Kansas Municipal News
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
Mission OKs inclusive play equipment purchase for Water Works Park
Water Works Park in Mission is getting new play equipment. The Mission City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a nearly $350,000 purchase of inclusive play equipment for Water Works Park. Water Works Park is located off of 53rd Street and Woodson Drive, directly south of Rushton Elementary. The green and blue play equipment includes swing sets, slides and mounds. Penn Almoney, the parks and recreation director, told the city council on Dec. 20 that the new playground allows access from any angle. It also provides ways for children who are unable to communicate to tap a picture and communicate with other children or adults, Almoney said. This is going to be the second inclusive playground equipment set in Mission, with the first set headed to Mohawk Park. “We’re pretty excited that we are raising the bar here in Mission,” Almoney said. Councilmember Debbie Kring noted that she sat on a committee years ago dedicated to finding a way to bring inclusive play to Mission, and even though it took a while, “it worked out.” Earlier this year, the city approved a number of upgrades to the park. The list of improvements includes a trail expansion, restrooms, a shelter and lighting. Mission plans to install the new playground equipment in summer 2024, according to city documents.
Source: Prairie Village Post
On the windswept plains of southwest Kansas, loneliness and isolation confirm policy failures
I’m saying goodbye to another set of friends who are leaving Dodge City and moving on to greener pastures outside of Kansas, writes Alejandro Rangel-Lopez. While this feeling first felt like a slight breeze, it now reflects the howling winds of the prairies as I struggle to hold on, like a tumbleweed in a barbed wire fence. In 2021, I graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree, a community organizing job in my hometown and a dream of empowering young southwest Kansans with the tools to build communities we can be proud to call home. Two years later, I’m saying goodbye to another set of friends who are leaving Dodge City and moving on to greener pastures out of Kansas, and I find myself reflecting on this dream as I continue to struggle to find my place on these desolate, open plains. When I first left my hometown of Dodge City after graduating from high school, I knew that I wanted to come back to where my family was and foster the idea that, as the youngest region in a state bursting with diversity, we deserve a say in the policies that affect our day-to-day lives and demand a better future for our children. I spent my time at college learning from both peers and professors the skills and information I’d need to help me in this endeavor. From taking classes about the politics of Latin America, to getting involved with campus organizations, to representing my fellow students as a student senator, I thought that I was setting myself up for great success as soon as I graduated. I didn’t foresee, however, how much the absence of those support systems would affect me and my ability to do the work necessary to build toward change. I took for granted how easy it was to see friends, meet new people with similar interests and do those things that make you look forward to the next day. Though I don’t miss the all-nighters I pulled to turn in papers and other projects on time, I can’t help but to feel as if I’m missing a part of myself. Or rather, missing out on opportunities to share moments with others. While this feeling first felt like a slight breeze, it now reflects the howling winds of the prairies as I struggle to hold on, like a tumbleweed in a barbed wire fence.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Johnson County’s only winter homeless shelter is already at capacity
The first of December marked the beginning of the ninth winter of operations for Project 1020, Johnson County’s only low-barrier-to-entry homeless shelter. “If I had 75 beds, they would all be filled and I’d still need more,” McEver said. “We’re easily seeing that many people here every night.” McEver said the 30 beds Project 1020 is currently allowed by the city of Lenexa are simply not enough to meet the growing demand they are facing each day. The shelter operates out of the Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church at 9400 Pflumm Rd. She keeps extensive data and analyzes it for trends and hard truths, she said. One increase that keeps sticking out and weighing heavily on her is the increase in women looking for a place to sleep. “The demand is surging, and we have seen an increase in our female occupants going from 27% last year to 38% this year,” McEver said. “There’s more new faces than ever.” Last week, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of a Lenexa hotel to be converted into the county’s first and only year-round shelter and service center for those experiencing homelessness, a move that to local advocates could change the course of how homelessness is addressed in Johnson County. The lack of space isn’t a new phenomenon. When the Post spoke with Project 1020 last spring, their April 1 deadline to close until December was rapidly approaching. Jim Schmidt and the other volunteers were busy getting the facility cleaned and ready to shutter for the next eight months. McEver was already discussing how inadequate the 30 beds were, and lamented that the space couldn’t be kept available year round to those in need. There had also been some positive things to report from last winter. The showers they had installed were working out very well, and they no longer had to transport people off site to get cleaned up.
