Kansas Municipal News
Lenexa’s annual State of the City address
Lenexa in 2021 saw high resident satisfaction, a return of some popular local events and continued growth and development at some much-watched sites, including the Lenexa Public Market and City Center. These were some of the key takeaways in a virtual State of the City video released Wednesday by the city. Mayor Mike Boehm had been set to give an in-person address earlier this month during a Lenexa Chamber of Commerce luncheon, but that event was canceled due to rising COVID-19 cases at the time. Here are a few takeaways from the State of the City video: Once again, Lenexa has enjoyed high ratings in its annual citizen satisfaction survey, with 97% of Lenexans saying they’re pleased with the city as a good place to live.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Senate passes bill limiting regulations of plastic bags
A bill barring local governments from regulating plastic grocery bags and other material easily cleared the Senate on Wednesday. The Senate passed the bill 27-13, answer calls for the Legislature to bring consistency to state regulations for so-called “auxiliary containers,” which include bags, cup, packages, containers and bottles. The bill now goes to the House. Supporters of the legislation said that when cities try to limit or ban certain types of containers it leads to a “hodgepodge” of regulations that vary from one jurisdiction to the next and cause confusion for businesses. “This does not prohibit anyone from choosing to use or not to use a plastic bag or any kind of auxiliary container,” said Republican state Sen. Renee Erickson of Wichita. “Businesses can choose if it fits in their business model and many do choose not to have plastic bags because it does not fit with their values as a company,” Erickson said.
Source: Sunflower State Journal
Appraisal shock: tax valuations rise for nine out of 10 Sedgwick County homeowners
When you get your property tax appraisal notice in the mail early next month, prepare to see a higher number than you’re used to. As a result of an overheated housing market, the median sale price of homes in Sedgwick County topped $200,000 for the first time. Consequently, tax appraisals are up this year for 88% of residential property owners, appraiser Mark Clark reported to the County Commission on Wednesday. Only 3% of homes declined in value. The median increase is 7%, largest for homes in the coveted $175,000-$225,000 band where the market is hottest, Clark said.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Rural entrepreneurship highlighted during 2nd Rural Revitalization Conference
The Riley County Extension held its second ever Rural Revitalization Conference Wednesday in Riley. The event is an opportunity for those interested in rural economies and starting their own business. Extension Director Gary Fike says the most important aspect is hearing from local entrepreneurs . One of the speakers Wednesday was Trish Purdon, who is the Director of the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity. She says the most fundamental aspect of supporting a rural community is to be a community of the future. Ron Wilson, owner of the Lazy T Ranch and is the director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at K-State encouraged folks in rural communities to think strategically about their future.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Johnson County Charter Commission delivers final report to BOCC
Johnson County Charter Commission Chair Greg Musil presented the 2021 Charter Commission’s final report to the Board of County Commissioners today, Feb. 24. The presentation during the regular BOCC meeting included a summary of the Charter Commission’s activities. The Johnson County Charter Commission is required to convene every 10 years to review Johnson County Government operations and can propose amendments and/or recommendations to the BOCC. Any proposed amendments must then be placed on the ballot at the next general election for Johnson County voters to accept or reject. “Everybody took it very seriously and worked very hard through a year-long process,” Chair Musil said. “It’s important to note there was an appointment process, so the membership was diverse – geographically, politically, ideologically, urban and rural.”
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
Sedgwick County Commissioners and Wichita City Council discuss mental health changes
A new report says that higher pay, more resources, and new facilities are just a few things that would help mental health services in Wichita and Sedgwick County. The 55-page report from the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Coalition came out in late February. It lays out solutions for what some are calling a “mental health crisis” in the Wichita community. On Thursday, February 24, Leaders in Sedgwick County and the City of Wichita took a closer look. “We can make an impact, I think we can make a real positive impact and the leadership I have a lot of faith in,” said Sedgwick County commissioner Pete Meitzner. “The need is greater than what we can serve – that one to me is very telling that our staff and associates realize that the need in our community is overwhelming and I’m not making a difference that is what that says to me,” said Robyn Chadwick, Ascension Via Christi.
