Kansas Municipal News
More people are moving to and staying in rural areas, but that’s true only for parts of the Midwest
Brad Gabel, a native of California, came up with the perfect catchphrase for his bakery. “Bringing big city tastes to a small town, Iowa,” Gable said. Gabel now lives in Orange City, a community of about 6,000 people in the northwest corner of the state and runs Brad’s Bakery Bistro. “I was able to adapt easily to Orange City, even though I was born and raised in Los Angeles, because I got involved in the community, whether it was with the church, community organizations or local businesses,” he said. A recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture called Rural America at a Glance shows the population in rural areas is rising after a decade of decline. The average growth across the country was a quarter of a percent for rural counties – defined as those with cities of up to 50,000 people – from 2020 to 2022. However, not all areas experienced the same increase. John Cromartie, a geographer in the USDA’s Resource and Rural Economy Division and one of the study’s authors, said the trend is more visible in the South, the Northeast and West and less in the Corn Belt or Great Plains. “Because the population is, on average, much older, you don’t have as many younger people having kids, and it’s harder to attract those kinds of families,” Cromartie said. “They have higher rates of natural decrease compared to other states due to an older population.” Cromartie’s research shows only part of the rural Midwest saw gains, mainly fueled by people leaving major cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Others retired and moved to resort areas, including the Upper Great Lakes and Ozarks.
Source: KCUR News
Municipal Bond Trends for December 5, 2023
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 December 4, 2023
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.
U.S. 54 project in western Kansas delayed
A project on U.S. Highway 54 near the Ford/Kiowa County line has been delayed. The Kansas Department of Transportation says the project to install new passing lanes one mile east of the Ford/Kiowa County line and west of Mullinville began in October. However, a portion of that work that was going to require detouring traffic off of the highway scheduled to begin in the middle of December has been pushed to start on January 8. The work involves a roughly two-mile stretch of the highway. Starting around Jan. 8, drivers on U.S. 54 will be directed to a detour onto Kansas Highway 34 and U.S. Highway 400.
Source: KSN Local News
Another drop in Kansas sales tax on groceries is coming January 1
Kansas is about to implement another drop in the state’s sales tax on groceries next month. Gov. Laura Kelly signed the “Axe the Food Tax” legislation in May 2022. The law dropped the tax from 6.5% to 4% in January 2023. It will drop again to 2% on January 1, 2024 and to zero in 2025. Kelly said previously that the lower sales tax will save taxpayers about $740 million over the three-year reduction. She said a family spending $200 a week on groceries was expected to save $208 in 2023. The lower rate applies to food, food ingredients and certain prepared foods. Shoppers can expect to see two tax rates on their receipts, one for qualifying items and one for other items. The state’s rate does not account for additional city and county taxes.
Source: KAKE News
Fed Chair Powell calls talk of cutting rates ‘premature’ and says more hikes could happen
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday pushed back on market expectations for aggressive interest rate cuts ahead, calling it too early to declare victory over inflation. Despite a string of positive indicators recently regarding prices, the central bank leader said the Federal Open Market Committee plans on “keeping policy restrictive” until policymakers are convinced that inflation is heading solidly back to 2%. “It would be premature to conclude with confidence that we have achieved a sufficiently restrictive stance, or to speculate on when policy might ease,” Powell said in prepared remarks for an audience at Spelman College in Atlanta. “We are prepared to tighten policy further if it becomes appropriate to do so.” Expectations that the Fed is done raising rates and will move to an easing posture in 2024 have helped underpin a strong Wall Street rally that has sent the Dow Jones Industrial Average up more than 8% over the past month to a new 2023 high.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Kansas and Missouri have 256,000 lead pipes. EPA wants them removed within 10 years.