Source: KCUR News
Municipal Bond Trends for December 21, 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 20, 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.
Salina offers incentive to SkyWest Airlines to change its flight times
Local leaders in Salina have put $900,000 at stake to incentivize the airline serving the city to change times for non-stop flights to and from Denver. … “The ideal departure for Denver would be not (the current) 11 o’clock in the morning, it’s that 6:45 (a.m.),” [Tim Rogers, executive director of the authority] said. This would mean the flight from Salina would arrive in Denver around 7 a.m. MST/MDT, allowing travelers to catch more flights out of Denver with United Airlines, which SkyWest contracts with for its Salina flights.
Source: Salina Journal
Wichita finalizes plans to offer targeted property tax relief to certain vulnerable residents in a one-year pilot program
The program builds off of existing tax credits at the state level to reimburse low-income seniors, disabled veterans and their surviving spouses, and low-income residents with underage dependents, for a portion of their 2023 property taxes. Four in five Sedgwick County homeowners saw their property values increase in 2023, with the overall tax valuation in Wichita increasing by 9.3%, according to the county clerk. “This is the largest targeted tax relief for people who need tax relief that we’ve done in at least a generation,” Mayor Brandon Whipple said Tuesday before the City Council gave its final approval. The pilot program is designed to provide up to $660,000 in refunds on a first-come first-served basis through Nov. 30, 2024 or until funds run out.
Source: Wichita Eagle
Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2023-13: Postelection Audit of Votes Cast
Synopsis: Election officials conducting postelection audits must review the official paper ballots identified in K.S.A. 25-2912 rather than printed ballot images. Cited herein: K.S.A. 25-2912; 25-3009; 77-420; K.A.R. 7-47-1.
Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions
Governor Kelly Announces More than $8M for Safer Roads
Governor Laura Kelly announced today that 19 communities across the state will receive $8.3 million for projects that improve safety on local roadways. This is the third round of Kansas grant recipients through the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program for 2023. … Combined with the first two rounds of SS4A announcements made earlier this year, to date, 38 Kansas communities have submitted successful applications. The combined total is nearly $14.8 million in federal funds, $3 million in state contributions, and $743,00 in local match contributions. … Additional information regarding the Kansas SS4A Match Pilot Program can be found online at https://www.ksdot.gov/ss4a/programinformation.asp. Below is an overview of the December 2023 awarded projects in Kansas from the SS4A program:
| Lead Applicant | Federal Funding | Local Match
|
KDOT Contribution | Total Project Cost |
| City of Emporia | $240,000 | $15,000 | $45,000 | $300,000 |
| City of Eudora | $100,000 | $6,250 | $18,750 | $125,000 |
| City of Independence | $1,284,000 | $— | $321,000 | $1,605,000 |
| City of Junction City | $160,000 | $ 20,000 | $20,000 | $200,000 |
| City of Leawood | $452,000 | $56,500 | $56,500 | $565,000 |
| City of Mission | $160,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 | $200,000 |
| City of Overland Park | $500,000 | $ 62,500 | $62,500 | $625,000 |
| City of Paola | $120,000 | $ 7,500 | $22,500 | $150,000 |
| City of Prairie Village | $80,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $100,000 |
| City of Spring Hill | $200,000 | $12,500 | $37,500 | $250,000 |
| Finney County | $240,000 | $15,000 | $45,000 | $300,000 |
| Geary County | $160,000 | $10,000 | $30,000 | $200,000 |
| Gray County | $800,000 | $— | $200,000 | $1,000,000 |
| McPherson County | $560,000 | $— | $140,000 | $700,000 |
| North Central Regional Planning Commission | $1,520,000 | $— | $380,000 | $1,900,000 |
| Unincorporated Johnson County | $240,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 | $300,000 |
| Wichita Area Metropolitan Planning Organization | $940,000 | $58,750 | $176,250 | $1,175,000 |
| Mid-America Regional Council | $400,000 | $70,750 | $ 29,250 | $500,000 |
| St. Joseph Area Transportation Study Organization | $160,000 | $37,600 | $2,400 | $200,000 |
| TOTAL | $8,316,000 | $422,350 | $1,676,650 | $10,395,000 |
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Park City Planning Commission approves zone change for Ruffin casino
Another step in Phil Ruffin’s highly-anticipated Golden Circle Casino in Park City tonight as the Planning Commission approved a zoning change to allow the development as planned. Construction crews are already hard at work for the future historical horse racing casino and hotel at 77th and Hydraulic. The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission approved a license for the casino in July, allowing it to operate 1,000 machines inside county lines. Monday, the Park City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the next step in making the casino a reality – changing the zoning on the property to allow for the expansion. “It’s a fairly massive project on the renovation and construction of the existing structure,” said Park City Zoning Administrator Russ Evvy. “Without sounding like a cheerleader, I think it’s a very exciting reuse of that particular property.” Monday’s meeting was a public hearing, but there was no public comment or input on this change. The commission says it was more of a formality to align the property zoning with decisions that have already been made.
