Kansas Municipal News
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
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.
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
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.
Municipal Bond Trends for January 9, 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.
Municipal Bond Trends for January 8, 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.
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