Kansas Municipal News
U.S. inflation is likely ‘far stickier’ and could last a decade, Bill Smead says
U.S. inflation is likely to be “far stickier” and could last a decade, according to Bill Smead, chief investment officer at Smead Capital Management. Wall Street is gearing up for key inflation data later Tuesday, when the Labor Department releases its January consumer price index. It is a widely followed inflation gauge that measures the cost for dozens of goods and services spanning the economy. “The enthusiasm … right now is the hope that we’ll get a friendly Fed out of a soft landing, and we do not believe that is going to be the case,” Smead told CNBC’s “Streets Sign Asia.”
Source: Economy
Kansas Tourism Announces $400,000 Available in Attraction Development Grants
Kansas Tourism today announced the Attraction Development Grant program is open for applications. A total of $400,000 is available. Attraction Development Grants provide strategic economic assistance to public or private entities, or not-for-profit groups, that are developing new or enhancing existing tourism attraction in the state. The deadline for applications is March 31. “The projects that we are looking for with these grants are those that will bring new visitors to Kansas,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Each person that visits our state also supports our economy, by eating at our restaurants, staying at our hotels and shopping at our stores. These Attraction Development Grants will help entice more people to choose Kansas for their next adventure.”
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
City sponsoring logo design contest
The City of Hiawatha has announced its first ever Logo Design contest. City officials said the current logo has served the city well, but they are looking to freshen it up with a high quality digital image. The city is looking for talented local artists who can design a logo representative of the City of Hiawatha. Examples include the Davis Memorial, Clock Tower, maple leaf and clock tower. Submissions are due by Friday, March 31 to mgreen@cityofhiawatha.org or drop off at City Hall. The winner will receive $150 in Chamber Bucks.
Source: hiawathaworldonline.com
Mission Hills removes coyote traps from park after dogs injured
Mission Hills officials say they plan to re-evaluate how to handle an increase in coyote activity after two dogs were injured this month after being caught in traps placed for coyotes at a city park. City officials say a city staff member is licensed to trap through a nuisance wildlife control permit, and signage and mailers went out as a warning the week before the “non-lethal” traps were set in an “unmaintained” corner of the park.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Commerce Department seeks to expand mega project incentives
The state Commerce Department is asking lawmakers to expand a lucrative tax incentive to land a new major economic development project on the heels of securing Panasonic and Integra. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Paul Hughes appeared before the House commerce Tuesday, asking for an extension of the incentive program though Dec. 31, 2024 as well as more incentives for training and employee relocation. Hughes said interest in Kansas from mega projects has slowed since the Legislature approved the first package of incentives that are set to lapse at the end of the 2023.
Source: Sunflower State Journal
State funds will allow apartment expansion
The City of Winfield has been awarded more than $1.8 million in state housing funds to help expand an apartment complex currently under construction, according to Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall. The funds from the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation include $650,000 in Moderate Income Housing funds and $1.2 million in Kansas Housing Investor Tax Credits. The money will go toward an additional 48 units in the 71-unit moderate income apartment complex being built at 19th Avenue and Bliss Street in Winfield. This project is being built by Petra Development.
Source: The Arkansas City Traveler
Nearly $20 Million in Grants Aim to Reduce Number of Kids in Foster Care
Governor Kelly announced a new set of Family First Prevention grants totaling nearly $20 million. The grants will create and grow programs aimed to prevent children from entering the foster care system. The Governor said in a statement, “Family First programs have been proven to keep families together, improving outcomes for our children long-term and saving our state money down the road. They have contributed to the nearly 20% drop in the total number of children in foster care since the start of my administration. That’s why we have worked across the aisle to direct both state and federal funding to expanding these successful programs.”
