Municipal News & Jobs

Kansas Municipal News

El Dorado launches transportation study

In an effort to understand current transportation issues that affect citizens and businesses, the City of El Dorado has hired JEO Consulting Group of Wichita to gather information for them, costing $194,420. JEO created a survey that covers all areas of the city and asks questions relating to all modes of transportation, safety issues, maintenance, and the future of city roads. At the end of the study, the City will be able to create a transportation master plan that creates a vision for all modes of transportation over the next 25 years, provide framework to implement a sustainable transportation system, and identify projects that improve safety and mobility as well as future projects that can support El Dorado’s development. The public engagement portion of the study kicked off on Tuesday evening, Jan. 30 at the Civic Center. From 4:30-6:30pm employees from JEO and City Engineer Director Scott Rickard were present to answer questions and guide community members through the graphics displayed and explained what the study will do. Community members were given a questionnaire to fill out that allowed them to voice their concerns and took count of the ways people travel in the city. While the questionnaire is available for citizens to take, informational graphics similar to the ones at the kickoff event will be displayed at City Hall, Bradford Memorial Library, and the Senior Center. All of the questionnaires will remain anonymous and can be done digitally through March 31.
Source: Andover American

Museum opens exhibit on GCHS history book

The Finney County Historical Museum has a new short-term exhibit in its Front Door Gallery. The exhibit features more than 30 images from the coffee table book “Life and Times of the Buffaloes” by local author Brett Marshall about the history of Garden City High School, as well as a small collection of artifacts from the museum’s own collection, USD 456/Garden City Public Schools and from Mike Wade of Traditions Soda and Sandwich Shop. The exhibit will be on display through the end of April. Marshall wrote the book in partnership with USD 457 over a two-and-a-half-year period, it was released in September 2023. The graphic design of the book was handled by Josh Harbour and much of the research and the early-day photographs came from the museum’s archives. The book has 12 chapters which outline the development of public education in Garden City, dating back to the 1880s, and concluding with the graduation and highlights of the 2022-23 school year. Steve Quakenbush, executive director of the museum, said museum staff decided to make the book and the history of GCHS its theme for the Front Door Gallery because of how comprehensive the book was and its popularity in the community. “We thought why not give people a chance to see some highlights from it?” he said. “It is history, it’s Garden City history that touches the lives of a lot of people, just about anyone who ever attended Garden City High School. It just seemed like a natural thing to do.”
Source: Garden City Telegram

Earthquake in Oklahoma felt across Kansas

The U.S. Geological Survey says a 5.1 magnitude earthquake Friday was recorded around 11:24 p.m. with the epicenter of the earthquake in Prague, Oklahoma. Residents in Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, along with Oklahoma all reporting furniture shaking and cabinet doors opening. Most humans can feel a magnitude 2.5 or higher according to geological experts. If you felt Friday’s earthquake, you can report it to the USGS online.
Source: KSN-TV

Why firefighters are setting fires in Reno County

People in Reno County may have seen or smelled smoke Friday. The Hutchinson Fire Department had some firefighters start fires as part of its mitigation efforts ahead of wildfire season. They were burning a ditch on Buhler/Haven Road on Friday afternoon. “Every year we go around our territory and pick out four to five places we feel are concerns,” Jeremy Unruh, HFD division chief of operations, said. “We’re looking for the fuel type in the fields, how thick it is, and we compare that against recent incidents we’ve had.” He said burning a ditch gives some protection since many fires start along roadways, possibly from discarded cigarettes or chains dragged along the pavement, creating sparks. The goal is that the controlled fires now will help prevent grass fires from starting in the coming months. The fires also help train crews. According to the Kansas Forest Service, recent moisture helps in the short term but also creates more fuel for fires and causes problems for crews. “When we do have fires that start, and our fire departments try to get out into the fields to put them out, with the ground being so wet, the chances of getting fire trucks stuck and those kinds of things go up a lot,” said Rodney Redinger, Kansas Forest Service asst. fire management officer of operations and training. Another thing that can cause grass fires is when four-wheelers get stuck in tall grass. If that happens, Redinger says to shut the vehicle off to prevent hot exhaust from starting a fire.
Source: KSN-TV

Aerospace manufacturer plans to bring 150 jobs to Johnson County with $84M expansion

