Kansas Municipal News
Hospital finances slowly improving
After going through several hard months financially due to the impact of COVID-19, South Central Kansas Medical Center and its clinics are beginning to see at least some improvement. We’ve done more surgeries by May 14 than we did the entire month of April,” CEO Jeff Bowman said during a trustee board meeting Thursday. Bowman said the daily census at the hospital had remained consistent during March. Expenses remained consistent, he said, but the medical center saw a total income loss of $473,000.
(Read more: The Arkansas City Traveler)
City of Paola continues reopening process
City of Paola officials continue to push out weekly updates regarding the resumption of city services and public access to city facilities, many of which were initially closed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The city has updated a graphic on its Facebook page each week to push out the latest information, with the most recent graphic pertaining to the week beginning Monday, June 1. The latest addition is the announcement that Paola Municipal Court will resume Thursday, June 4. Although the Paola Family Pool remains closed for the season, all of the city facilities at Lake Miola are now open, including campgrounds, bathroom/shower facilities, the new dog park and the beach/swimming area.
(Read more: The Miami County Republic)
McElroy looks forward to challenges as Newton city manager
Incoming Newton City Manager Kelly McElroy couldn’t have picked a worse time for taking over her new position, taking over in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak that’s shut much of the city down, but having the advantage of a five-month head start in the job helps. McElroy was promoted from assistant city manager at a Newton City Commission meeting last week. She has served in the city manager capacity on an interim basis since the start of January, following the retirement of Bob Myers. “It’s definitely an exciting time to be in the world,” McElroy said of the timing of her hiring.
(Read more: Newton Kansan)
A task force has been created in Crawford County to come up with a safe reopening and recovery plan
A task force has been created in Crawford County to come up with a safe reopening and recovery plan following the covid-19 pandemic. It’s made up of county leaders, health officials, school administrators, as well as local business and tourism leaders. The group will meet weekly. Members will work to share information to try and determine what’s the best approach going forward.
(Read more: KSNF/KODE – FourStatesHomepage.com)
Emporia’s ‘Gym Bar’ receives citation after refusing to close
The owner of Gym Bar in Emporia is breaking the rules by reopening before getting the go ahead from the county health department. As of when this article was published, bars are supposed to remain closed, except for curbside sales in Lyon County. Matt Flowers is the owner of the “Gym Bar” and said they serve food as well as drinks. He reopened on Tuesday and said on Wednesday, a worker for the Lyon County Health Department asked him to close. When he didn’t, he was given a citation to appear in court. “The way I understood it, was I don’t have enough in food sales to qualify as a restaurant to be open,” said Flowers.
(Read more: KSNT News)
Wichita civil rights leaders discuss relationship between local African American community, police
George Floyd’s death and charges against a now former Minneapolis, Minn. police officer has civil rights leaders in Wichita wondering what they can do to keep something like this from happening again. In 2016, a crowd gathered for a Black Lives Matter rally in northeast Wichita. A community barbecue, bringing the African American community together with local law enforcement followed that, but area civil rights leaders say more needs done. “I think that was good. However, we didn’t follow through. We didn’t keep that movement going,” says Kansas Senate Minority Leader Oletha Faust Goudeau, of Wichita. “We didn’t keep that ongoing meeting at the park, building that relationship with the black community. So, we still have some of the same issues we had then.”
(Read more: KWCH News)
Clubs in Wichita’s Old Town re-open after months of being closed
A little bit of normalcy is returning to Wichita this weekend. Many bars and clubs in Old Town are opening for the first time in months. Mike Mansour, Owner of Heroes Sports Bar and Grill, says the response to the re-opening has been great, “People really couldn’t believe it! Like, are you guys really opening this week?” After sitting idle for weeks, clubs were busy Friday afternoon, checking light and sound systems, before the big night. “We’re excited to be open tonight! I think our staff is ready for it. I think our customers know what they’re up against and what they’re dealing with,” Chad Porter, Owner of XY Bar.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Labette County extends disaster declaration
Labette County commissioners on Friday extended for 60 days the county’s declaration of a local disaster emergency. The declaration is in place so the county can recoup money from state and federal sources in case it spends money related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, commissioners voted that the county could return to normal business without restrictions after Gov. Laura Kelly lifted her executive orders that shut down portions of the economy and forced some Kansans to stay home and others to work from home. Kelly issued her stay-home order March 30 and lifted state restrictions Tuesday, but she recommended that counties keep some restrictions in place to keep virus case counts down.