Source: KSN-TV
Prairie Village sends prayers to sister city Dolyna, Ukraine
The city of Prairie Village, Kansas has sent thoughts and prayers to their sister city Dolyna, Ukraine as the country deals with military action from Russia. The city said staff are actively reaching out to their contacts in Dolyna and Global Ties KC to look for ways to help. Late Wednesday night (Thursday in Ukraine), Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine and warned other nations not to interfere or it would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” In a televised address, Putin accused the U.S. and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees. He said Russia’s goal was not to occupy Ukraine.
Source: KSN-TV
Pittsburg PD gets new equipment through City’s sales tax
New equipment will soon be coming to the Pittsburg Police Department. The City Commission voted to approve the $33,000 purchase, using funds through the City’s “Public Safety Sales Tax.” This will include 24 sets of ballistic armor vests, 24 covert vest carriers, 24 ballistic trauma plates, and 39 over-the-shirt carriers. The department expects to receive the equipment within six to eight weeks, depending on availability.
Source: KSNF/KODE
What’s a frost quake? Listen to one in Kansas
A couple in Kansas said they recently witnessed a winter weather phenomenon known by several names: cryoseism, frost quake or ice quake. Melody Gillan, who recently moved to Concordia with her husband, explained what she discovered. “I was outside one day and kept hearing these ‘pops’ that sounded like firecrackers going off underground, right by where I was standing,” Gillan said. “My husband thought I was crazy. He said it was someone shooting a gun off in the distance.”
Source: KSNT News
Scott County GMD is finally nearing LEMA adoption to take effect in ‘23
A LEMA that will reduce the amount of water used for irrigation by an estimated 10.5% is close to being adopted by Groundwater Management District No. 1. A general outline of the proposal was presented during the GMD’s annual meeting in Scott City on Wednesday. Since Wichita County has already established its own LEMA, the latest proposal will target the four other counties within the district – Scott, Lane, Greeley and Wallace. The last time the GMD proposed a district-wide LEMA in 2014 it was narrowly defeated. That plan would have implemented a 20% reduction in irrigation pumping.
Source: Scott County Record
Scott City considers ‘minimum housing’ guidelines
Tenants of rental housing who feel that basic health or safety conditions aren’t being met by their landlord may eventually be able to seek assistance from City Hall. The Scott City Council is weighing the prospect of establishing minimum housing standards which would primarily target rental property, though the guidelines would apply to all housing, according to City Administrator Brad Pendergast. We’re not looking at anything that should be considered out of the ordinary for a home anyone would consider liveable,” says Pendergast. This would include basic needs such as a working toilet, the absence of mold from water leaks and having a home that can maintain a reasonable temperature during “average cold weather.”
Source: Scott County Record
Nickerson Mayor Peggy Ruebke begins her next term with downtown development in mind
After handling COVID-19 responses and action in her first term, Nickerson Mayor Peggy Ruebke plans to begin revitalizing and putting into motion new ideas for business developments on Nickerson Street downtown for her second term. The city council recently began meeting about new ideas to revitalize downtown. They asked the community to approach the city government with suggestions. Ruebke said she and the council enjoy it when residents visit city council meetings and encourage questions to help better put plans in motion or create new projects. “I don’t think I’m the typical mayor. I like more of a hands-on approach, and I like to know what’s going on,” Reubke said.
Source: Hutch News
South Hutchinson City Council discusses development efforts, need for changes
The South Hutchinson City Council’s commitment Monday of $500,000 to the chamber for a grant application is just the first step of a new economic development effort by the city, according to the city administrator. Joseph Turner advised the council he also submitted applications for state SPARK funds to use toward housing development incentives and broadband expansion in the city…. “I want to get some traction in Prairie Ridge,” Turner said, referring to a housing development on the city’s west side that has stalled for several years.
