Kansas Municipal News
Municipal Bond Trends for December 28, 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 27, 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 26, 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.
Burrton getting multiple housing starts
Burrton residents can expect new neighbors in the coming years after the city has three housing starts this year. According to City Clerk Kim Ryan, in previous years the city had about one housing start a year. Beth Anne Kingsley, a real estate agent for the Burrton area, said she expected at least three more housing starts next year, as well. “I thought that was a pretty cool thing,” Kingsley said. The population of Burrton has declined steadily since 2000. According to the national census, between 2010 and 2020, the population decreased by 4.4 percent. In other parts of the county, Hesston and Newton’s populations have also decreased since 2010, but Halstead’s population has increased by 4.5 percent. Kingsley said she talked with JCL Construction to build one of the homes and said the company has plans for two more housing starts next year. The current house they’re working on already had a basement, and the owner agreed to let them build on it. “The gentleman that owns that also owns Stinger and is very active in the Burrton community,” Kingsley said. “[He] wanted to see new houses, so he made it easy for my builder.” In addition to the houses JCL Construction will work on, the free lots Burrton offers got some attention this year. Burrton has offered several free lots in the past for housing starts, but they’ve had little interest until now. Ryan said no one had taken advantage of the lots before now. Kingsley said one of the lots is now spoken for and will start moving forward soon.
Source: Harvey County Now
Hiawatha native will donate old parking meter to Brown County Historical Society
People collect old pieces of the city-whether they are old service equipment or other items-because they help tell a story of the city’s past. Hiawatha native Rod Colvin will donate old penny-operated parking meters to the Brown County Historical Society, as he believes it is important to help with informing residents about Hiawatha’s local history. Colvin acquired the meter from his mother, who also gave a parking meter to his brother. “The meters are part of our memories of downtown Hiawatha for those of us living in Hiawatha at the time,” Colvin said. “You put money in the parking meter–it was just a part of parking downtown. I remember when the city removed them. I don’t recall the reason stated, but I assumed it was to making [sic] shopping ‘easier’ in the downtown area.” Colvin graduated from Hiawatha with the class of 1968. He has been living in Omaha, NE since 1974 and has worked as a broadcast journalist for 10 years. In 1992, Colvin started a publishing company, Addicus Books, where he is still the publisher. Colvin remarked that the old parking meters were coin operated and that they took nickels and dimes. The time on the meter varied depending on what coin was put in. For Colvin, the meters bring memories of downtown Hiawatha. He remarked that whenever you parked downtown, you needed to put money in the meter, or the “parking meter lady” would put a ticket on the driver’s windshield.
Source: Local News | hiawathaworldonline.com
Newton community raises over $100K during campaign for all-inclusive playground
Newton Public Schools is celebrating a successful campaign for an all-inclusive elementary school playground. “Slate Creek Elementary serves as the home to Harvey County’s severely-multiply disabled (SMD) classroom where many students may have mobility devices or other special needs. Those devices and other special needs may limit their ability to play on existing playground equipment,” said NPS in a news release. During the month of November, a variety of families, businesses, and organizations contributed to a double-match fundraiser to raise money for the playground. The “All Together Now” inclusive playground initiative raised $103,000 thanks to a matching grant from the Patterson Family Foundation and a significant lead gift from the Asbury Park Foundation. “We are very moved by all of the support from the community and very grateful that we are that much closer to making this dream a reality so that all kids, no matter their abilities can play together,” Principal Tenae Alfaro said. In total, over $450,000 has been raised for the playground. Donations are still being accepted online or via check. Construction on the playground is set for the summer of 2024.