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Newton school district will keep two schools open, with fewer classes
The Newton school board has agreed to keep two schools open for the next school year, but they will have fewer classes. There have been concerns about declining enrollment at the Walton Rural Life Center, which is a special education agriculture charter elementary school. There are also concerns about enrollment at Northridge Elementary. The school board voted to reduce classes at Walton from two classes to one in kindergarten through fourth grade, with one teacher per grade. At Northridge Elementary, kindergarten and the first and second grades will be reduced to one class each. There will be two classes in grades three and four.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Inflation rose 0.5% in January, more than expected and up 6.4% from a year ago
Inflation turned higher to start 2023, as rising shelter, gas and fuel prices took their toll on consumers, the Labor Department reported Tuesday. The consumer price index, which measures a broad basket of common goods and services, rose 0.5% in January, which translated to an annual gain of 6.4%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for respective increases of 0.4% and 6.2%. Excluding volatile food and energy, the core CPI increased 0.4% monthly and 5.6% from a year ago, against respective estimates of 0.3% and 5.5%. … That has come despite Federal Reserve efforts to quell the problem. The central bank has hiked its benchmark interest rate eight times since March 2022 as inflation rose to its highest level in 41 years last summer. … Markets expect the Fed over its next two meetings in March and May to raise its overnight borrowing rate another half a percentage point from its current target range of 4.5%-4.75%. That would give policymakers time to watch for the broader economic impacts of the monetary policy tightening before deciding how to proceed. Should inflation not fall back, that could mean more rate hikes.
Source: CNBC
Shawnee hires Doug Gerber as the new City Manager
Mayor Michelle Distler and the Shawnee City Council announced Doug Gerber as the new City Manager. The Governing Body approved a contract with Gerber at the City Council meeting on Monday, February 13, 2023. Gerber was one of five finalists who met with the Governing Body and City staff late last month in an extensive interview process. “As with any change in this community that I love, I am confident our staff will embrace it and support the new City Manager.” said Mayor Michelle Distler. When asked about his new position, Doug said, “I am humbled that I was selected as the next City Manager for the City of Shawnee. I am passionate about good local government and I am excited to begin working with the City Council and staff to continue to move Shawnee forward.” Doug currently works for JEO Consulting Group where he helps develop the Kansas market. Before his work at JEO, Doug had a 22-year career in the public sector, most recently with work in numerous positions for the City of Topeka, KS, including Deputy City Manager, Director of Administrative and Financial Services, Interim Director of Utilities, Interim Director of Public Works and Interim City Manager. Prior to working in Topeka, Doug served as City Manager of both Goodland, KS and Beloit, KS.
Source: City of Shawnee
Lawrence City Commission to consider putting changes to form of government on upcoming ballot
Lawrence city leaders will soon consider asking voters to change the city’s governing body to include some seats elected by districts and a directly elected mayor. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider adopting a resolution to put the changes on the November 2024 ballot. The commission will also consider an ordinance to amend city code to establish four-year terms on the commission, a change that would occur regardless of the outcome of the ballot question. In January, city leaders expressed support for asking Lawrence voters about changing the city’s form of government to a hybrid system that includes some commissioners elected by districts, other commissioners elected at large and a directly elected mayor with limited voting powers.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for February 13, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Kechi voters approve town’s first local sales tax
Voters in Kechi have approved a citywide sales tax of one cent. The City did not have a local retail sales tax before this. The City of Kechi said it will use the $90,000 collected annually for general street and capital improvements. It says this is a fair way to share the expenses of city improvements with visitors. The City said the money will also fund projects associated with the Kechi Arts and Business District Master Plan. The goal of the plan is to improve the aesthetics and walkability of the town.
Source: KSN-TV
Johnson County to begin enforcing truck traffic restrictions in parts of the county on Feb. 20
Monday, Feb. 20, Johnson County will start enforcing truck traffic restrictions on certain narrow gravel and chip seal roads in unincorporated Johnson County. The use of operation of any commercial vehicle or any combination of vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Combination Weight Rating of 16,000 pounds or greater are prohibited on the roads designated on the map below. “No truck” signs are posted in those areas. Various city, county and state law enforcement agencies will enforce the truck traffic restrictions. A violation will lead to a $200 fine.
