Kansas Municipal News
Supreme Court to conduct special evening session in Dodge City
The Kansas Supreme Court will conduct a special evening session Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Dodge City as part of its ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary. The court will be in session from 6:30 p.m. to about 8 p.m. at Dodge City High School, 2201 W. Ross Blvd. It will be the Supreme Court’s first time to hold a docket in Dodge City in the court’s 162-year history. The public is invited to attend the special session to observe the court as it hears oral arguments in two cases to be announced soon. After the hearing concludes, the justices will greet the public in an informal reception.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Municipal Bond Trends for August 25, 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.
Fed Chair Powell calls inflation ‘too high’ and warns that ‘we are prepared to raise rates further’
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Friday called for more vigilance in the fight against inflation, warning that additional interest rate increases could be yet to come. While acknowledging that progress has been made, the central bank leader said inflation is still above where policymakers feel comfortable. He noted that the Fed will remain flexible as it contemplates further moves, but gave little indication that it’s ready to start easing up anytime soon. “Although inflation has moved down from its peak — a welcome development — it remains too high,” Powell said in prepared remarks for his keynote address at the Kansas City Fed’s annual retreat in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. “We are prepared to raise rates further if appropriate, and intend to hold policy at a restrictive level until we are confident that inflation is moving sustainably down toward our objective.” The speech resembled remarks Powell made last year at Jackson Hole, during which he warned that “some pain” was likely as the Fed continues its efforts to pull runaway inflation back down to its 2% goal.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Protect Rural JoCo LLC vs. City of Edgerton (Kansas Court of Appeals opinion): Standing to challenge annexation
Synopsis of the Court: Protect Rural JoCo LLC (and others) appeal the district court’s dismissal of their petition challenging two annexation ordinances passed by the City of Edgerton. The individual appellants own properties around but not within the annexed area. They allege that the City violated K.S.A. 12-520(g), which precludes cities from annexing a narrow corridor of land to enhance future annexations of land. But the City successfully moved to dismiss Appellants’ claim for lack of statutory standing. Finding no error, we affirm.
Source: Kansas Court of Appeals
Salina Public Schools scramble to fill roles
Salina Public Schools is coming up with unique solutions to fit the needs of applicants and the district as a shortage of classified staff has left some departments scrambling. Like most schools, a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic for Salina was fewer applicants for teaching positions the past three years. Then, a shift started to take place. Having enough teachers is still a concern, especially for math, science and substitutes. But at the tail end of last year, and during the first few weeks of 2023-24, vacant positions in cafeterias, overnight custodian and paraprofessional roles have created more problems. “We need help,” said Tiffany Snyder, director of recruitment and retention at USD 305. “We’re really feeling the pinch of staff just trying to keep up.”
Source: Salina Journal
Shawnee County bans unauthorized camping and requires leashes for dogs on county property
Shawnee County commissioners on Thursday banned unauthorized camping on county-owned property and required leashes for dogs in the county’s parks and on its trails. … The measures don’t take effect immediately, as home rule resolutions don’t become effective until they are published in the official county newspaper, which is the Topeka Metro News, said Amanda Monhollon, the county’s public information officer. … The measures had support from Lynn Cress, vice president of the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club. Cress said an increase in homeless camps along the Shunga and Landon trails have made those trails unsafe for club members to ride alone, especially women and children. “Passing a leash law that covers parks and rec properties goes a long way to providing tools for enforcement, and we thank you for your efforts,” Cress said. “However, the proximity of homeless encampments near the trails continues to be a health and safety issue for all involved.”
Source: CJonline
Homeless issue remains top concern at Pittsburg city commission
In a two-hour city commission meeting on Tuesday, the homeless population remains a top issue in the community, being brought up for a third time during the public input session. Pittsburg resident Kevin O’Connell made another visit to the commission, this time to outline what is laid out in a circulation petition. O’Connell is asking for the maximum legal enforcement of current laws, wanting the city prosecutor to push for jail time for repeat offenders. He asked local charities to be held more accountable in their role in attracting more homeless individuals.
Source: Morning Sun
Wichita’s population report card: Forecast shows slowest growth among working age
The working age population within the Wichita metro area is only projected to grow an average 1% over the next 50 years. That’s according to an analysis of the latest population forecast released earlier this month from the Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University. The findings could have major implications for the local and statewide labor market, particularly as companies have major hiring demands on the horizon.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for August 24, 2023
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different, and other financing sources may be available. To obtain comprehensive Financial Advisory services for your local government, contact your Ranson Financial Municipal Advisor, Larry Kleeman, or Henry Schmidt.
