Municipal News & Jobs

A community in Rooks County is being asked to conserve water. Residents of Palco have been asked not to water lawns, gardens, or fill a swimming pool for the next two days. The city says they are doing maintenance on the town’s water wells on Thursday and Friday, which requires residents to limit their water use. Palco says it will notify residents when water services are fully available.
Source: KSN-TV

Cowley County commissioners approved a new ordinance Tuesday that would make public nudity a misdemeanor offense, following years of public complaints about a man frequently seen walking without clothing. The ordinance allows law enforcement to charge violators with a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500. The issue stems from repeated complaints about a local man who regularly takes walks in the nude. Despite ongoing public concern, no legal action has been taken, as the county sheriff has stated that Kansas’ nudity laws do not clearly apply in this case.
Source: KSN-TV

Coffey County residents vote no to the special bond vote focusing on USD 244. According to the Coffey County election website, the unofficial results are in: residents do not want special bonds to go towards a new Burlington Elementary School. According to USD 244, funding from the $45 million bond proposal would have allowed the elementary school to be built closer to the community’s middle and high schools, add early learning classrooms and provide classrooms with updated technology and resources.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Cowley County commissioners Tuesday morning voted unanimously to approve an ordinance to restrict public nudity. The vote took place at the courthouse assembly room in Winfield where commissioners held their regular meeting. One person spoke in opposition. The ordinance will be enforceable following the required publishing of public notices. A fine of $500 and up to 30 days jail time is the punishment.
Source: Local – Cowley Post

Buried deep inside the state’s $25.6 billion budget, there’s a measure that expands one of the state’s most powerful tax incentives to help save dying malls. What originally started out as a bill that died in the House became a proviso added to the state budget authorizing sales tax revenue – or STAR – bonds to be used for redevelopment of declining malls under certain circumstances.
Source: Sunflower State Journal

Sedgwick County health officials have confirmed the area’s first case of measles in eight years, officials announced Wednesday morning. The virus was identified in a child between the ages of 5 and 10 who is unvaccinated, a press release said. The health department is working to identify the source of exposure, and said the agency would notify those who may have been exposed.
Source: Homepage

A water task force meant to ensure the “precious resource is available for generations to come” received its first members this week. The 16-member panel of Republican and Democratic legislators, state officials and a handful of appointees from both parties will craft policy changes in an effort to evaluate Kansas’ current and future water supply, funding efforts for water projects and potential impacts on the state’s economy.
Source: Butler County Times-Gazette

The City of Arkansas City is working with the high school and Cowley College to bring students on board as uncompensated interns. Human Resources Director Marla McFarland said the program exposes students to the wide range of career opportunities available in public service. McFarland tries to pair the students with jobs that match their studies and interests. ACHS Junior Kennedy Barnes has worked with the city for the past two semesters and plans to seek a career in law after graduating high school.
Source: www.ctnewsonline.com – RSS Results

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.

On the heels of a stronger-than-expected jobs report and elevated inflation readings, the Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady at the end of its two-day meeting this week.
Source: CNBC

In Augusta, residents will decide whether to approve $55 million for USD 402. Further west, in Ness County, voters in USD 303 will decide on a $24 million bond.
Source: KSN-TV

Water was released Monday morning from the Cedar Bluff Reservoir to aid Russell and Hays, which face drought conditions that city leaders expect to worsen. Leaders from both cities said this is only a band-aid, not a long-term solution.
Source: KSN-TV

Crews were in Iola Thursday to begin restoration work on the old Iola movie theater. Work will include a new marquee and replacing windows and doors…. The historic theater, built in 1931, is being restored through efforts of the Iola Theatre Association, Inc., a local nonprofit. Funding includes $3.2 million through the 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The group also has raised $1 million through private donations and two grants.
Source: The Iola Register

The City of Lawrence is tightening requirements for people to receive homelessness services, and people who previously lived in town, relocated elsewhere and returned are now “considered non-residents” until they’ve established housing.
Source: The Lawrence Times

AT&T was fined $60,000 by the Kansas Corporation Commission for 60 violations in a 30-day span of the Kansas Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act. That state law and KCC regulations require AT&T to timely locate underground lines, like when a homeowner or contractor calls 811 before digging.
Source: CJonline

Hundreds of cyclists from across the Four-State area and beyond took over the streets and gravel roads of Crawford and Cherokee County on Saturday with the return of “Coal Miner’s Gravel.”
Source: – Latest Stories

Action from the Texas legislature threatens to derail a long-awaited rail expansion project that would make Newton a hub for Amtrak. The Texas Legislature removed $2.6 million in funding to operate its Heartland Flyer Route. The $337 billion budget is not finalized, and subject to approval of a conference committee of the state’s legislature.
Source: Harvey County Now

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of AA rated bond trades reported to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s EMMA® system. 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.