Source: KAKE – News
Wichita City Council approves property tax relief program
Wichita City Council members voted unanimously to approve a property tax relief program for low-income seniors for 2024. City finance director Mark Manning said with reappraisals in the past year, property tax increases will be an average of 7.6 percent. The City Council called for a relief program during their budget discussions last summer, and staff presented the details of the program at Tuesday’s Council meeting. Manning said the program is designed to be simple for people to apply for. Residents who apply for the tax relief will need to be participants in one of three state income tax programs that offer credit for property taxes paid: (1) Selective Assistance for Effective Senior Relief (SAFE SR) program – This program uses the State form K-40PT and offers a state credit for property taxes paid on homes valued at less than $350,000 for those over age 65 with taxable income of less than $22,000. (2) Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Veterans – This program uses the State form K40SVR and offers a state credit for any increase in property taxes over the 2022 base year, for seniors or disabled veterans with taxable income less than $50,000. (3) Kansas Homestead Claim – This program uses the State form K-40H and offers a state credit for property taxes paid on homes valued at less than $350,000 for those over age 55, or disabled veterans, or with dependent children and with taxable income of less than $37,750. Manning said if people qualify for one of these programs, they will qualify for the city’s relief program.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Scooters and e-bikes now allowed on Overland Park trails
Overland Park has formally approved a new ordinance that will permanently allow e-mobility devices, like e-bikes and electric scooters, on its city trails. The Overland Park City Council on Monday unanimously approved the new ordinance and repealed an existing one that prohibited such motorized devices and vehicles on trails. The amendment was part of the consent agenda, which means the city council considered the change alongside a series of other procedural items and didn’t individually discuss it. The new rules permit personal e-scooters and most e-bikes, including some that have a motor that is throttle assisted. The devices are restricted to traveling no faster than 20 mph. That speed limit is posted on the trails. Other motor vehicles, particularly those powered by fuel, are restricted, unless the director of parks and recreation expressly authorizes an exception.
Source: Prairie Village Post
City invites Garden City residents to participate in survey
The City of Garden City recognizes the invaluable role of resident input and engagement in shaping the future of the community. With a commitment to transparency and inclusivity, the city announces the launch of its Capital Improvement Plan survey, powered by Zencity, a state-of-the-art community trust platform designed for local governments. The City of Garden City believes that the collective wisdom and diverse perspectives of its residents are fundamental in steering the direction of Capital Improvement projects. The Capital Improvement Plan survey is a pivotal opportunity for residents to actively participate in decisions that directly impact their neighborhoods and community at large. “We recognize that the essence of any community is rooted in the voices and aspirations of its residents,” Assistant Garden City Manager Derek Ramos said. “Our city has greatly benefited from past resident engagement in our Capital Improvement Plan. We remain dedicated to seeking out and valuing our residents’ voices, ensuring their input shapes the city’s Capital Improvement Plan.” The City of Garden City invites residents to actively participate in the Capital Improvement Plan survey.
Source: Garden City Telegram
Morton County Hospital receives new CMS designation
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. has announced that Morton County Hospital has recently been re-designated as a Critical Access Hospital under the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a change which will improve the financial status of the hospital. “This change in designation comes after more than a year of work and communication with federal and state health agencies, and I am thrilled to see the application approved,” Marshall said. “Rural healthcare delivery continues to face both financial and workforce challenges. This change in designation offers a more stable reimbursement for the hospital.” Previously, Morton County Hospital was designated as an Acute Care Hospital. When CMS made changes to the location requirements for the Critical Access Hospitals in 2022, Morton County Health System applied for the change in designation, with the support of the senator. While Acute Care and Critical Access Hospitals are similar, Critical Access Hospitals receive allowable cost plus one percent reimbursement for Medicare inpatient and outpatient services. “This change to a Critical Access Hospital is a lifeline not only for the hospital itself but also for the individuals and families of this rural community,” hospital CEO Lisa Swenson said. “The Critical Access Hospital designation will strengthen the hospital’s financial foundation and help to secure its ability to serve the citizens of our region. Without this change, it is unlikely that our hospital would have been able to survive financially.”
