Kansas Municipal News
New study calculates New Century AirCenter’s economic impact at $1.1 billion
New Century AirCenter contributes an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion to the local and regional economy, according to a study conducted by the County Economic Research Institute. Through strategic investments and professional management, the Johnson County Airport Commission has transformed the airport into a bustling hub of economic activity.
Source: Johnson County Kansas
Garden City Launches New Website for Enhanced User Experience
The City of Garden City is pleased to announce the official launch of its newly redesigned website, a significant enhancement aimed at improving accessibility, user experience, and transparency for anyone residing, visiting, or investing in our community.
Source: Garden City, KS
WPD creates property crimes task force
The Wichita Police Department has created a task force to crack down on property crimes across the community, and the group is already reporting success. The task force will work with local businesses to target retail thefts, car break-ins and other crimes, with a zero tolerance policy. Police Chief Joe Sullivan says “The message is clear. Wichita is a place where property crimes will be met with decisive action,” and the task force will be working to keep streets safe and businesses protected. Chief Sullivan said in its first few weeks, the team has already conducted 80 investigations leading to 43 arrests and the recovery of 32 stolen vehicles and retail property valued at approximately $635,000.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Goddard school district addressing growth
According to the Times-Sentinel News, continued growth in west Wichita and Goddard – where the population is expected to nearly double in a few years – led Goddard Public Schools to recently form a bond steering committee to help prepare and address the school district’s facility needs.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Bates retires after decades of preserving black history
On Oct. 19, over 75 family members, friends and colleagues gathered at “The Bates Farm” one mile north of Nicodemus, to celebrate her remarkable 38-year legacy as the founding President and Executive Director of the Nicodemus Historical Society (founded in 1986). Angela’s tireless efforts have ensured the preservation of Nicodemus, Kansas – an essential icon of the African American experience in post-Reconstruction on the Great Plains of western Kansas. She’s also protected and secured the legacy of Nicodemus safeguarding it for future generations. Under her leadership, she spearheaded efforts to secure Nicodemus as a National Historic Site, securing federal funding for historic preservation of its five historic buildings. The National Park Service Visitor Center, has hosted thousands of visitors since its designation in 1996. The public has an opportunity to learn about the resilience of these Black homesteaders who sought to experience freedom in the West.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
GOP sweeps local elections, alcohol regulation removed
The GOP had a strong night in Harvey County, with all candidates winning. Harvey County voters also chose to remove a requirement that establishments with a liquor license derive 30 percent of net sales from food. Sixty-seven percent of voters favored removing the regulation.
Source: Harvey County Now
Mega-convenience store chain Buc-ee’s seeks incentives for KCK travel center
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, will consider approving $13 million in tax incentives to develop the metro area’s first Buc-ee’s travel center. On Monday, the UG Economic Development and Finance Committee recommended approval of a development agreement with Buc-ee’s to build the travel center at 601 Village West Parkway, just south of the Kansas Speedway. The UG will review the development agreement on Thursday. Buc-ee’s plans to build a 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 gas fuel pumps and 12 electric-vehicle charging stations on about 25 acres.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Shawnee mulls big rate increases for trash haulers. Could residents feel the cost?
Next week, the Shawnee City Council will consider a significant rate hike for trash hauler permits in the city. City leaders in a committee meeting on Oct. 28 directed city staff to look into revising the Shawnee’s policy to increase annual permits for trash haulers from $25 to $1,000. “After comparing (our rates) to other cities, plus considering the cost to fund our Tidy Town program, it was apparent an increase was needed,” Colin Duffy, deputy city manager, said in an email to the Johnson County Post. The rate hike was part of the committee’s discussion of proposed changes to various city policy statements. It is included in the PS-56 Comprehensive User Fee Schedule.
Source: Johnson County Post
Voters approve $180 million in bonds to rebuild Kansas City, Kansas Public schools
Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools won the ability to sell $180 million in bonds Tuesday that officials plan to use for rebuilding its aging stock of school buildings. Voters approved a ballot initiative to issue the debt at a rate of about two to one, or 68%. The result comes six months after a more expansive, $420 million plan was rejected at the ballot box during a single-issue special election in May. A major difference between the two plans: the $180 million alternative was crafted in a way that will not increase property taxes, according to district officials. The bonds will finance rebuilds of Central and Argentine middle schools, two of the oldest in the state. Also included on the project list are a new building to combine Silver City and Noble Prentis elementary schools, and an addition for the Sumner Academy of Arts and Science that would eliminate the need for mobile trailer classrooms.
Source: KC Star Local News
Edwardsville voters approve sales tax to fund new City Hall, fire and police stations
Edwardsville residents voted Tuesday to create an additional sales tax that city officials plan to use for building a new City Hall, and police and fire stations. Voters supported two separate ballot measures that each carry a half-cent tax on every retail dollar spent in the town. Both passed by margins above 56%, according to unofficial results from the Wyandotte County Election Office. City leaders pitched the plan to residents as a necessary measure to rebuild aging and inadequate buildings.