Source: Hutch News
Interest rates fall as investors run for safety during Russia-Ukraine invasion
U.S. Treasury yields saw steeper falls on Thursday morning, after Russia invaded Ukraine. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note dropped more than 12 basis points to 1.855% at around 7:45 a.m. ET. The yield on the 30-year Treasury bond fell 11 basis points to 2.166%. … Treasury yields dropped as investors flocked to the safe haven asset of government bonds, while gold jumped to its highest level in more than a year. Global markets fell sharply following the news of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
The market has adjusted its views of how the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates
The Federal Reserve is expected to start raising interest rates next month and not slow down until well into 2023, though the slope of the increases might be a bit gentler. Events over the past week, including statements from multiple Fed officials and, to a lesser extent, geopolitical turmoil, have convinced markets that the first rate move will be just a quarter percentage point. That change came after traders had been pricing a move double that size at the March 15-16 Federal Open Market Committee meeting. Central bankers have been dousing the idea of needing to go up 50 basis points at the meeting, with New York Fed President John Williams saying last week that there is “no compelling argument” for the move.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Has the Prairie Village YMCA outlived its usefulness? The debate is on for JoCo spot
After shelving the matter during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prairie Village officials are again discussing a new community center. But the deliberations are wrapped up with other pending decisions about the city’s government/pool complex, as well as troubles facing the nearby Paul Henson YMCA at 79th and Delmar streets. John Mikos, president and chief executive officer of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, told the City Council in mid-February that the Paul Henson Y — built more than 55 years ago — “has gone way beyond its useful life,” and is increasingly difficult to maintain. It’s been operating in the red for 18 months.
Source: Joco 913 News
Douglas County voters will decide in November whether to expand 3-member commission to 5
Three affirmative votes Wednesday evening meant that thousands of Douglas County voters will soon decide whether the county commission should expand to five members. If all goes as planned, the commission will consider ballot language to put the question before voters for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election. The timeline is not terribly tight for the language of the question to be decided — commissioners must vote on the question before Sept. 1. After the election, however, if voters do determine that there should be two additional seats on the dais, the commission must adopt maps of new districts by Jan. 1, 2023.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Municipal Bond Trends for February 23, 2022
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.
Newton holds first party, approves second bigger one
A large crowd of people gathered Tuesday evening to celebrate the city’s long-awaited Sesquicentennial. “May we never lose sight of what comes ahead,” Mayor Clint McBroom told the crowd as he addressed the city’s history. “Let’s remember to keep looking to what’s ahead.” Newton formed as a rail stop and cow town 11 years after Kansas became a state, only to grow into a location with a wild and rowdy reputation complete with saloons, bars, salacious entertainment establishments, and even a shoot-out that prompted the short-lived sobriquet of Bloody Newton. The city over the years has civilized but city leaders passed a proclamation at a city commission meeting held Tuesday to make 2022 a year to celebrate the city’s heritage. “Everyone is free to party and celebrate this entire year,” McBroom joked. The evening event had dancers, a symphony performance and other entertainment, which was the first course in planned celebrations.
Source: Harvey County Now
Kansas House moves to make counties keep electing sheriffs
The Kansas House has approved a measure aimed at ensuring that counties don’t stop electing their sheriffs. The vote Wednesday was 97-24 on a proposed amendment to the Kansas Constitution declaring that sheriffs are elected to four-year terms. The constitution now says only that lawmakers will create county offices “as may be necessary.” The measure had far more than the two-thirds majority necessary for passage in the House. If the measure passes the Senate, it will go on the ballot in November for voters’ possible approval. Backers said electing sheriffs makes them more accountable to voters. Opponents said counties should be allowed to decide how to manage law enforcement. Under the proposed language, legislators could no longer change how sheriffs are selected by law. Counties have been electing sheriffs since 1857, four years before Kansas was admitted to the Union.
Source: Andover American