Source: KSN-TV
GB Eco Devo talk
Great Bend Economic Development Inc. has a lot on its plate right now, from the new Advancing Barton County Childcare daycare center in Great Bend to a host of programs aimed at fostering entrepreneurship. Lee Ann June, GBED communications director, took a moment Thursday afternoon to touch on what is happening on the eco devo front. Recently hired ABCC Site Director Kelsie Baxter “is very excited about getting started,” June said. This week, they started posting and advertising the 11 remaining job postings for that center. These include lead teacher, assistant teachers and part-time providers. Applications were available on the ABCC website, gbedinc.com/abcc, as of Monday. They will also be posted through KansasWorks and other job listings. “As I take on this new role, I am looking forward to prioritizing both fun and safety in a new setting! Providing quality childcare services for all families is something I am very passionate about,” Baxter said. Among the things she is excited about are the Watch Me Grow playground system and the smart SmartBoards the children will use. The next step is to advertise the child wait list, but that won’t be available until later this month, June said. Once this happens, it will be promoted in the media as well. Ground was broken on July 20 for the daycare center at Farmer’s Plaza, dubbed Farmers Plaza Childcare Center. The approximately $1.9 million 6,500 square-foot facility, envisioned as the first of several to be built in Barton County, will accommodate up to 59 children. It had been in the works since 2021. ABCC is planning a second facility in Hoisington, but that is remains in the planning stages.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Pottawatomie County superintendents reflect on eventful 2023
As the 2023 school year comes to a close, Superintendents Joan Simoneau of USD 323, and Rob McKim of USD 320, reflect on the year and preview what they are looking forward to in 2024. Simoneau emphasized the importance work her district has done in 2023 on helping young students improve their reading skills district-wide. McKim discusses how, administratively, his job is beginning to slow down for him as he continues to settle into the new role and moves into the new year. Simoneau notes the important work her district has done on their strategic plan as the look forward to its implementation in 2024. Similarly, McKim was pleased with the work that has gone into the district and the push toward 2024’s adoption of the district’s strategic plan. Both administrators remained optimistic on the plans they have for the continued development, both academically and community-wise, for their districts in 2024.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Matfield Green raising funds for new public park, “The Green”
Matfield Green Works is starting the new year with a new dream: The Green. “We are holding onto our dream of a new gallery and welcome center in the former Bank Art Space but shifting focus to an immediately achievable goal: The Green is a welcoming park on the property we own across the street from the Bank,” the board of directors announced Thursday. “We are excited about this simple project that will benefit the entire community.” According to the board, the Green will provide a much-needed public toilet, accessible parking, picnic shelter, drinking fountain/ pet watering and bottle filling station, wayfinding displays and a bike repair stand. A low serpentine wall of limestone blocks and native plantings will unify the site. The high-visibility northwest corner, at the intersection of Flint Hills National Scenic Byway and Bocook Street, is reserved for a future land art project. “The Green will offer comfort, shade, and opportunity for unplanned encounters for byway travelers, cyclists, Flint Hills visitors and locals. It will invite passers-by to get out of the car or off the bike in the heart of Matfield Green,” the board said. “Please join us in bringing this auspicious corner to life with a financial contribution to Matfield Green Works.” The total project cost is $50,000, with Matfield Green needing to raise $35,000 to make it happen.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Cowley hires firm to tout economic impact
An economic impact study done for Cowley College analyzing its 2021-2022 fiscal year showed alumni generated $179.4 million in added income for the regional economy, the equivalent of supporting 2,582 jobs. That is one of several findings in he study done by Lightcast for the junior college, according to a press release. Other findings include (1) Graduates with an associates degree from earned $14,000 more per year compared to Kansas with just a high school diploma. (2) Cowley injected $203.5 million into the Cowley College regional service area economy that supported 3,071 regional jobs, using the jobs-to-sales ratios specific to each industry in the region. (3) The annual payroll and other spending generates $20.3 million in added income. (4) Daily spending of Cowley students attracted to or retained in the region generates $3.8 million. (5) For every $1 invested, taxpayers gain $2.20 in added tax revenue and public sector savings, while society benefits $8 in added income and social savings. During the study period, Cowley had 3,619 credit students, 1,710 non-credit students, and 373 full and part-time employees. This analysis used data from Cowley academic and financial reports, the Kansas Board of Regents, industry and employment statistics from sources such as U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Schools implement open enrollment as legislators eye bolder policies
Every Kansas school district must implement by the end of the year some form of an open enrollment policy, which allows students to attend public schools outside of their geographical boundaries. Open enrollment was part of House Bill 2567 from the 2022 legislative session. Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed the law, which also fully funded K-12 schools, despite objections from some Democrats on open enrollment. Many school districts across the state are just now finalizing their open enrollment policies after learning what they’re legally allowed to do. “There have been organization that have been able to push some information out to help our school boards identify what they need, and what they have to put in place in terms of policy and what those variations can look like,” said G.A. Buie, executive director of United School Administrators of Kansas.