The Honeywell aerospace manufacturing facility in Olathe is planning an $84 million expansion, expected to create more than 150 new jobs, officials announced on Friday. The Olathe plant is just south of the intersection of Kansas Highways 7 and 10. The 560,000-square-foot facility manufactures parts for avionics, safety and flight control systems, radio frequency systems and weather radar, according to a news release. “Expanding this facility will enable the development of a strong and resilient domestic supply chain for next-generation avionics and printed circuit board assemblies that our commercial and military customers can rely on,” Honeywell Aerospace Technologies President and CEO Jim Currier said in the release. “At Honeywell, we are in constant need of highly skilled employees, particularly in engineering and advanced manufacturing, and our decision to expand one of our U.S.-based facilities is a testament to the confidence we have in the U.S. economy and its talented workforce.” Last month, the Olathe City Council approved an agreement with the Kansas Department of Commerce for a company — which at the time was unnamed and only dubbed “Project Amber” — to receive money from the state’s Job Creation Fund. Honeywell will receive $4 million over several years, including $500,000 from city real estate taxes generated on the site. The company agreed to create 156 jobs in the first five years of the agreement.
Source: Joco 913 News

Municipal Bond Trends for February 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.

Topeka hopes to lure migrants with work authorization to fill some of its thousands of open jobs

While many American cities are struggling with large numbers of newly arrived migrants, Topeka is inviting anyone and everyone with permission to work in the U.S. to come its way. Like a lot of smaller cities, the Kansas capital is grappling with near-stagnant population growth and an unemployment rate well below the national average, according to city and economic-development officials. Finding people to fill its roughly 6,600 open jobs has been a struggle, they say. The Greater Topeka Partnership, an economic-development group, has been trying to sell people on the city with its “Choose Topeka” marketing campaign, which it started in 2019. Last year, it decided to direct those efforts toward immigrants, especially those from Spanish-speaking countries.
Source: Wall Street Journal

Landlord Incentive Pilot Program begins second round of operation on Feb. 1

The second round of Johnson County’s Landlord Incentive Pilot Program began Feb. 1, 2024 following its approval by the Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 18, 2024. The program will be available until funds are exhausted. The pilot program provides landlords with financial incentives to rent their units to low-income tenants using federally funded housing subsidy vouchers. The Board approved $200,000 in federal funds to continue the program. The first round of funding was available from July 1-Nov. 15, 2023, before the federal grant funds were successfully expended. In the first round, the county recruited 23 new landlords to participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program and six returning landlords who previously left the program. A total of 41 landlords participated. As a result, the program provided 83 families with long-term, stable housing – including families with disabled members, working families with children and families experiencing homelessness. A survey gathered feedback from landlords who participated in the first round of the Landlord Incentive Pilot Program. The survey found that 96% of landlords indicated they offered units to the program that they would not have because of the incentive. Additionally, 90% of new landlords stated they would not have tried the program without the sign-on bonus. Find more information on the survey. While families with vouchers are no more likely than any other tenant to damage units, the county also offers landlords reimbursement for tenant-caused damages. Landlords who participated in the incentive program have indicated the damage reimbursement fund was important for continued partnership with the Johnson County Housing Authority. To date, the damage reimbursement fund has not received any claims for tenant damages. “People on our program tend to be long term renters, so that one-time initial investment to get landlord partnerships will lead to vulnerable populations having stable housing for a long period of time,” said Jessa Molina, landlord liaison for Johnson County. Since the incentive program’s inception, the Housing Choice Voucher program has seen an increase in its utilization rate of vouchers by 4% to 89%. The goal is to continue to raise the rate to 93% by the end of the second round of funding.
Source: Johnson County Kansas

Johnson County releases 2024 market study analysis

Johnson County has released its Market Study Analysis for the Assessment Year 2024, examining the real estate market in the county – including both the residential and commercial markets. The analysis is completed by the county’s Appraiser’s Office, using data from its annual valuation process. During the process, the office reviewed the sale of more than 19,000 residential properties, completing a sales comparison analysis to developed market values. The study found that nearly 90% of residential properties increased in value for 2024. The median single-family residential sale price rose 7-8% from 2022 to 2023, leading to an average increase in residential values in the 7-9% range. Commercial real estate also remained steady, with commercial values increasing at a rate of 6-10%. The commercial market includes the following sectors: Industrial: The industrial market remained steady in 2023, with more than six million square feet of industrial new construction permits issued. Multifamily: The multifamily market continues to perform better than many markets in the country, with mixed-use development and vertical construction remaining popular. Office: Office market rental rates remained stable. Vacancy is slightly up for some properties, but vacancy rates were well below national averages. Retail: Retail remained stable due to continued redevelopment and mixed-use development – including the Metcalf corridor and Bluhawk in Overland Park. Hotel/Motel: Hotels and motels are generally operating at or above pre-pandemic levels. The daily rate growth outperformed recent forecasts, and occupancy continues to climb.
Source: Johnson County Kansas

