single waste hauler in Merriam are unclear, but those details will be developed as the city follows the Organized Collection Service Act steps. This is a lengthy process with several off-ramps along the way, Gard said. In October, the city council is slated to consider a resolution to craft a plan for a single waste hauler.
Source: Johnson County Post