Source: Johnson County Kansas
Hutchinson Regional cites lasting pandemic effects, cost increases as causes for layoffs
Hutchinson Regional Medical Center has announced that it will be laying off 85 employees due to the healthcare landscape being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing supply costs, lower health insurance reimbursement rates and decreased patient volumes compared to pre-pandemic days. Interim CEO of Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System Jeff Egbert said that the reduction is necessary as they continue to navigate the substantial and lasting financial impacts of the global pandemic. “These challenges aren’t unique to Hutchinson,” Egbert said. “Many hospitals and healthcare systems across our nation are facing similar challenges, including many in the Midwest. We are confident that this necessary step will help ensure a secure and stable future for our organization and the patients we serve across Kansas for generations to come,” said Egbert.
Source: KAKE – News
Revamped Lenexa skate park’s new name has history behind it
The skate park in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa will bear a name with some local historic significance — Rolling Magic. Last week, the Lenexa City Council unanimously supported the previously unnamed skate park’s new moniker. It’s the first step of what’s expected to be a complete revamp of the aging facility. The name Rolling Magic alludes to a 1970s-era privately run skate park that’s long since closed. It was located near 95th Street and I-35 and is now the site of a vacant lot.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Lawrence City Commission to vote on proposed ordinance change aimed at helping people find housing
Lawrence city commissioners are set to vote Tuesday on proposed changes to city ordinances that advocates say could help people secure housing. Commissioners — for the third time in recent months — will discuss the proposed change, which creates a protected class based on source of income. That means that landlords could not discriminatorily deny someone housing just because their rent money will come from a housing voucher, settlement, benefit, subsidy, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher and more. The ordinance also provides protection for tenants regardless of their status as a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Sedgwick County home sale prices dip as volume continues year-over-year drop trend
That Sedgwick County monthly home sales experienced a year-over-year volume drop in January is not a new development, as a once-hot housing market has cooled in recent months. The median sale price decreasing compared to the previous year is. That’s what the latest South Central Kansas MLS data shows, with the median sale price moving down 2.6% year over year to $190,000. The county’s 388 homes sold came in 24.7% fewer than January 2022. While Sedgwick County didn’t see a single year-over-year median price drop in 2022, Stan Longhofer, Wichita State University Center for Real Estate director, said a one-month move like this does not mean a home-value depreciation trend is happening.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Riley County proposes new fees regarding land use regulations
Riley County planning director Amanda Webb proposed two new land use fees as part of an ongoing review of the department’s fee structure at Monday’s Riley County Commission meeting. The proposed fees would be $100 for administrative adjustments and exceptions. Both of these categories were part of the new land development regulations that took effect in January 2022. Webb said the administrative adjustment fee applies to the process of bringing existing structures in the county into compliance with the land development regulations. She said these adjustments are done in house by the planning department and are similar to property boundary line adjustments and lot splits, which both carry $100 fees.
Source: themercury.com
USD 413 looks to overhaul summer school program
Potential changes to the USD 413 summer school program could soon become a reality. During the Feb. 6 Board of Education meeting, Assistant Superintendent Matt Koester said that he and Taryn Sigler, After School program coordinator, have explored ideas that offer greater flexibility to students and staff participating in the program. “Our whole discussion was about carrying our after school program to the summer time and redesigning our summer learning program to be more week-by-week based,” he said.
Source: Atchison Globe Now
Park City and developers consider potential STAR bonds district
The group already has been working on plans for an almost $500 million tourist destination for more than a year and a half. [Developer Matt] Baty said they’ve “put together a model that we think is going to be a regional and national draw.” The central piece of the district is a potential aquarium. “We’re in conversations with several operators about their potential interest,” Baty said. There likely would be other entertainment venues, including a museum, and two multipurpose facilities as well. Residential is a possibility as well along with hotels, restaurants and retail. Park City administrator Sean Fox called it all “pretty amazing.”