(Read more: Parsons Sun)
Kansas counties mull their approach to virus restrictions
Kansas counties had various reactions on Wednesday to Gov. Laura Kelly’s decision to give them the authority to determine their own coronavirus restrictions, with some deciding to keep the current rules in place and others effectively allowing most activities to resume. …Wyandotte, Douglas, Lyon and Coffey counties issued news releases saying they would continue to stick to the governor’s plan, while Johnson, Reno, Sedgwick and Ford counties said restrictions on the size of gatherings and how businesses can operate would now be only guidelines.
(Read more: DerbyInformer.com – news,news/)
Rebuilding America: Officials shift Topeka tourism target to locals
The slogan “stay local, play local” hasn’t been officially adopted by Topeka in its quest to stimulate the city’s tourism. But as the city and state slowly reopen and start to trend toward normalcy following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a philosophy that city leaders are starting to fully embrace as a means of bridging the gap until widespread travel becomes commonplace again. “Our normal reach is far and wide,” said Jessica Schenkel, vice president of Visit Topeka. “We know our persona, we know our target markets and we’re trying to reach them in every way possible. But we also know that right now people aren’t traveling across the country or even state to state. So we’ve changed our focus to reach out to those close around us.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Shawnee County to open courthouse June 1, not require mask use
With public health concerns and practical considerations in mind, county commissioners voted 2-1 to reopen the Shawnee County Courthouse to the public on June 1 and opted to recommend but not require the use of masks when visiting the courthouse for county functions. Before entering the courthouse to conduct business, patrons will be asked to complete a screening questionnaire to identify potential COVID-19 symptoms. Though masks won’t be required of those visiting county offices, there will be masks on hand for courthouse visitors who request them.
(Read more: News – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
South Central Kansas Medical Center hospital finances slowly improving
After going through several hard months financially due to the impact of COVID-19, South Central Kansas Medical Center and its clinics are beginning to see at least some improvement. “We’ve done more surgeries by May 14 than we did the entire month of April,” CEO Jeff Bowman said during a trustee board meeting Thursday. Bowman said the daily census at the hospital had remained consistent during March. Expenses remained consistent, he said, but the medical center saw a total income loss of $473,000.
(Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com – RSS Results)
Municipal Bond Trends for May 28, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
A sense of credit caution is being felt in the municipal market
The municipal bond market was steady Thursday amid the pricing of several new issues, including a low-rated Guam Waterworks $134 million deal. Despite the market’s recent firmness, however, a real sense of caution is coming into play. Some sources say the municipal market needs to begin pricing in downside risk from the coronavirus-led revenue losses for issuers across the country, and that the market is largely ignoring the potential of real risk of impairments and defaults. Municipal to U.S. Treasury ratios have been a focus for many participants of late. Historically attractive ratios, low supply, and continued fund inflows are creating some strength in the municipal market.
(Read more: The Bond Buyer)
Emporia discusses budget, appropriations concerns amid pandemic
City of Emporia Finance Director Janet Harouff spoke with city commissioners about estimated decreases in the transient guest tax fund during a Wednesday morning study session. The decrease, which has been spurred on by the novel coronavirus pandemic, could affect some remaining appropriations payments for 2020. Without such economic drivers as the Glass Blown Open and Dirty Kanza over the summer, Harouff estimated the city could see an approximate $400,000 decrease in guest tax revenue. She advised that commissioners could be facing some tough decisions in the realm of appropriation requests moving forward, especially for entities such as Emporia Granada Theatre, the arts council and Red Rocks historic site.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Greenwood County sets Phase 2 end date for June 8
Greenwood County commissioners met for a special meeting Monday evening after Kansas Governor Laura Kelly announced control would pass to local counties to establish restrictions for their individual county reopening plans. Commissioners voted to continue the current restrictions put in place by the modified Phase 2 of the state reopening plan until June 8. Greenwood County Public Health Officer Vickie Lindsey-Ross recommended continuing to observe this two-week period in order to monitor any outbreaks of COVID-19 resulting from gatherings over the Memorial Day holiday. If there is no outbreak of positive COVID cases by June 8, commissioners will allow the order to expire and Greenwood County will open up in full at that time with no restrictions.