Source: CJonline
Bel Aire’s city manager retires after 17 years as suburb awaits Integra expansion
After 17 years in the role, Bel Aire city manager Ty Lasher has announced he will retire on March 29 — a move that comes while the Wichita-based manufacturer Integra Technologies is poised to build a new $1.8-billion semiconductor facility in Bel Aire. Lasher, who said he began discussion about his retirement in 2021, will be replaced by Ted Henry, Bel Aire’s assistant city manager for the last 3 years. “Bel Aire is in a great place with a bright future,” Lasher, a native of McLouth, said in an emailed statement. “I felt it was time to step aside and allow someone with new energy and ideas to lead the community into the future.” Since starting his career in 1988, Lasher has worked in government in Jefferson County, Hutchinson and Cheney before taking on the city administrator role in Bel Aire in 2007. Over the years, Lasher has served as a mentor to many master’s of public administration students from Wichita State University. “With the labor market tightening, finding professionals who want to work in local government is becoming more challenging,” he wrote. “Competition for private sector jobs with higher wages, more flexibility and less complaints makes hiring and retaining staff difficult. Those who are dedicated to public service are special people and individuals who I deeply respect.” During his tenure, Bel Aire has seen the development of Sunflower Commerce Park, an 800-acre business and industrial park, and 10 housing subdivisions in various phases of development.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Commerce Awards 2023 SEED Grants to 13 Kansas Communities
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the newest award recipients for the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program. In total, 13 recipients will receive nearly $275,000 to invest in small communities across the state. “Our state’s smallest communities are finding new and effective ways to become more economically viable and productive,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The quality-of-life investments being made through this program will generate economic development success and prosperity for Kansans now and in the future.” Awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by state statute (KS Stat 9-2324 (2021)). They are also required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of the following quality-of-life categories: (1) Childcare and senior programming – projects that support or enhance these services, such as building improvements, educational materials, supplies and equipment. (2) Community vibrancy – projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage. (3) Food retail – projects that support access to food retail establishments, including development, renovation and/or expansion. (4) Libraries – projects that support providing free and open access to a broad range of materials and services, including reading materials, technology, furniture and building improvements. Funding for the SEED program, which is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions (TEFFI) Development and Expansion Fund. The TEFFI Act was enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Mulvane’s Hixson ends career spanning four decades
When Kent Hixson accepted the job of Mulvane’s city administrator in 1994, little did he know that his service would stretch almost three decades. “Back then, I would have laughed at the idea of staying 29 years,” he said. “I wanted to stay long enough so our two sons could get through high school.” Hixson officially retired from his work with the city in October of 2023. His last city council meeting – after attending hundreds through his years of service – was Oct. 2. “It’s bittersweet,” Hixson said, “but it’s my time to move on and I’m looking forward to the next chapter.” At the time, Hixson retired as the current longest-tenured city administrator in Kansas. He said part of that stability was due to working with great city councils and council members. Overseeing the daily operations of Mulvane and the city’s department heads on a routine basis, one of the accomplishments Hixson said he was fondest of was building the new library. “I’m a big fan of libraries and we have a beautiful one,” he said of the building, which opened in 2016. Additionally, Hixson took pride in the pathway established that connects Mulvane and Derby – and the work put in between both cities and Sedgwick County to make that happen. Hixson saw the Kansas Star Casino become an “excellent” neighbor during his tenure and noted Mulvane was lucky enough to grow over his 29 years with the city while still maintaining a tight-knit feel – with a historic downtown playing a part in that. “We wouldn’t see this growth if we were out in western Kansas,” Hixson said. “We’re the typical bedroom community and glad to be that.”