Source: Wichita Eagle
Old library in downtown Wichita vandalized
It’s where thousands in Sedgwick County went to get their COVID shots. But, now it’s become a target for vandalism. Damage was done to several windows at the downtown library over the weekend. The damage looks like a rock or something was thrown through one window. The others are boarded up. But, the city says it’s going to take steps to protect this site. And that it’s looking further down the road for what will go here next. “Looks like a lot of damage,” said Halle Brittain, a Valley Center resident. Five windows at the Old Library have been replaced with boards. Another, with a hole and cracks, has been taped up. Residents say it’s a sitting target.
Source: KAKE – News
City says cases handled by Louisburg judge without law license are still valid
All acts of former municipal judge David Ruder while he was in office are valid and enforceable despite the fact that he was serving without a valid law license for 20 years, according to the city of Louisburg. Ruder recently resigned after reportedly allowing his law license to lapse but continuing to serve as a municipal judge for the city of Louisburg. The city of Louisburg made the initial announcement in a social media post Monday, Jan. 23, stating that Ruder began serving as the Louisburg Municipal Court judge in 2008.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com
KDHE issues stream advisory for Marais des Cygnes River near Osawatomie
Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a stream advisory for the Marais des Cygnes River near Osawatomie, Kan. The stream advisory is a result of an ongoing inflow and infiltration issue near the city of Osawatomie’s wastewater treatment plant. The advisory has been issued because potential elevated bacteria and contaminants may be present in the Marais des Cygnes River near the city. Anyone who lives or has activities near this stream is advised to not enter the water or allow children or pets to enter.
Source: Osage County News
Fed’s Bowman expects more rate hikes to reach inflation goal
The Federal Reserve will likely have to keep raising interest rates to rein in price growth, which could slow economic expansion and affect the jobs market, Governor Michelle Bowman said. “We are still far from achieving price stability, and I expect that it will be necessary to further tighten monetary policy to bring inflation down toward our goal,” Bowman said Monday at a community banking conference in Orlando, Florida. “Doing so will likely lead to subdued growth in economic activity and some softening in labor-market conditions.” She said restoring price stability is essential to support a sustainably strong labor market. … Fed officials lifted their benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point to a range of 4.5% to 4.75% on Feb. 1. The smaller move followed a half-point increase in December and four 75 basis-point hikes prior to that. Officials in December forecast rates peaking at 5.1% this year, according to their median projection. They will update those estimates next month.
Source: The Bond Buyer
Lawrence Police, FBI to address fentanyl crisis during community forum
It’s time to have the talk, according to the Lawrence Police Department. The department is joining forces with the FBI, the Lawrence School District and the Douglas County District Attorney to discuss what it calls the “fentanyl crisis” in the community.
Source: KSNT 27 News
$850,000 Funding Announced for Downtown Building Revitalization
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $850,000 has been made available to fund a new round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants. The HEAL program, which is funded by the Department of Commerce and the Patterson Family Foundation, provides grants to small communities across the state to revitalize downtown buildings.
The HEAL program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for:
- New or expanding businesses
- Housing
- Arts and culture
- Civic engagement
- Childcare
- Entrepreneurship
“Downtowns throughout Kansas are already making dramatic and visible improvements because of this popular program,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Our partnership with the Patterson Family Foundation is creating even more opportunities for communities to bring their historic buildings back to life and strengthen their local economies.”
HEAL is intended to close financial gaps in restoring underutilized properties and making downtown districts throughout the state more economically vibrant. Applicants must show that submitted projects have potential to become economic drivers in the community.
Eligible applicants must be organizations applying on behalf of building owners and may include designated Kansas Main Street programs, economic development organizations, cities, counties, 501c3 or 501c6 organizations, and local community foundations.
Private building owners should contact their local organization to work in partnership on the application and to identify buildings that are strong candidates for the HEAL program. The buildings should be underutilized, valuable to the historic fabric of the downtown district and have a feasible plan for adaptive re-use.
“Contributing to the HEAL program alongside the Department of Commerce is a natural fit for our foundation’s mission,” said Lindsey Patterson Smith, President of the Patterson Family Foundation. “Downtown areas are often the heart of communities of all sizes, and we believe rural downtown spaces especially will benefit from improvements to their beauty, safety, and greater accessibility.”