Questions posed on Fort Scott Community College’s finances, future

Fort Scott Community College President Jason Kegler fielded questions on topics ranging from the college’s recent financial struggles to moving the college into the future during a Community Conversation Jan. 24 at the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center. In an introduction to the forum, Kegler said he is an “open book” and he would answer all questions he is able to answer. He said there were two topics that he would not address during the forum; personnel matters, and individual grievances. He said he would be willing to meet with anyone individually to discuss those topics.
Source: Fort Scott Tribune

Towns could turn on to solar

Both Marion and Hillsboro are candidates for a Kansas Power Pool project to build arrays of solar panels to generate electricity in nine Kansas cities. In November, Hillsboro approved leasing land to KPP for the solar array. Marion approved leasing land Jan. 22. Hillsboro city administrator Matt Stiles said KPP started eyeing building solar panel arrays 11 months ago. “They directly engaged with us in June, and we approved participation in November,” Stiles said. To build the panels, KPP applied for a forgivable loan from Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Powering Affordable Clean Energy program. “Right now there’s a lot of support, and there are a lot of federal programs that people are taking advantage of,” Stiles said. If KPP’s application is successful, the company plans to build solar arrays in Hillsboro, Marion, Clay Center, Ellinwood, Greensburg, Kingman, Mulvane, Wellington, and Winfield. While waiting to see whether the forgivable loan is approved, KPP is doing feasibility studies on the potential locations. Hillsboro plans for the array to be built west of its wastewater facility. The array is expected to cover seven acres. Marion plans its array to be built north of the county transfer station.
Source: HILLSBORO Star-Journal

Pratt Fire Chief retires after nearly half a century of service

“Thank you for your fearless service and dedication to serving our community for 48 years,” a Pratt dispatcher said over the radio. This was part of Pratt Fire Chief David Kramer’s final call Wednesday night as dispatch thanked him for nearly half a century of sacrifice for the town. Kramer hangs up his hat leaving behind a legacy that the community will never forget. “He is probably more, or just as a father figure as my own father. He is probably all these guys’ father figure as well,” said firefighter Justin Garrett. Garrett is taking over the department, but he says he has big shoes to fill. Kramer’s love for PFD started as a boy watching the man he looked up to the most, his father. “I was born in ’55, and he started with the department in ’54. So that’s why I’m saying I’ve been around the fire department literally all my life,” Kramer said, showing us old photos. “That’s kind of a funny one. That’s my dad right there. It’s kinda funny, a guy with the newspaper used to be on the fire department too, and he would a lot of times take pictures.” As soon as Kramer was old enough, he joined the department, which is made up mostly of volunteers, and served for 23 years before taking the reins as chief. Forty-eight years later, Kramer spent his last day with the people he will always call family, including the only person who has been with the department longer than him – Deputy Chief George Stevens. “David and I knew each other before we were on the fire department,” Stevens said. “It’s just been a, like I said, a fun ride. I respect him, and will do that to the day we are not on this earth anymore.” As much fun as the team had Wednesday, it’s no surprise it got a bit emotional at times. “I can’t say enough how much I appreciate, and thank you guys, for your dedicated service to this department. And also to me personally,” Kramer said to the group. But the hardest part was something he wasn’t expecting. After passing the torch to Garrett, he got one last call from dispatch. Climbing into Engine One for his final ride with tears of mixed emotions in his eyes, dispatch paid him tribute on behalf of the countless lives in the Pratt community impacted by his legendary career.
Source: KAKE – News