Source: Derby Informer | Area
New shared Fire/EMS facility breaks ground
Ground has officially broken on the Garden City Fire Department and Finney County EMS Station 3. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Tuesday for the facility to be located on the northwest corner of the Schulman Avenue and Jennie Barker Road intersection. Deb Oyler, Garden City Mayor, said the facility is the final project using the 2017 sales tax proceeds that voters of Finney County supported. “Today is not just a celebration of this new joint facility, but it’s a testament to the power of community support and collaboration,” she said. “This is a great opportunity to celebrate the partnerships between Garden City and the county, and we want to thank you all for taking this time to join us in celebrating this milestone.” Allen Shelton, former Garden City Fire Chief, said while this project was a part of the 2017 sales tax initiative, he’s been working on this for 27 years. It started as a project in 1996 between him and Bob Holloran, the former City Manager of Garden City, to build a third fire station on the east side of the city. “At that time, we were having a lot of fires in the mobile home parks on this side of the community, and we knew that we needed to have a fire station that was closer to improve our response time,” he said.
Source: Garden City Telegram
County Commission establishes committee focusing on LEC remodel
A Law Enforcement Center Remodel Committee was established by the Finney County Commission at their regular meeting Monday. Gerry Schultz, County commissioner, said the purpose for the committee’s creation is to assist in the planning and construction phase of the LEC’s remodel and to assist in communication with the effected parties including the city of Garden City, Garden City Police Department, Finney County and the Sheriff’s Office, and to ensure participation by the County commission in important decisions relating to the planning and construction. Commissioner Duane Drees will serve as the chair of the committee which will be composed of Finney County Administrator Robert Reece, Assistant County Administrator and Finance Director Jenny Hamil, Finney County Sheriff Mike Warren, a county citizen designee of the Sheriff, Garden City Manager Matt Allen and Garden City Police Department Captain E.J. Ochs. Schultz said the committee wasn’t created due to a lack of confidence or ability to complete the project but “rather to improve communication and collaboration.” Drees said to him the project is “a very multi-million-dollar project” and it behooves the county to have representation and communication with all parties.
Source: Garden City Telegram
Hesston Fire/EMS transitioning to 24-hour service
Hesston Fire/EMS will undergo a major overhaul, and residents will see an improvement in service, thanks to a county grant as well as investment from the City of Hesston. That’s according to Hesston Fire/EMS Chief Russ Buller. He said the city council, following a Tuesday work session, gave the go-ahead for a plan that would allow two full-time staff members from the county. The additions would allow Hesston to staff its service for 24 hours per day, five days a week with full-time staff. Part-time staff, previously paid for call response, would be paid minimum wage for on-call hours. Previously, full-time staff worked from 8 a.m. to midnight on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and worked regular business hours Tuesday and Thursday. Gaps were filled by volunteers, technically part-time employees who would be on call and paid per response. “I really want to send the message that this is such an amazing step forward for us, not only from the standpoint that we’re able to put more full-time people into the system to serve the community but it’s going to speed our response time and make our department that much stronger and sustainable,” Buller said. The county grant allocation to Hesston for $140,000 was primarily directed to increase the amount of emergency medical technicians able to respond at various local departments. These employees will also be cross-trained to serve as firefighters, Buller said, also helping the department’s response to emergencies. Hesston Fire/EMS would increase its number to six full-time employees.
