Kansas Municipal News
Fed officials still expects rate cuts this year, but not anytime soon
Cleveland Federal Reserve President Loretta Mester said Tuesday she still expects interest rate cuts this year, but ruled out the next policy meeting in May. Mester also indicated that the long-run path is higher than policymakers had previously thought. The central bank official noted progress made on inflation while the economy has continued to grow. Should that continue, rate cuts are likely, though she didn’t offer any guidance on timing or extent. “I continue to think that the most likely scenario is that inflation will continue on its downward trajectory to 2 percent over time. But I need to see more data to raise my confidence,” Mester said in prepared remarks for a speech in Cleveland. Additional inflation readings will provide clues as to whether some higher-than-expected data points this year either were temporary blips or a sign that the progress on inflation “is stalling out,” she added. “I do not expect I will have enough information by the time of the FOMC’s next meeting to make that determination,” Mester said.
Source: Finance
City of Lawrence seeks input to develop brick streets and sidewalks policy
The City of Lawrence wants community feedback as staff members look to develop a policy on maintenance, restoration and preservation of brick streets and sidewalks. City staff members and members of the Multimodal Transportation Commission’s Brick Streets and Sidewalks subcommittee will hold an open house this week to discuss community values, according to a news release from the city. The policy will also consider standards for reconstruction of brick streets and sidewalks, according to the release. “The Brick Streets + Sidewalks policy should reflect the community’s values and priorities, as well as have attainable and practical implementation strategies for the City of Lawrence,” according to the project website. “The Transportation Planning division will lead the public engagement process and staff a subcommittee of community stakeholders.” Formulating a policy has been an ongoing effort since 2013, according to the website, but “The delay in adopting a formal policy is likely in part due to shifting City priorities and staff turnover,” according to the website. “The 2024 budget process identified the priority to develop a comprehensive Brick Streets and Sidewalk Policy.” “Although the history on the subject provides good context for past community feedback, a full public process will be facilitated through the drafting of this policy,” the website states.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Municipal Bond Trends for April 3, 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.
Moving to these Kansas counties could come with financial incentives
If you’re looking to move and haven’t considered Kansas, a state program aimed at attracting new residents to more rural areas could be worth investigating. Ninety-five of Kansas’ 105 counties are designated “rural opportunity zones,” which means anyone who moves there could receive student loan repayment assistance or might qualify for a tax credit to cover 100% of their state income taxes. In some cases, a new resident could qualify for both incentives. The Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) program was introduced in 2012. It has grown from 50 counties 12 years ago to the 95 counties that offer the financial incentives today, with a main goal of bringing more residents to rural areas that have experienced the greatest population losses.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Judge rejects ‘infamous’ commenter’s assertion that Lawrence’s rules are unconstitutionally vague
Lawrence’s “most infamous” commenter has failed to demonstrate that the City Commission’s rules about comments at public meetings are unconstitutionally vague or that the city engaged in unlawful viewpoint and content discrimination against him. Federal Judge Julie Robinson in an order this week, using Justin Spiehs’ self-identification as “the most infamous and outspoken public speaker,” dismissed those claims from Spiehs’ lawsuit against the city and two of its former mayors, but she has allowed other claims to move forward, including Spiehs’ contention that the city retaliated against him and denied him equal protection.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for April 2, 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 April 1, 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.
Commerce Celebrates National Community Development Week
The Kansas Department of Commerce is joining other organizations and communities across the state in commemorating National Community Development Week. The annual event, which this year is April 1-5, shines a spotlight on the transformative impact of community development initiatives and collaborative efforts that drive positive local change. National Community Development Week serves as a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of local leaders, organizations and residents who work tirelessly to enhance the quality of life for all members of their communities. From affordable housing projects to infrastructure improvements, these endeavors represent the collective commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future for Kansas. For more information about National Community Development Week events and initiatives, click here.
Rural ambulance plan in limbo
At issue is a regulatory requirement that ambulances operate with two medically credentialed attendants, which poses challenges for rural services. “This is a bill that allows ambulances, particularly in rural areas, to move with only one EMT and one certified driver,” Rep. Fred Gardner, R-Garnett, said of Senate Bill 384. “Current regulation requires two EMTs….” … Industry officials said that language appeared to eliminate the two-person requirement entirely, which could leave patients unattended in the back of an ambulance.