Events bring in visitors and their dollars

In a couple of weeks, USD 250 will host the Kansas 5A Regional Wrestling tournament. More than 200 wrestlers from 18 different 5A schools from across the East side of the State. The tournament begins on Friday, February 16, and will continue through the weekend. “It is a huge honor to be hosting this tournament in Pittsburg,” PHS Activities Director, Jeff Staley said. “It really is a reflection on the City of Pittsburg, our community and our school district that we were chosen to host here, it means other schools enjoy coming to our town and facilities.” Staley also pointed out that for some, this may be their first and possibly only time ever coming to Pittsburg, making it important to make a good impression. “The support in our community is phenomenal,” Staley said. “It is not only an undertaking on our facilities, it affects our whole community when we have a large event like this. We recognize and extremely appreciate how supportive the community of Pittsburg is when we have great opportunities like this for our students.” The event is such a big deal that USD 250 has cancelled classes throughout the entire district during the tournament so that it can focus on being a gracious and accommodating host to the competitors and fans. Pittsburg is no stranger to such large events. USD 250 and Pittsburg State have both played host to several large sporting events in the past. These events can create a buzz, but what is their economic impact on the community? Hosting any event will bolster cashflow for restaurants and gas stations and other businesses may also see an uptick in sales, but Chris Wilson, marketing & communications manager for Explore Crawford County, points out that with high school sporting events, there are some additional short-term and long-term benefits that can’t be overlooked. “When it comes to events with kids and especially high school students, these are potential students for Pittsburg State – potential renters, employees and customers short term, and investors, entrepreneurs and donors long term,” Wilson said. “For those visiting families, it’s an opportunity for them to see our community firsthand and see why we choose live here.” Although state and national events get more attention, Wilson said conference and regional sporting events, like the upcoming wrestling tourney, usually bring in more participants, especially for indoor and outdoor track & field competitions.
Source: Morning Sun

Endowment could help fund future courthouse repairs

When Miami County voters last fall chose not to support a proposed quarter-cent sales tax to renovate and expand the Miami County Courthouse, Paola attorney Sandy Hartley started thinking about another way to preserve the historic building. The courthouse, which was built in 1898 and designed by renowned architect George Washburn, has special significance to Hartley. Thanks to her senior law school project 50 years ago, the courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Hartley also knows how well an endowment can work in a community that supports it. The courthouse, which was built in 1898 and designed by renowned architect George Washburn, has special significance to Hartley. Thanks to her senior law school project 50 years ago, the courthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Hartley also knows how well an endowment can work in a community that supports it. “Your endorsement will mean a lot to our endeavor,” Hartley said. Miami County Administrator Shane Krull asked about the early-year projections for the endowment, and Hartley said it likely would not provide a funding solution for the courthouse within the first few years but instead provide more of a long-term solution. Krull and the commissioners acknowledged the benefits of a long-term endowment, but Krull also said the county will likely need to seek other options in the interim to tackle needed renovations at the courthouse that could cost between $10 and $13 million, according to an architect’s estimate.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com

Chetopa City Council seeks new home for city library

The Chetopa City Council in January closed the city’s library at 312 Maple because of the deteriorating condition of the building and the repairs that are needed. The city is also looking for alternative locations for the library until a permanent home can be found. Angela Forquer, the city librarian, posted on Facebook that the building was built in 1942 and was converted into the library in the early 1970s. She enumerated the problems with the building: Estimates to fix the plumbing, electrical and HVAC were over $150,000, but attempts to get contractors to travel to Chetopa to bid on it have been unsuccessful; The building has two layers of drop ceiling which is starting to fall because of a leaking roof. The ceiling is also full of mold; The windows and doors are no longer seal and are not energy efficient; Termites are in the ground, foundation and in several spots on the interior walls. The only way to inspect and treat them would be to drill holes in the floors and tear down walls, costing more money; Water pipes under the foundation broke several years ago. The building has functional plumbing but there are still issues with it; The exterior of the building is cracking and shifting, which is causing the interior walls to crack and fall apart. It is a structural issue that creates a safety issue that will be costly to fix. Forquer wrote that the decision to close the library was not ideal, but everyone’s safety had to be considered. She wrote that since the cost is so high, the library needs another building.
Source: Parsons Sun