(Read more: Emporia Gazette)
Slower economic recovery feared in Wichita
Kansas Senator Jerry Moran said lower demand in travel and previous disruptions to Boeing production orders could lead to a slower economic recovery in Wichita. “We may be slower to recover, the needs may still be there in Wichita,” he said. “Where employment may be slower than in other places in the country to return as we work to get our commercial airlines back in the country.” He made the remarks on Thursday while touring a food pantry, which has seen a forty percent increase in the demand for services since the pandemic began. Moran’s tour comes before he goes back to Washington. Last month, Senate Republicans declined to pass a relief package proposed by House Democrats. They wanted, among other things, provisions to protect small business liability.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Winfield celebrates National Teacher of the Year: Tabatha Rosproy
Small town Kansas didn’t look so small Wednesday evening as Winfield held one heck of a party for one of its own — dozens took part in the special drive-by celebration for National Teacher of the Year Tabatha Rosproy. Rosproy’s community came out full throttle to celebrate her recognition with signs, floats, streamers, and a whole lot of smiles. “We just had the best time — it was incredible being named National Teacher of the Year during a pandemic,” Rosproy said. “We weren’t sure there was going to be a celebration, but I know Winfield and they brought it big for me and I couldn’t be prouder to be from here,” she said. Rosproy is the first preschool teacher to win the award and the first Kansan to do so in more than 60 years.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Rebuilding America: Local businesses down, but not out
Kevin Rule put on a smile and headed to work like he’d done every day for over 30 years. Ever the optimist, he did his best to get to his business, the Sleep Shoppe and Furniture Gallery in downtown Hutchinson, which he owns with his wife. But it wasn’t just another day of work; his showroom doors had been locked following a stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Laura Kelly in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “My statement forever has been that I refuse to participate in any economic downturn,” Rule said. “I get out of bed every morning; I’m an optimistic person; I go to work, and I’m the leader of the fun parade within my organization.”
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Kansas public higher education absorbs $90 million financial impact from COVID-19
Kansas’ system of public higher education took a $90.7 million financial hit in the current fiscal year from the spread of COVID-19 that in March abruptly transformed operation of universities and the community and technical colleges. The financial estimate for the year ending June 30 didn’t include disruption of sports and research activities at the seven universities, 19 community colleges and six technical colleges governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. Bulk of the budget problems are at University of Kansas and Kansas State University. The KU and KU Medical Center campuses calculated current fiscal year operational costs of the pandemic at $30.5 million, while K-State put the figure at $22.1 million.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Wichita mayor frustrated with county decision to let everything open during pandemic
The mayor of Kansas’ largest city said he’s frustrated with a decision to lift coronavirus restrictions and wishes cities had more power to drive public health policy during the pandemic. “We actually have no authority to pass stay-in orders or to pass the types of restrictions that let’s say the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, can do,” Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said Thursday. Instead, county governments across the state have assumed responsibility for coronavirus response after Gov. Laura Kelly’s phased-reopening emergency order expired Wednesday.
(Read more: Local News |)
New Dodge City manager to start June 1
Nick Hernandez will officially begin his tenure as Dodge City’s new city manager, effectively replacing current city manager Cherise Tieben on June 1. Tieben will retire on June 16, but between then, will introduce Hernandez to Dodge City community partners and the operational procedures. Hernandez served nine years as city manager for Arkansas City, Kan., but is a Ford County native, having grown up in Spearville for 16 years before moving to and graduating from high school in Ashland.