Source: Hutch News
Topeka & Shawnee County library to focus on connections, people and joy
The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library enjoys a reputation for excellence, including having been named “2016 Library of the Year” by a respected library journal. But library leaders hope to serve customers even better, and that’s reflected in their recently released five-year strategic plan. That plan calls for the library to offer more chances to learn, explore and connect, said Marie Pyko, the library’s CEO.
Source: CJonline
Victoria to allow two days a week watering
At the Feb. 19, 2024 City of Victoria Council regular session meeting, [members] discussed allowing residents to water two days a week versus just one. The days would include one day on the weekend and one day during the week for north and south of 10th Street. City Attorney Don Hoffman will draft the resident watering days allowance resolution for the Council to formally adopt.
Source: Hays Daily News
Housing key to local economic growth in Hays
Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams focused on Hays’ housing needs as he addressed the local business owners, bankers, lawyers, educators, City Commissioners and City staff gathered on Mar. 5, 2024 at BriefSpace for the nonprofit organization’s quarterly luncheon. Executive Director Williams opened his remarks with a reminder of the crucial role housing plays in rural communities’ attempts to recruit and retain a workforce. “Without housing, we can’t do that [hire and keep workers], so housing is very important to us, And so we wanted to give you all a little bit of an update on what happened in 2023, where we see 2024 going and an update on a few of our projects,” said Executive Director Williams.
Source: Hays Daily News
Municipal Bond Trends for March 28, 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 March 27, 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 Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) has information and training for local governments across Kansas
- Regional Planning Workshops – Join KOBD for engagement and training on using your voice to engage with providers across the state.
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- Resources and toolkits on the website.
- View maps of eligible locations and dates/registrations for Workshops.
- Permitting Workshop in Salina on April 25 (full day)
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- Who: ISPs, local governments, state and federal agencies, ROW owners, co-ops, permitting contractors, and other stakeholders interested in broadband deployment
- Informational Webinar for the open-access non-discriminatory Freestate Middle Mile Network on April 19 at 2 p.m.
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- Anyone interested in learning more!
Great Bend’s ROW rules updated
The space available in city utility right of ways is limited. Because more utility providers are requiring space in city right of ways, a new ordinance to manage that space was adopted by the Great Bend City Council on March 18. The city’s utility ROWs are becoming occupied by more utility providers and the space is becoming more crowded…
Source: Great Bend Tribune
New tourism coordinator in Newton looks forward to highlighting the town
Newton’s new CVB/Main Street coordinator, Jen Lehman, would like to hear from people about what they want to see in the community. Since she’s still getting her feet wet, Lehman doesn’t have a lot of new plans yet. “I’m trying to come up with things I’d enjoy seeing here in Newton,” she said. That might include things she’s seen in other counties and would like to implement for Newton.
Source: Harvey County Now
Weeks after Lawrence enacts plastic bag ban, Kansas Senate advances bill to block it
Just weeks after Lawrence enacted a ban on single-use, disposable plastic bags, the Kansas Senate advanced a bill that would prohibit cities and counties from regulating the sale of single-use plastic containers. The measure passed 24-16 Wednesday. The bill would prevent cities from regulating the sale of plastic containers such as straws, bags and other single-use plastic containers.
Source: KC Star Local News
After Bird abruptly left, Overland Park to tap scooter rival Lime for new pilot
Overland Park is preparing to tap Lime Micromobility for a new pilot for electric scooters and bikes after another vendor, Bird, left the city abruptly last summer. On Wednesday, the Overland Park City Council Public Works Committee will get a first look at the new pilot agreement during their regularly scheduled meeting.
Source: Johnson County Post
Marysville hires new administrator
Joshua Haverkamp, Marysville’s new city administrator, has been eager to move back to rural Kansas. Professionally, he said, he wants to take the next step to develop his skills as an administrator. “The Marysville position was the best of both worlds for us as a family,” Haverkamp said.
Source: The Marysville Advocate