An individual holds a lead pipe, a steel pipe and a lead pipe treated with protective orthophosphate. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule requiring water utilities to remove lead pipes decades after new ones were banned. (EPA) Utilities in Kansas and Missouri would have to pull hundreds of thousands of lead pipes out of the ground within 10 years under a proposed rule the Environmental Protection Agency announced Thursday. The EPA announced a proposed update to the lead and copper rule strengthening President Joe Biden’s earlier goal of eradicating lead pipes. The proposed rule also would lower the limit on lead in water by one-third. “Lead in drinking water is a generational public health issue, and EPA’s proposal will accelerate progress towards President Biden’s goal of replacing every lead pipe across America once and for all,” EPA administrator Michael Regan said in a news release. For much of the 20th Century, utilities were permitted to install lead service lines, the pipes that carry water from water mains under the street into homes. The EPA banned them in 1986, but utilities have never been required to remove existing pipes. In fact, some utility companies don’t know where the remaining lead service lines are. Estimates as to how many remain vary widely. The EPA estimates Missouri has 202,112 remaining lead service lines while the environmental nonprofit the Natural Resources Defense Council estimates more than 330,000. In Kansas, the EPA estimates 54,107 lead pipes remain while the NRDC believes there are more than 160,000.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Colwich residents asked to avoid flushing “flushable” wipes
Residents in Colwich are being asked not to flush “flushable wipes” because of a backup in the city’s sewer system. The city reported the problem on Tuesday and put a post on social media showing the effect of flushable wipes on sewer systems. The post is asking residents to flush only toilet paper. The city also posted a graphic saying that such items as paper towels, disposable diapers, dental floss, plastics and cigarette butts should not be flushed down the toilet.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Municipal Bond Trends for December 1, 2023
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.
Overland Park developing pilot to encourage more diverse housing
Overland Park, like many other Johnson County cities, is exploring ways to encourage more diverse housing options for its current and future residents. City staff and a team of consultants from MBL Planning are developing a pilot program that aims to make it easier to get such projects through the planning process with something called pattern zoning. Under the pilot program, Overland Park would keep a collection of 24 pre-designed homes that are “permit-ready,” Planning and Development Services Director Leslie Karr said. Those designs would be available for any resident to use for free on any lot in the city that carries the corresponding residential zoning designation. She said that this pilot, once it’s active, can really simplify the process and open the market up to smaller developers or private citizens who want to build this type of housing but might lack the money to get through the traditional permitting process.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Governor Kelly Announces Nearly $15M Available to Connect Kansans to Digital Devices and Public Wi-Fi
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that applications are open for the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program. A total of $14.7 million in grant awards will be available to organizations addressing the challenges of broadband accessibility, affordability, and device availability. “Every Kansan deserves the opportunity and the resources to thrive in today’s modern economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “By increasing access to the internet through devices and public Wi-Fi, ADOPT is equipping Kansans with the tools necessary to participate and compete in our highly connected world.” More than 153,000 Kansans are without high-speed internet subscriptions because of barriers such as infrastructure limitations, affordability issues, and lack of access to devices and technical support. The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is rolling out the comprehensive ADOPT program to combat these challenges. “Expanding broadband access by bringing public Wi-Fi and digital devices to underserved areas will open doors to education, remote work, health care, and more,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “This game-changing program ensures reliable access for those who need it most — which not only connects communities but fosters economic growth.” ADOPT is divided into two key categories: Equipment Distribution and Public Wi-Fi.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
EPA releases proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Wednesday released its proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI). The expected proposal would amend the 2021 Lead and Copper Rule Revisions and establish new mandates for lead pipe including a requirement for U.S. water systems to replace all lead service lines within 10 years. The proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements will reduce the lead action level and amend tap sampling protocols utilized by water systems. Key provisions include achieving 100% Lead Pipe Replacement within 10 years, locating legacy lead pipes, improving tap sampling, lowering the Lead Action Level, and strengthening protections to reduce exposure. The proposal would also require water systems to communicate more frequently and proactively with consumers about lead service lines and the system’s plans for replacing the lines. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements are central to the whole of government approach detailed in the Biden Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan. The Biden EPA has also touted its $15 billion investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace lead service lines, provide technical assistance to communities, and support the development of a national inventory of lead service lines.