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)
Rebuilding America: Local tourism spots see winds of change
Boot Hill Museum planned to hold a grand reopening after the completion of its initial expansion project, but with the interruptions caused by COVID-19, it was pushed back to fall in line with Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for a phased reopening of the state. Boot Hill Museum’s Laura Tawater said the museum was then set to reopen sometime in mid-May, but that again was delayed by institution of a new Phase 1.5. Despite these postponements, Boot Hill Museum continues to work on its reopening plan.
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)
Ford County gives businesses OK to open at own discretion
On Tuesday, Gov. Laura Kelly issued a declaration regarding the statewide plan for reopening, making the phases more of a guideline than a requirement for all 105 counties. Individual counties would be the ones setting gathering limits, business opening guidelines and other attempts at jump-starting local economies. On Wednesday, Ford County commissioners met in a special meeting to set adjustments for the county based on the governor’s changes.
(Read more: News – Dodge City Daily Globe – Dodge City, KS)
Salina playgrounds, equipment reopened
The City of Salina has reopened playgrounds and equipment for use in city parks. This reopening is set to align with the Saline County health officer’s order that make Phase 2 of the Ad Astra Reopening Plan a local order. Salina Parks and Recreation said picnic shelters will remain closed until further notice.
(Read more: News – Salina Journal)
Kansas news deserts leave increasingly fewer reporters to cover the COVID-19 outbreak
During a pandemic, local news coverage means more than keeping tabs on the city council or high school sports. The stories published in a newspaper, broadcast on a network TV affiliate or aired on the radio bring critical information about the public health crisis to communities. People count on reporters in their town or region to let them know about the latest spread of disease, about what’s safe and what’s not — especially in small meatpacking towns that have become coronavirus hot spots. “They’re doing the best they can,” said Angela Labrier, who turns to the Fox News Channel and The Garden City Telegram to stay on top of what’s happening with the coronavirus.But it’s getting harder for local news outlets, just about everywhere.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Mission extends due date for business license fees to Sept. 1 amid COVID-19
Businesses throughout the city, like Sandhills Brewing in downtown, will have until Sept. 1 to pay business license fees. The Mission city council on Wednesday evening approved a resolution to extend the due date for business license fees from July 1 to Sept. 1, in an effort to help businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. City staff has been working on business license renewals with a focus on creating an online form and payment methods to reduce human interactions, City Administrator Laura Smith said. As staff worked on this, Smith said an extension seemed to be a reasonable way to offer businesses — who might be impacted by the pandemic themselves — a couple of extra months.
(Read more: Shawnee Mission Post)
Many bars staying closed despite dropped restrictions, but Old Town clubs ready to party
Sedgwick County commissioners decided on Wednesday to allow all businesses in Wichita to reopen, meaning that Wichita bars and nightclubs — among the close-quarter businesses that had so far been ordered to stay closed amid coronavirus concerns — are no longer bound by those restrictions. In Wichita, many Old Town night clubs, which have been shut down since the start of coronavirus restrictions in March, are preparing to welcome party crowds back this weekend and are now trumpeting drink specials and cover charge lifting on social media. One even reopened for party-seekers on Wednesday, just hours the commissioners decided no restrictions on businesses or social distancing were necessary. Meanwhile, many popular bar and brewery owners say they’re not quite ready to go yet, and they’re not sure how long it will be until they are.
(Read more: Dining With Denise Neil |)
Essential hearings only in the courthouse in Kiowa County
Even in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, the the Kiowa County courthouse is a hub for county department activity and for legal cases. But the courthouse, like everything else, has had to reorganize its operations to confirm with the most current mandates from the state and judicial system. Legal cases in Kiowa County have been delayed. The Kansas Supreme Court has ordered that no jury trials take place in Kansas for now and when that will change is unknown, said Chief Judge Leigh Hood of the 16th Judicial District. Kiowa County has not had a docket day but are conducting hearings as necessary. The situation changes day to day but plans are to hear cases on a regular basis starting the second week in June, Hood said.
(Read more: Kiowa County Signal)
Municipal Bond Trends for May 27, 2020
The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS “investment grade” yields. Every issuer’s credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.