HEAL matching grants will be awarded for either façade or building construction projects. Communities that received a previous HEAL grant are not eligible to apply in this round.
Proof of matching funds from the building owner will be required at the time of application. The application window opens February 13 and closes March 31 with award notifications at the end of May.
Information about the HEAL grant program and the online application can be viewed at www.kansascommerce.gov/heal.
Municipal Bond Trends for February 10, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Board will vote Monday on whether to sell a former Wichita school to private developers
A former Wichita school that has sat vacant since 2011 could be sold to private developers if school board members approve the contract at Monday’s meeting. The former Price Elementary property at 6123 E. 11th Street, later renamed Blackbear Bosin Academy, would be sold to Garvey Ventures LLC for $500,000. The building was built in 1956 and sits on more than six and a half acres near 13th and Woodlawn. Garvey’s vice president of finance Aaron Wiechman said that if the sale is approved by the school board, developers will likely repurpose the property for housing.
Source: Wichita Eagle
$50 million project announced to downtown Pittsburg’s Block22
A new building, a two-story pavilion, redevelopment of the historic Besse Hotel… Pittsburg State University announces some big changes in the Block22 neighborhood. It’s the “Gorilla Rising.” PSU is working with the City of Pittsburg and local businesses on a new initiative they hope will strengthen the local business district and provide students with new and unique learning experiences. The University estimates the cost of the project to be about $50 million. … One part of the new initiative is adding a new building to the PSU Kelce College of Business. Officials say the building currently leased by BMO Harris Bank will be the footprint of a new building at Fifth and Broadway. As part of that new building, PSU will partner with the Colonial Fox Theatre to share space in a two-story pavilion. The Theatre already planned a space like that to accommodate a lobby expansion and theatrical support.
Source: KOAM News
Manhattan unveils, dedicates new $22.5 million joint maintenance facility
The City of Manhattan proudly unveiled their new joint maintenance facility during a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday. City Manager Ron Fehr delivered some opening remarks about the $22.5 million building that will now house over 100 employees from various departments and facilities across the city. Fehr said the facility provides significantly more space and resources than these departments had previously.
Source: 1350 KMAN
New bill addresses county nuisance enforcement
Hearings will begin in the state senate’s Local Government Committee at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Topeka about SB-162, a bill granting counties greater authority to enforce nuisance ordinances similar to those enjoyed by cities. The bill is sponsored by Riley County, but has gained the attention and support of other counties in the state, including Crawford. According to Crawford County Counselor Jim Emerson, county governments used to have, or at least believed they had, the power to enforce the clean-up of nuisance properties that posed a danger to the public. That assumption was severely curtailed in the 2012 court decision Barnes v. Board of County Commissioners of Cowley County.
Source: Morning Sun
Daniel Farley is hired as the next South Haven School Superintendent
Wellington High School graduate Daniel Farley has just been hired to be the South Haven School Superintendent. He will begin his tenure on July 1, 2023. The USD 509 South Haven School Board of Education made the hire this week. Farley is currently serving as the Director of Special Programs at USD 353 Wellington school district. Mr. Farley has broad educational experience as a teacher and administrator. He also served as Assistant Director of Sumner County Educational Services/Principal of Sumner County Academy for two years and was also the Assistant Principal at Clay Center Community High School for two years.
Source: Sumner NewsCow
Debry hires Bel Aire’s Jacqueline Kelly as city attorney
The city of Derby recently announced it has hired Jacqueline Kelly to serve as its new attorney starting March 20. Kelly will replace former city attorney Jacque Butler. Kelly most recently served as city attorney for the city of Bel Aire and has also served in a legal capacity with the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office – as assistant district attorney in the areas of civil probate/juvenile offender/traffic – and in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.
Source: Derby Informer | News
Energy companies want to block outside bids on projects
Kansas electric utility monopoly Evergy and other energy companies in the state want lawmakers to grant them more monopoly power over construction of new energy transmission infrastructure, a lucrative sector of the business that is expected to grow in need. Experts predict billions of dollars worth of transmission infrastructure will need to be built in the coming years. Existing energy companies want state lawmakers to help shield their share of the work from competition, while outside developers want a chance at a piece of the pie — feeding a legislative process flush with lobbyists.