Source: Garden City Telegram
Fare Increase for Johnson County Micro Transit
Based on a review of the current ridership trends, the 2024 program budget, increasing ridership demands and service efficiency, the Board of County Commissioners has authorized Johnson County Transit to implement a fare increase to the Johnson County micro transit service. This fare increase will be effective January 1, 2024. Johnson County Micro Transit is an app-based premium service that uses on-demand dynamic routing – an affordable ride-hailing option to assist in making connections to the larger fixed express and commuter bus routes, all throughout the Johnson County service area, and the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. It is designed to expand connectivity and fill gaps. “Johnson County is committed to providing efficient and reliable transportation services to our community, and we continuously evaluate ridership and efficiency of dollars spent,” said Mike Kelly, Chair of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “The board has given staff direction to embark on a strategic plan for long-range transit services, and in the interim, we believe this new fare structure will remain extremely competitive with other services while also making micro transit more reliable and consistent.” The fee changes are as follows: Current fares (flat rate) – $3 or $5 fare each way, depending on the zone. New fare (with a base rate, plus miles) – $5 for the first five miles, $2 per mile for miles 5.1 and beyond. The service area and hours of service will remain the same, Sunday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
El Dorado City Commission rejects permit for proposed overnight homeless shelter
The El Dorado City Commission voted against a plan to turn a vacant building into an overnight homeless shelter at their meeting Monday night. The 3-2 vote came after much discussion and weeks of public comments regarding the permit for the proposed shelter, which would have been located on West Central Avenue. The city’s planning commission already voted against the permit nearly two weeks ago. Commissioners Sydnee Scribner and Kendra Wilkinson were in favor of the permit’s approval. Wilkinson cited the number of homeless people in El Dorado that have been served by the Butler Homeless Initiative has continued to increase since 2020; as of this year, that number is 309, including 56 children, most of whom were under 8 years old. “I was saddened and sickened by the thought of 56 children suffering from homelessness in our community through absolutely no fault of their own…these numbers should not be acceptable to any of us,” Wilkinson said. Those against the shelter said its location would have been too close to surrounding homes, as well as safety concerns. Commissioner Kelly Tetrick said that while he supports the planning commission’s vote, he added that the city should continue to support the Butler Homeless Initiative, and help them find an alternate location. “I don’t feel the building is large enough to accommodate what they’re hoping to do. When you see the numbers…I think the shelter would hold 30…I think we need to try to find a larger location,” Tetrick said. The Butler Homeless Initiative said in a Facebook post that, while they were disappointed with the outcome, they will continue to provide a hot meal every evening at the First Church of the Nazarene at 202 North Taylor, food and other resources to help those escape homelessness.
Source: KAKE – News
Prairie Village could expand eligibility for home improvement grants
More properties could soon be eligible for two home improvement grant programs in Prairie Village. The Prairie Village City Council during a council committee of the whole discussion on Dec. 4 agreed to increase the maximum average home value for properties qualifying for the city’s exterior grant program, which aims to incentivize homeowners to beautify their property. In addition, the city offers sustainability grants for homeowners looking to decrease their properties’ environmental impact. In addition, the council is weighing whether to increase the overall budgets for both the exterior and sustainability grant programs, as well as create an annual schedule that could allow for a second round of grants next year. The exterior grant program, created in 2008, aims to “encourage homeowners to invest in their home’s curb appeal,” according to city documents. Some eligible projects for the exterior grant program include improvements to lighting, concrete, foundations, gutters, roofs and garage doors. The sustainability grant program aims to “encourage residents to reduce their carbon footprint” by completing energy efficiency projects. Some eligible projects for the sustainability grant program include improvements to air conditioning, solar panels, furnaces, water heating equipment, windows, doors, skylights and insulation.
Source: Prairie Village Post