Sedgwick County’s new coronavirus plan: advice but no rules, everything can open
A day after Gov. Laura Kelly shifted responsibility for coronavirus prevention to the counties, Sedgwick County shifted it to the business community and individual residents. The county commissioners opted Wednesday not to place any rules or restrictions on business or personal activity to control the spread of COVID-19. “I think it’s time to trust our citizens,” said Commissioner Jim Howell.
(Read more: Local News |)
City leaders plead for COVID-19 regulation after Johnson County makes it voluntary
More than 20 city council members from across Johnson County have signed a letter urging county leaders to adopt coronavirus restrictions that can be enforced. After Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced she has shifted responsibility for COVID-19 prevention to counties, Johnson County health officials said they would not impose their own restrictions. Instead, the county is leaving it up to businesses and residents to follow recommendations laid out in Kelly’s phased approach to reopening the economy.
(Read more: Joco 913 News)
Cowley County keeping state limits in place
Cowley County will follow the state’s reopening plan after Gov. Laura Kelly this week rescinded her statewide order and let local officials determine their own coronavirus restrictions. Public Health Officer Thomas Langer issued a press release late Wednesday afternoon announcing the decision. The order he issued, effective at 12 a.m. Wednesday, essentially holds in place the current limitations people were being asked follow until a special session of the Legislature starting June 3 that could provide more clarity on how things will move forward, the release states.
(Read more: www.ctnewsonline.com – RSS Results)
Park City officers honored for stopping man who was going to jump off bridge
Two Park City officers were recognized this week for preventing a man from jumping off a bridge. Officers Gary Palmer and Jordan Whitfield received the Life Saving Medal during Tuesday’s Park City Council meeting for their efforts to save a 45-year-old man from jumping off the 61st bridge above Chisholm Creek on Jan. 25. The officers responded to a welfare check of the man at around 8:15 p.m. and found him standing on the sidewalk in the middle of the bridge.
(Read more: Local News |)
KDHE anxious about ’experimentation’ as counties take charge of COVID-19 response
The state’s top health officer urged county officials Wednesday to follow Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan for gradual reopening of the economy — downsized from mandatory to advisory — to minimize opportunities for resurgence in spread of COVID-19. Lee Norman, secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said placing ownership of coronavirus decisions with the state’s 105 county commissions and health officers wasn’t without risk. He predicted some counties would fare well in terms of infection management, while others would fare poorly.
(Read more: Local – The Hutchinson News)
Shawnee County nearing ‘slow trickle’ reopening plan
Shawnee County’s COVID-19 response team has released a five-tier working document it will use to reopen Shawnee County. The guidelines were released Thursday afternoon and will begin as soon as the state’s stay-at-home order lifts. The working document is based off a best-case scenario and is subject to change. Tiers will be broken down into 14-, 20- and 30-day increments, Shawnee County Emergency Management director Dusty Nichols said Thursday morning at the Shawnee County commission meeting.
(Read more: Local Government – The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Sales tax numbers up as of April, but city preparing for drop
As of April, sales tax revenues for Newton remain ahead of last year, but the city is preparing for a decrease in revenue in the coming months. “Boy, they were sure shopping in March,” Newton Finance Director Donna Pickman said, explaining that it wouldn’t be till May or June when the city would have a better idea of how the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak would affect the city budget. “It’s kind of hard to know right yet,” she said. “We’re just holding the line.” As a whole, compared to 2019, total revenues for the first four months of the year totaled $1,762,000. That’s $44,000 higher when compared to the past year.
(Read more: Harvey County Now)
A difficult decision from the Hillsboro City Council
Today, the City Council voted to close the municipal swimming pool for the 2020 summer season. “This was not an easy decision” said Mayor Lou Thurston. “My heart says one thing, my head says another. In the end, it doesn’t appear that we can keep the pool open and keep social distancing and the CDC/Kansas Parks & Recreation Association cleaning guidelines to keep pool employees and the public safe. Safety of our children and their families is more important than the risk of opening the pool.” We realize this may not be a popular decision and regret it had to be made. We recognize since the closing of the school session in mid-March, kids have been adhering to shelter in place guidelines to protect their heath. Marci Cain, pool manager and teacher, said “the decision to close schools was made because social distancing was not practical in the school setting. Social distancing is no better in the swimming pool setting.”