Source: CJonline
Newton’s Sand Creek Station to host NJCAA Division I men’s golf tourney
The Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon men’s golf team won the 2022 national championship at the Odessa Country Club in Odessa, Texas, and the 2021 national title at the Rawls Course in Lubbock, Texas. If the HCC men’s golf team, led by 2022 Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee Chris Young in his 23rd season, gets the chance to “three-peat” as NJCAA Division I national champions, they can do it close
to home. The 2023 NJCAA tournament will be played May 16-19 at the Sand Creek Station Golf Course in Newton. … “The city of Newton is thrilled to host the 2023 men’s NJCAA national championship at Sand Creek Station golf course,” said Newton city manager Kelly McElroy. “Our community is honored to receive such great players and their families. Newton has much to offer in the way of shopping, dining, and entertainment and we look forward to welcoming you to our community.”
Source: Hutch News
A look at how declining home construction in Lawrence is creating concern on multiple fronts, including at the school district
The fact that Lawrence isn’t building very many single-family houses causes concern not only for [school board president Shannon] Kimball, but also with the school board-hired consultants who were tasked with making enrollment projections for the district over the next several years. Kimball said those consultants have given the district “information that leads me to believe that we may be a declining enrollment district for the next five years.” Given that the state bases a lot of its funding for K-12 education on a formula that pays the district based on the number of students it has, declining enrollments are likely to make for tighter financial times at the district. That would make the wage issue tough to address.
Source: LJWorld
Office of Broadband to Launch ‘Kansas Broadband Roadshow’
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Office of Broadband Development will take its “Kansas Broadband Roadshow” across the state beginning this week. Starting in Emporia on Wednesday, February 15, Broadband staff will travel the state to learn directly from Kansans about internet access and its availability in their communities. The meetings will give the Broadband Office a grassroots understanding of the current connectivity landscape throughout Kansas to develop an effective five-year strategic action plan and support statewide digital equity. … The Office of Broadband officially kicked off its engagement process on January 19 at the inaugural Kansas Broadband Summit. Staff gathered input from invested communities and partners to ensure strategic engagement. The upcoming public meetings will allow Kansans from across the state the chance to discuss their experiences, needs and opportunities as it relates to high-speed access and development. The office will hold events at 25 to 30 locations around the state. Special attention will be paid to groups and communities that historically have been disproportionately impacted by digital inequities. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, and veterans.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
American Warrior, Inc. v. Board of Finney County Comm’rs (Procedure for issuing conditional-use permits)
This case involves an appeal from a decision of the district court of Finney County affirming the validity of a conditional-use permit issued by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) of Finney County to Huber Sand, Inc. to operate a sand and gravel quarry. The Appellants argue the procedures for reviewing and issuing a conditional-use permit adopted by Finney County—in which the BZA, rather than the planning commission and board of county commissioners, can issue conditional-use permits—impermissibly varies from the procedures mandated by the Legislature. As a result, they claim the permit issued here is void and unenforceable. Because our Supreme Court has held governing bodies must follow the procedures laid out in K.S.A. 2021 Supp. 12-757 in issuing conditional-use permits, we find that Finney County has impermissibly delegated authority to issue conditional-use permits to its BZA. Accordingly, we reverse the district court and find that the conditional-use permit granted to Huber Sand is void and unenforceable.
Read the Court of Appeals opinion here.
