Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

‘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

Municipal Bond Trends for January 5, 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.

City Of Russell, KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio Partner For Russell Community Impact Award

The City of Russell is thrilled to announce the Russell Community Impact Awards launch, an exciting monthly celebration dedicated to recognizing and honoring the unsung heroes in our community who are shaping Russell into a better place to live, work and play. These awards, co-sponsored by the City of Russell, KRSL/KZRS Russell Radio, and the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, aim to ignite a sense of community pride and civic engagement by spotlighting those individuals, businesses, and organizations that exemplify the very essence of our town’s values and potential.
Read more: KRSL

Municipal Bond Trends for January 4, 2024

Municipal Bond Trends for January 3, 2024

Next phase of Kansas’ gradual repeal of state sales tax on food to yield savings of $150 million

Gov. Laura Kelly said the next scheduled reduction in the state’s sales tax on groceries Jan. 1 would cut the rate in half to 2% and enable shoppers in Kansas to avoid $150 million annually in food costs. The agreement embraced by the 2022 Legislature and the governor established a three-year approach that included a Jan. 1, 2023, drop in the state sales tax on groceries from 6.5% to 4%. The next step on Jan. 1 moves the state’s assessment to 2% on food, food ingredients and certain prepared foods. That would trigger a reduction in state tax collections of $12.5 million per month. Kansas would join the majority of states by exempting groceries from state sales tax collections on Jan. 1, 2025. Local government sales taxes would still apply to groceries.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Marion County appoints County Clerk Tina Spencer as the first County Administrator

The Marion County Commission voted today to appoint County Clerk Tina Spencer as the first County Administrator. … Spencer is a Master-Certified County Clerk and holds a Mini MPA Certificate for Executive Development in Public Administration awarded by Wichita State University Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs. She has extensive county government experience, having served as Marion County Clerk since January 2013 after serving as Deputy County Clerk since 2005. Spencer also has private-sector management experience. During her time as County Clerk, she has held leadership roles in the statewide Kansas County Clerks & Election Officials Association. … Spencer’s appointment will create a vacancy in the County Clerk position, which will be filled by the Marion County Republican Precinct Committee. Spencer’s first day as County Administrator is slated for Feb. 1.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press

Former Manhattan Mayor, who led city through 1993 flood, passes away

Former Manhattan City Commissioner Roger Maughmer died Friday at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, following complications from pneumonia. He was 78. Maughmer served six years on the city commission from 1989 to 1995, serving as mayor during the 1993 flood and was a longtime member of the Manhattan Optimist Club. A native of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Maughmer moved to Kansas in 1965 and eventually settled in Manhattan, where he worked for Southwestern Bell for 25 years. He often returned to Wyoming to his family cabin and was involved in racing cars with his son. He is survived by his wife Barbara and sons Glen and Bob as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Midwest Dream Car Collection.
Source: 1350 KMAN

Fort Scott Has A New Human Resource Director and City Manager Reflects on 2023, Looks To 2024

Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin was asked what the city’s accomplishments were this year and also what is on the horizon for 2024 and he sent his reply. He also announced a new administrative position has been filled by Payton Coyan. Payton Coyan started as the Fort Scott Human Resource Director on December 27. She has four years of experience in driving strategic human resource operational initiatives, with a focus on talent acquisition, employee retention, succession planning, organizational development, legal compliance, and grievance management. She also has skills in recruitment, interviewing, resume screening, negotiating, conflict resolution, streamlining operations, and heightening employee productivity by mastering HR situations for integrating human resource functions with overall goals, according to a press release. She has experience managing employee benefits, employee hiring and onboarding, performance management, and HR records. Coyan is a graduate of Ottawa University. “Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said in the press release. ” I come from an amazing family and am fortunate to have… every one of them in my life. I am a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and love our community full-heartedly. In my free time, I enjoy…camping, (going) on a nature walk, walking downtown, or reading a book.”
Source: Fort Scott Biz

Edgerton Lake, dam exploration project moves forward

Two years ago, the City of Edgerton approved a $75,000 project to explore repairing the Edgerton Lake Dam as part of the city’s 2022-2026 capital improvement project. During the Edgerton City Council meeting last month, city council members agreed to pay Affinis $115,000 for a draft scope and contingency covering various project expenses related to city engineer time and printing materials. The draft scope fee is $105,425, and the contingency portion of the project is $9,575.City officials said the additional $40,000 will come from a special park and recreation fund, with the original $75,000 from the park impact fee. CIP project manager Holly Robertson said the original $75,000 project budget was developed based on an understanding that most engineering firms would be able to provide a similar level of service
Source: Gardner News