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)
Rock River Rapids in Derby opens on June 8 with safety measures
The Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park in Derby is slated to open on Monday, June 8. City and recreation officials made the announcement in a joint news release Wednesday. “Given the risks of COVID-19, a great deal of preparation has occurred to ensure the park is as safe as possible and meets or exceeds all CDC guidelines, state orders, and Kansas Recreation and Parks Association (KRPA) recommendations,” the release said.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Anonymous donor helps 41 residents in Kansas town pay their water bills
Residents in a small Kansas town don’t have to worry about their past due water bills after someone anonymously paid all of their balances. Julie Roller Weeks with the Abilene Convention & Visitor’s Bureau said Friday’s donation was for $2,000. The donor told her that he and his wife did not need the coronavirus stimulus money they received and wanted to do good with it. “The act of kindness is something very positive that has come from something very unsettling in this pandemic,” Weeks said. The donation helped 41 local residents to become current on their water bills, nearly one third of the total of past due bills in Abilene.
(Read more: KAKE – News)
Counties respond to governor’s action on coronavirus response
Sedgwick County commissioners plan a special meeting Wednesday afternoon to decide on next steps after actions taken by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly on Tuesday. The governor vetoed a bill from the legislature to limit the governor’s powers on disaster and emergency declarations. She has transitioned the state reopening plan to guidance only, leaving decisions up to counties on the coronavirus response. The governor also called a special session of the legislature for June 3rd to work on a new emergency management bill. Reno County’s health officer was planning an announcement on next steps after the governor’s decision. Harvey County commissioners have voted to remain in Phase Two of the governor’s plan, and limits on mass gatherings will be increased from 15 to 30. Harvey County commissioners will decide on further steps at their next meeting June 2nd.
(Read more: KFDI 101.3)
Harvey County commissioners vote to keep county in phase 2
The Harvey County Commission voted Tuesday at a special meeting to remain in the second phase of the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan regarding COVID-19 response through June 2. The plan generally follows the guidance included in Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly’s “Ad Astra: A Plan to Reopen Kansas” outline. The commission agreed to increase mass gathering limits in Harvey County from 15 to 30 people and unanimously approved the decision to revise and adopt the Harvey County Health Reopening Plan. All restrictions previously outlined in the state’s reopening plan remain in place in Harvey County’s local plan. Additionally, Harvey County’s plan restricts in-person visits at long-term care facilities through its first three phases.
(Read more: KSN-TV)
Frazer: Most proud of updating Moundridge’s strategic plan
Outgoing City Administrator Randy Frazer said the one project he will point to with pride that he helped to accomplish during his nine-year tenure with the City of Moundridge is updating the city’s strategic plan. Frazer was honored during a come-and-go reception on Thursday, May 21.
(Read more: McPherson Weekly News » Feed)
McPherson County announces response to reopening
McPherson County announced Tuesday evening its response to reopening after Gov. Laura Kelly made counties decide on how they reopen, instead of reopening as a whole. Effective Wednesday at 12:01 a.m., McPherson County Health Officer Shalei Shea is recommending McPherson County follow the guidelines of Gov. Kelly’s Ad Astra Plan. McPherson County will remain in Phase 2, which allows gatherings of no more than 15. Individuals are encouraged to wear masks in public settings, while maintaining social distancing of six feet.
(Read more: McPherson Sentinel)
Shawnee expects to lose nearly $500K to open Soetaert pool under COVID-19 restrictions this summer
With Shawnee planning to open the Soetaert pool this summer, city staff anticipate losing nearly half a million dollars by subsidizing 79% of operational costs. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, city staff expect to slash by more than half the number of guests allowed at the Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center at one time. In a follow-up with the city council Tuesday evening, Sean Keenan, aquatics manager, said this will result in significant cuts in anticipated revenue through pool admission and concessions, and zero revenue from pool membership sales…
(Read more: Prairie Village Post)