KDOT grants funding Active Transportation alternatives

The Kansas agency best known for its highways, the Kansas Department of Transportation, is trying to help communities across the state improve other ways to get around. KDOT is starting the application process for its Transportation Alternatives Projects, which funds projects focused on pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-car modes of transportation, as well as Safe Routes to School projects. “You have these small communities, and they don’t have a big budget, but they’ve made it a priority. The community has told the leaders that they want their kids to be able to walk and bike to school,” KDOT Active Transportation Manager Jenny Kramer said. Many of the projects get less than $1 million, which isn’t much compared to what other infrastructure projects cost. But, Kramer says it’s what’s needed to either help build these projects or help small communities get plans designed that can be funded later. That can be especially helpful in rural communities trying to make sure students can get to school consistently and safely. “We fund them to be able to create a plan on where are the best routes, and then to figure out what’s needed on those routes,” Kramer said. “Are there sidewalks, gaps needed, accessibility, making sure it’s accessible for those who have mobility disabilities?” Communities can register for informational webinars being held on Monday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, at 2:30 p.m., and Friday, Feb. 9, at 11 a.m. The first concept forms are due March 1 with awards announced in the summer.
Source: KSN-TV

Kansas bill ending municipal regulation of plastic bags, containers raises constitutional issue

University of Kansas scientist Nancy Muma said the average person inadvertently accumulated in the body a credit-card sized amount of plastic each week by breathing air and consuming water. Muma, who earned a doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology, said this involuntary consumption of bisphenols, phthalates and perfluoroalkyls created a wave of endocrine disruptions that altered hormones and reproductive systems in humans. Children and developing fetuses were especially vulnerable to these toxins, but the damage could emerge at all stages of life in the form of heart disease, obesity and cancer, she said. “The good news is that you can help solve this costly and life-threatening problem by voting against House Bill 2446 and supporting regulations to reduce the use of these toxic single-use plastics,” Muma said. She made the plea to members of the Senate Federal and State Affairs considering legislation passed by the House in March 2023, but sidelined by the Senate until Tuesday. The bill would allow the state to block city or county governments from adopting or enforcing ordinances or resolutions that “restricts, taxes, prohibits or otherwise regulates the use, disposition or sale of auxiliary containers.” In simple terms, the bill aggressively promoted by the Kansas Chamber would forbid municipal bans on plastic straws and the thin, cheap plastic shopping bags often given consumers by retail stores and carryout restaurants. The prohibition would broadly define auxiliary containers as cups, packages and bottles made of cloth, paper, plastic, foamed plastic, cardboard, aluminum, glass or a recycled material. Eric Stafford, who represents the Kansas Chamber at the Capitol, said the pending bill was similar to legislation vetoed by Gov. Laura Kelly in 2022. The issue was brought to the forefront in 2024 because businesses in the state needed “a clear and predictable regulatory framework by which to operate” and legislators rather than elected city and county government officials were in the best position to shape that regulatory landscape, Stafford said. “We have seen a growing trend across the country by local governments to ban plastic products because of their perceived damage to the economy, but we don’t have to look any further than our own state, as Lawrence became the first city to ban plastic bags effective March 1,” Stafford said.
Source: The Lawrence Times

Bond passes with 88% support

Voters in the USD 410 school district took to the polls on Tuesday, Jan. 23 where they voted on the general obligation bond issue in an amount not to exceed $13,350,000. The results will not be final until after the official canvass on Wednesday, Jan. 31, but the preliminary results were 464 yes and 59 no. “We are absolutely thrilled with the overwhelming support of the bond issue. 88% of voters supported the bond with a yes vote. That level of support is unheard of,” said Superintendent Clint Corby. There was a surprisingly large turnout despite cold, dreary weather on Jan. 23. For the Hillsboro poll site, 455 ballots were voted out of 2,368 registered voters with eight provisional ballots for a 19.55% overall turnout. For the Tampa poll site, 18 ballots were voted out of 209 registered voters with no provisional ballots for an 8.61% overall turnout. 24 ballots (11.48%) were done in advance by mail and 30 (14.35%) were done early in-person. The final numbers were 527 ballots voted and eight provisional ballots out of 2,577 registered voters for an overall turnout of 20.76%. “I have said it before and I will say it again. USD 410 is great because our community is great,” said Corby. The bond projects focus on student safety, infrastructure and facility enhancements. For safety, the main project is a tornado shelter that will function as additional classroom space. Secure entrances in the elementary and middle high schools are also on the agenda, along with fire alarm system replacements, and elevator repairs and improvements. There are several projects planned for infrastructure enhancements including HVAC, broiler and chiller replacement, exterior brick repairs and restoration, furniture and carpeting repairs and replacement, roof replacement and guttering, plumbing improvements, painting, concrete repairs, door repairs and improvements and window replacements. For facility enhancements, there will be auditorium upgrades, gym HVAC and painting, a greenhouse and kindergarten and 1st grade playground projects.
Source: Hillsboro Free Press