Unified Government nets $12M following failure to build Hollywood Casino hotel
The owners of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway have paid more than $12 million in penalties for failing to build a hotel in conjunction with the casino. Kansas Entertainment LLC, a joint venture between PENN Entertainment and International Speedway Corp., now part of NASCAR, since 2015 has made $12.1 million in annual payments to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. The yearly sums range between $988,215 and $2,333,850 over that timeframe, according to data obtained through a recent records request. The penalties stem from Kansas Entertainment’s failure to build a hotel as stipulated in its September 2009 casino development agreement with the Unified Government.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
12 Kansas towns, cities to receive $5M in federal funds in road safety grants
A dozen communities in Kansas are slated to receive federal funds to help improve road safety. Gov. Laura Kelly’s office announced that a total of $5 million in federal dollars will be distributed among 12 Kansas communities through the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. This program aims to create local transportation safety plans to identify and address transportation safety concerns. State funding through the new Kansas SS4A match pilot program will contribute to the local match as required of grant recipients. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) sent 22 letters of support for the first round of applications to the program on behalf of Kansas communities applying for SS4A funds, according to the Office of the Governor. The projects awarded within the Sunflower State are for “action plan grants” to help communities that do not currently have a roadway safety plan in place. “Local commitment and regional collaboration were instrumental in bringing Safe Streets and Roads for All funds to Kansas,” Calvin Reed, Acting Secretary of Transportation, said. “KDOT’s help with local matching funds is indicative of the importance the agency places on safety and our long-term goal of reaching zero roadway fatalities.” KDOT agreed to contribute anywhere from 10% to 20% of the total match requirement to encourage participation in the program, according to the Office of the Governor. To receive 20%, an agency had to represent a rural area of the state and apply for a multijurisdictional planning effort to encourage regional collaboration. The cost share/match in SS4A is 80% federal and 20% local match.
The largest amount of funds, $1.36 million was awarded to Garden City as its safety plan application covers six cities and six counties in western Kansas. The other communities that secured funds through SS4A grants include:
| Grant awardee | Award amount | % local match from KDOT |
| City of Lawrence | $160,000 | 15% |
| City of Leavenworth | $280,000 | 10% |
| City of Olathe | $280,000 | 10% |
| City of Salina | $160,000 | 15% |
| City of Valley Falls | $40,000 | 15% |
| Cowley County | $160,000 | 15% |
| Dodge City | $230,434 | 10% |
| Garden City | $1,360,000 | 20% |
| Leavenworth County | $280,000 | 10% |
| Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation | $225,600 | 15% |
| SE Kansas Regional Planning Commission | $800,000 | 15% |
| Unified Gov. of Wyandotte Co./Kansas City | $1,000,000 | None |
SS4A is a five-year, $5 billion competitive grant program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure law and administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The program provides support to the U.S. DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which is described as a comprehensive approach to make roadways safer for all, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and emergency and construction workers. SS4A plans stress responsible driving, safer roadway designs, appropriate speed-limit setting and improved post-crash care.
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for February 9, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Municipal Bond Trends for February 8, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Lights, cameras … Kansas? State may revive tax credit, despite effectiveness concern
On paper, Kevin Willmott and Hallmark movies are about as different as can be. Willmott, a Kansas native and professor of film at the University of Kansas, won an Academy Award for his writing of the movie “BlacKkKlansman.” Hallmark Media, based within shouting distance of Kansas in Kansas City, has become infamous for its escapist, romantic comedy romps, often set in cozy, snowy small towns. But both are united in support for Kansas reinstating a tax credit for TV and film productions, a move that supporters say is necessary to reignite the industry in the state.
Source: CJonline
Finney County approves RFP for future tourism facilities, venues
The Finney County Commission approved a facilities/venues audit and assessment RFP … with the goal to create a “long-term roadmap for future tourism product development and program enhancements that reflect Finney County’s unique needs, make up, values and existing assets that make it an active and enticing destination for both residents and visitors.” … Commissioner Lon Pishny said the proposal was a yearlong project that he initiated with an unofficial ad-hoc task force with the stakeholders of the county such as the city of Garden City, city of Holcomb, Garden City Community College, USD 457, USD 363, Finney County Economic Development Corporation, the Chamber and the CVB. The purpose of the group was to study the coordination of facilities and venues in the county, what currently exists and what it doesn’t have yet that could attract workers and visitors to the county and keep residents here, Pishny said.
Source: GC Telegram