Kansas submits 5-year, $451M internet extension plan
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development has submitted the state’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Five-Year Action Plan to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The required action plan details how universal connection will happen in Kansas, and the planned use of the $451 million NTIA has allocated to the state. Submitting the Five-Year Action Plan is a step toward securing federal funding for the state’s broadband initiatives. The plan outlines the path to making high-speed internet available to all Kansans, with a focus on unserved and underserved areas.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
City of Lenexa takes over historic cemetery
The City of Lenexa recently took control of the historic Lenexa Cemetery, which predates the city itself by roughly 30 years. It’s a move meant to make sure the necessary work around the cemetery can continue, but the first steps are already making it easier for residents and people who have loved ones buried there to navigate the space. “We pride ourselves on the service we provide and so the cemetery is just another service we can provide our residents,” said Lenexa Recreation Superintendent Marisa Shartzer.
Source: fox4kc.com | FOX 4 – WDAF
City of Wichita to launch property tax rebate program for seniors, disabled veterans
As part of the pilot program, homeowners who receive property tax credits from one of three state programs, the Kansas Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors (SAFESR), the Homestead Refund or the Kansas Property Tax Relief Claim for Seniors and Disabled Veterans, would be eligible to have the city cover the 25% the state program does not.
Source: KAKE – News
Haysville tap water might soon look milky, but don’t worry
Haysville residents may see cloudy or milky water soon, but it’s not a concern and only temporary. Haysville Public Works said in a Facebook post on Thursday the Corrosion Control Project is reaching a new milestone and launching an Orthophosphate Treatment System on Aug. 30. The treatment, public works says, adds a protective layer to both city pipes and residential pipes, preventing lead and copper from entering drinking water. “It’s all about providing you with safe, high-quality water,” the post reads.
Source: KSN-TV
Municipal Bond Trends for August 23, 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.
Groundbreaking ceremony coming next week for Coffey County semiconductor plant
A groundbreaking and shovel ceremony for a new computer chip manufacturing facility in Coffey County is set next week. Secure Semiconductor Manufacturing, a microelectronics manufacturer who will primarily supply semiconductor components for EMP Shield and other Semiconductor manufacturers across the United States, will break ground on its 30,000 square foot facility at 1 p.m. Sept. 1, at the Coffey County Airport. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas will provide the keynote address and will be joined by other legislators and local officials, ending with a shovel ceremony, during which pictures will be taken.
Source: Derby Informer | News
City of Wichita considers fines for landlords who retaliate against renters
Wichita is considering fines for landlords who retaliate against tenants who are otherwise in good standing. The proposed ordinance introduced Tuesday to City Council would penalize landlords who evict or raise rent within six months of a tenant’s complaint to the city or landlord about housing conditions. It would not apply to tenants who are late on rent or fail to uphold other tenant responsibilities. State law makes it technically illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants for complaining to city inspectors. But there is no agency to enforce the rule. “There’s nowhere to make complaints other than some kind of discrimination complaint,” said Nate Johnson, an assistant city attorney for Wichita.
Source: KLC Journal
Freeman to build new hospital in Pittsburg
Freeman Health System made a big announcement in southeast Kansas Wednesday morning. In a news conference held in Pittsburg plans for a brand new hospital were revealed. Officials specified the new facility will be approximately 170,000 sq. ft. in size, house 50 beds, and introduce 50-100 new jobs in the area. An exact location or timetable for the project was not provided.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Paola gears up for annual Roots Festival
The tradition of the Roots Festival in Paola will continue Friday and Saturday, as musicians and barbecue enthusiasts gather on and around Park Square. It will be the 34th year for the festival, which will take place Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26. There will be a change this year to the barbecue competition, which is always one of the highlights of the festival. Barbecue organizer Jon Smail said there will still be the East Central Kansas State Barbecue Championship, but there will also be a backyard cookoff this year. Smail said about 25 to 35 barbecue teams will compete in the main championship, where they will be vying for winnings. The top 10 overall winners, along with the top five winners in each category, will bring home prize money.
Source: Local News | republic-online.com
Prairie Village explores adding housing into commercial zones
Prairie Village is exploring options to mix residential projects into some districts of the city already zone for commercial uses. The planning commission on Tuesday asked city staff to research the feasibility of allowing different types of housing to exist alongside office buildings and shopping centers in some limited quarters of the city. At the meeting, staff laid out current standards and options for growth for each district — multifamily, commercial and mixed-use districts — and the commission discussed what options they’d like to see in the future.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Johnson County parks featured in new retro-style posters
Four Johnson County parks have been posterized. Earlier this month, the Johnson County Park and Recreation District unveiled four “classic WPA-style” poster designs, each featuring a local park under JCPRD’s purview. The parks featured include: Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee, created by Michael Perry,, Cedar Niles Park in Olathe, created by Daniel Bartle, Big Bull Creek Park in Edgerton, created by Tad Carpenter, Lexington Lake Park in De Soto, created by Luke Wittman.
Source: Prairie Village Post