Source: Water Finance & Management
Governor Kelly Announces $28.5M for High-Speed Internet Infrastructure
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $28.5 million in grants were awarded to 12 entities through the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program. The LINC program provides strategic funding for crucial aspects of broadband connectivity to reduce the cost of internet service, increase availability, and improve performance. “LINC is another step forward in our promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “We are empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine, and expanded educational opportunities. ” With matching funds from service providers, the total broadband investment in LINC is expected to surpass $33.9 million. LINC will provide opportunities for increased internet adoption by focusing on funding for Broadband Infrastructure, enabling end-user locations with a minimum of 100/20 Mbps speeds, Internet Exchange Point facilities to improve the overall internet access service quality for all Kansans, and Middle Mile infrastructure to reduce overall costs in delivering broadband to end-users. “As we continue to lead the nation in business development, robust broadband becomes even more critical for attracting new businesses and remote workers to the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We will continue to work with partners across Kansas to ensure all communities have the high-speed broadband they need to compete and succeed.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Mulvane to repay $7 million to casino
Based on valuations set by the Sumner County appraiser and appeals filed by the Kansas Star Casino, an agreement was recently approved by the Sumner County Commission to resolve tax issues dating back a decade, according to The Mulvane News. Each year since its opening in 2011-2012, the Kansas Star Casino has appealed its property taxes set by Sumner County, which were deemed too high each time. Now, with the agreement in place, local taxing authorities – including Sumner County, the city of Mulvane, USD 263 and more – are set to resolve the appeals for 2014, 2016-2017 and 2019-2023. Payments will be refunded over four years, without interest, per the agreement. Mulvane’s total payback figure over four years comes to $7,268,566.58.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Winfield plans to help workers find jobs after closure of manufacturing facility
Nearly 200 workers in Winfield are expected to be out of work in the coming months. The city says Silgan Dispensing Systems will close its Winfield plastic manufacturing facility. Silgan handed out notifications about the layoffs to employees this week, saying layoffs begin in January. The closure of the Winfield plant is part of a larger trend, according to Wichita State University’s economic development and business research director. “When I look at this sector of plastics, it has been declining over the last five years,” said Jeremy Hill. “It declined about four percent over the last five years.” … Winfield City Manager Taggart Wall said the closure came out of left field. “As recently as 11 months ago, we were working with the company on expansion plans here in Winfield,” Taggart said. Now, the city is trying to prevent big losses. “Priority number one, to replace these lost jobs here in Cowley County,” Taggart said.
Source: KSN-TV
Leawood tightens sports court rules following noise complaints
The city of Leawood has put new rules in place for residents looking to put private sports courts in their backyards. The Leawood City Council last week approved an amendment to the city’s development ordinance requiring new setback and neighbor notification requirements for building new tennis or pickle ball courts. The amendment approved last week requires residents to notify any neighbors by mail within 200 feet that they want to build a sports court. It also requires the court to be screened from neighbors by evergreen landscaping. The midpoint of the court must also now be closer to the owner’s house than to any neighbor’s houses, with a minimum setback of 20 feet from all property lines. City planning staff began looking into pickle ball noise mitigation after residents voiced concerns about noise and bright lights coming from residential pickle ball courts last year. City staff and the Leawood Planning Commission explored a number of options for addressing those concerns, such as cutting back permitted court lighting hours and raising the minimum distance from neighboring property lines.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Mission creating more bike and pedestrian connectivity
The city of Mission will host two public open houses Wednesday that will offer more details about the city’s ongoing bicycle, pedestrian and trail connection study. The focus of the study is to develop a connected network of on- and off-street bicycle and micro-mobility facilities. It also addresses pedestrian-specific concerns such as safety at major street crossings, access to certain destinations and sidewalk and path continuity. The study will result in a plan for a proposed design and appropriate infrastructure in major corridors around the city.
Source: Prairie Village Post
PSU, KBI to build $40 million crime center
Plans are being made for Pittsburg State University and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation to partner on a project to build a $40 million regional crime center and laboratory near the PSU campus. The center would serve law enforcement and provide education for future forensic scientists and criminal justice professionals, the university announced Thursday. Plans have yet to be completed, but the center will be located in the Pittsburg Research Park near South Rouse Avenue. The area already houses research and testing laboratories for PSU and is a short drive from the main campus. The initial timeline slates groundbreaking in January 2025 and completion in July 2026.
Source: www.joplinglobe.com
Municipal Bond Trends for November 30, 2023
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 Panasonic plant construction, hiring set for busy 2024
Roughly a year after Panasonic officially broke ground on its $4 billion electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto, Kansas, construction crews still have more than a year of work to go before the targeted opening in the first quarter of 2025. But, Panasonic officials say the senior leadership team is in place, 34 engineers have already been hired and are training at the company’s Gigafactory plant near Reno, Nevada, to help set up and open the De Soto facility. The workers who will be on the line on day one are expected to be hired in January and February, and spend much of 2024 training up to be ready to run the Kansas facility. “Anyone wanting to be a part of advanced manufacturing, we’ll have opportunities at all levels,” said Panasonic Vice President of Human Resources Kristen Walters. That’s why she says the company is already working closely with local community colleges and four-year institutions to mold degree and certification programs to teach the skills Panasonic will need. Those programs will allow entry-level workers to advance through the ranks, helping prolong a career in manufacturing either within Panasonic or at one of the region’s other manufacturing businesses. The goal is to spread those programs around the region to help draw workers that already live in the metro, around 50 miles around the plant.
Source: KSN-TV