Source: Harvey County Now
Wyandotte County residents disagree about whether to dissolve the Unified Government
In October, the mayors of the three largest cities in Wyandotte County floated the idea of dissolving the Unified Government as an option to address debt and service issues. But not everyone thinks those structural changes are the right approach. The possibility of dissolving the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, is now on the table but it’s not clear whether that would be an effective strategy. In October, the mayors of Bonner Springs, Edwardsville and Kansas City, Kansas floated the idea of splitting up the Unified Government, and announced they wanted to hear from residents about how to best address debt and service issues in the county, among other issues. Edwardsville Mayor Carolyn Caiharr ran listening sessions on the issue last month. She said some residents support the idea of dissolving the Unified Government entirely. “If it (deconsolidation) was an easy solution, I think a lot of people would be all for it, just because of how disenfranchised folks are right now in Wyandotte County,” Caiharr told KCUR’s Up To Date. “But there is the reality also of what it would take.” Other solutions, such as amending the Unified Government’s charter, are also being considered. But some residents don’t believe that any of those options would work.
Source: KCUR
Panasonic still moving forward with Kansas factory after pulling plans for Oklahoma plant
A global company has once again decided against building an electric vehicle battery plant near Tulsa despite lawmakers offering a $698 million incentive package and funding millions of dollars in site improvements at the company’s request. A Panasonic spokesperson said Friday that the company will not build a multibillion-dollar battery plant at Pryor’s MidAmerica Industrial Park. “In April 2023, we entered into an agreement with the state of Oklahoma to explore building a factory in the state, with the understanding that we would make a decision about whether or not to move forward at the end of that exploratory process,” Panasonic spokesperson Alison Klooster said in an email. “After careful deliberations, we have made the decision not to move forward with developing the site.” Klooster did not say why the company is no longer considering Pryor. Decisions about where to build new facilities are complex and based on a wide range of factors, she said. Oklahoma officials have been trying to lure Panasonic to the state since at least 2022. Panasonic announced plans last year to locate a new, $4 billion-dollar electric vehicle plant in Kansas, but the company then explored the possibility of building a second plant in Pryor that could have resulted in 3,500 new jobs. State lawmakers put together a $698 million incentive package for the company in an attempt to close the deal. After Panasonic requested $245 million in site work at the MidAmerica Industrial Park, lawmakers appropriated $145 million this year for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce to fund facility upgrades and infrastructure and safety improvements at the park. “The Legislature provided that which was requested by the executive branch to win the commitment of Project Ocean,” House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, said in a statement, referencing the codename given to the proposed Panasonic project.
Source: KCUR News
City of Wichita planting over 1K trees to tackle heat islands
The City of Wichita will be planting over 1,000 trees to tackle heat islands across Wichita. District 6 Council Member Maggie Ballard held a public meeting on Wednesday afternoon at Emporia Park to discuss how the lack of an extensive tree canopy contributes to the area being identified as a heat island by NASA. After extensive outreach and public input, the Wichita City Council approved a tree policy for the city on Tuesday. “Our goal for the tree policy is to lessen the effect of heat islands across our community,” said Ballard. “Implementing a tree policy isn’t just about creating a nice green backdrop for our city, although that’s a bonus. It’s about setting up our community for a better, healthier future. By planting more trees, we’re not just making the city look prettier. We’re also fighting climate change and making sure we all breathe a bit easier.” City of Wichita Arborist Gary Farris says from East Central Avenue and North Broadway Street, up to East 21st Street North and North Grove Street is the most significant heat island, or with the least tree canopy out of the 17 in the city. “We chose this area to plant over 1,000 trees, I believe it’s 1,382 trees in that area. To help increase the tree canopy overall,” said Farris. Farris is also encouraging homeowners in the area to plant trees. The City of Wichita is partnering with Seeders, Inc. to not only plant the trees but care for them for the next two years. “The EPA has identified tree planting as the most cost-effective way to mitigate heat islands, and so that’s what we’re trying to do here,” said Farris.
Source: KSN-TV