Source: KC Star Local News
Survey: 1 in 2 Kansans concerned about state’s water supply
The survey, by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, found one-third of Kansans think the state and local government are not doing enough to conserve water.
Half of Kansans are either very or moderately concerned that Kansas may be running out of water, according to a new statewide survey by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. “I can remember, 20 years ago, nobody wanted to talk about the depletion of the Ogallala (Aquifer),” said state Sen. Carolyn McGinn, who also serves as a member of the Kansas Water Authority. “And now, I mean, farmers are talking about it.” Parts of western and central Kansas have battled severe drought the last several years. Wichita is currently enforcing outdoor watering restrictions as a result.
Source: KCUR News
City of Topeka invites community to weigh in on finances
Topekans are invited to take part in a few upcoming community engagement sessions for budgetary feedback later this month. Taylor Bugg with the City of Topeka said in a press release on Monday, Nov. 4 that locals can take part in three different engagement sessions to give their opinions on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process. Participants can also learn more about the city’s financial forecast, possible service reductions and sales tax options. People can use these sessions to provide their own input on decisions which impact city services and the overall community.
Source: KSNT 27 News
New tools help Shawnee County deputies hit the mark
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is showing off some new advancement in its shooting accuracy this week. Shawnee County Commissioners got a behind the scenes look at the new law enforcement training center in Berryton on Monday, Nov. 4. In addition to local law enforcement entities, the center is used by the FBI, Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and more. The main focus of the sheriff’s office presentation detailed the new sights on their weapons. Using the new red dot sight gives officers greater situational awareness, threat analysis and accuracy. Source: KSNT 27 News
Municipal Bond Trends for November 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.
Community open house to address stormwater management plan for controversial Douglas County solar project
An open house will be held to discuss a stormwater management plan for a large solar project in Douglas County on Wednesday. The Kansas Sky Energy Center plans to install 8 million square feet of solar panels on approximately 600 acres of farmland in the Kansas River valley, located in northern Douglas County. This project, which has been controversial among county residents, requires two approvals from the County Commission before it can move forward. The open house on Wednesday will discuss one of these necessary approvals, the stormwater management plan.
Source: LJWorld
City files suit against west Lawrence apartment complex alleging Section 8 discrimination
The city has filed suit against another apartment complex alleging discrimination against a prospective disabled renter based on the renter’s source of income. The 23-year-old disabled woman was ready to move into her new apartment at The Links, 5401 Rock Chalk Dr., in August of 2023 but just days before she moved, she was informed that because she intended to pay her rent using primarily a Section 8 voucher she would not be permitted to move in, according to the suit filed by the City of Lawrence in Douglas County District Court.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for November 1, 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 employee looks back on 35-year career
Payne was recognized at the Oct. 22 Derby City Council meeting for his 35 years of service to the city. He began his career with the city in 1989 as an engineering technician with the engineering department. This was a new team created to design and manage smaller engineering projects and oversee larger projects. With computers just starting to become popular in the workspace, Payne spent a lot of time producing hand drawings based on surveys he would complete. Those drawings were provided to contractors who would submit bids to the city. This included the addition of roads and underground infrastructure for residential neighborhoods. Eventually, Payne would see the incorporation of computers and the specific software that allowed for hand drawings to be created digitally. After working in the engineering department for nine years, Payne accepted the Director of Public Works position. With advances in the technology, Payne was eventually invited back to the engineering department.
Source: Derby Informer | News
UG will consider zoning for 120-pump Buc-ee’s near Kansas Speedway
A planned Buc-ee’s travel center — among the chain’s largest — soon could contribute to the growing list of tourism attractions aiming to pull visitors to Wyandotte County. Buc-ee’s Ltd. wants the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, to approve a zoning request for a new travel center at 601 Village West Parkway. The UG will review the request on Nov. 7. Founded in 1982, Texas-based Buc-ee’s chain of travel centers has developed a national following for its clean restrooms, Buc-ee the Beaver mascot and colossal convenience stores. It also offers a wide variety of food options, including Texas barbecue, jerky, fudge, kolaches and caramel-coated corn puffs called “Beaver Nuggets.” Buc-ee’s plans to build a 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 gas fuel pumps as well as electric-vehicle charging stations. The travel center would have 560 parking spaces for passenger vehicles and RVs.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Governor Kelly Announces More than $1.9M Investment for Airport Infrastructure
Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that four Kansas communities have secured more than $1.9 million in infrastructure funding to improve local airports. The communities secured more than $1.7 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. Additionally, these projects are receiving almost $200,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund. “Kansas’ airports play a vital role in connecting businesses to more opportunities and strengthening local economies,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These four projects will improve airport infrastructure while strengthening the state’s transportation network.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas