Municipal News & Jobs

The City of Lawrence is asking the community for feedback on plans to implement memberships and fees to use recreational facilities. The Parks, Recreation and Culture department is proposing the fees as a way to offset its $1.8 million portion of the city’s projected budget shortfall of more than $6 million. The department has considered similar plans in recent years but did not move forward after community pushback. This year, however, the Lawrence City Commission has voiced some support for rec center fees early in the budget process.
Source: The Lawrence Times

The city of Wichita is looking at how to reduce a projected budget deficit, including eliminating animal control services, reducing firefighter positions and eliminating a municipal courtroom. The city is projecting it will see a $2 million deficit in 2026, and a $5.5 million deficit in 2027.
Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

Overbrook City Clerk Jim Koger has announced his retirement, and everyone is invited to help him celebrate his years of service to the city. Overbrook City Hall will host an open house for Jim, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025. Everyone is invited to stop in congratulate Jim and his family.
Source: Osage County Online | Osage County News

Over the years, a special state incentive created to entice people to move to rural Kansas has been continually expanded. The incentive – a combination of income tax breaks and student loan repayments  – was created in 2011 by the Legislature at the behest of former Gov. Sam Brownback. At the time, it only applied to 50 counties with populations that had fallen by at least 10% over the previous decade. In 2013 and 2014, the Legislature designated 27 more counties as rural opportunity zones. Then, in 2021, the Legislature made any county with a population of less than 40,000 a rural opportunity zone, making 95 out of the state’s 105 counties eligible for the incentive.
Source: Sunflower State Journal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of $267 million in Brownfields Grants across the United States, with nearly $4 million specifically designated for communities in Kansas. This funding aims to transform contaminated properties into productive spaces, fostering economic growth and improving public health. “The $267 million in Brownfield Grants will transform contaminated properties into valuable spaces for businesses and housing, creating new opportunities that strengthen local economies and directly benefit American families,” stated EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
Source: The Sunflower State Radio Network

Governor Laura Kelly announced Thursday $14.5 million for 47 aviation projects across the state through the Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP), which provides funding for planning, construction, and rehabilitation of public-use general aviation airports. “The Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Keeping our aviation infrastructure in optimal condition is a large part of that economic growth and job creation, allowing local businesses and communities to prosper.”
Source: Butler County Times-Gazette

‘Far from over’: Kansas schools still see COVID’s effects on learning and behavior. Susie Kelley, a fifth grade teacher at Harry Street Elementary School in Wichita, leads her class in a “Mindfulness Minute” breathing exercise. Educators say they are still seeing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students, both academically and socially.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe

Thankfully, the rains sprang down during the recent bout of monsoon season, or things could have become dicey for the City of Newton. Newton was about to be in a water emergency, as the groundwater levels had fallen to nearly 10 feet below normal seasonal level. Director of Public Works Ed Bonham said the recent rains had pushed the levels up a foot, but they need to keep an eye out.
Source: Harvey County Now

The Halstead City Council approved a new round of grant applications totaling $20,000 at the most recent city council meeting. The city provides grants to new and existing businesses in the downtown area who are looking to repair or update their businesses. There were two applicants for this round of applications: Making Memories China Rental and Metal Transformations.
Source: Harvey County Now

Job-seekers interested in public service careers can connect directly with City of Wichita departments during an upcoming career fair on Tuesday, June 3. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. 2nd St. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various departments, including CityArts, Fire, IT, Law, Police, and others.
Source: KSN-TV

Facing a need for more school bus drivers, Haysville Public Schools is hosting a two-day recruitment event this week to help fill key transportation roles for the upcoming school year. The event, titled “Be the Next Driver” will be held in the east parking lot of Campus High School, 2100 W. 55th Street S., on Wednesday, May 28, from 8 a.m. to noon and Thursday, May 29, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Source: KSN-TV

Arkansas City is rolling out new welcome signs. A ribbon cutting on June 5 will celebrate the completion of four new “Welcome to Arkansas City” signs—each featuring the city’s new logo, a design rooted in local history, water, and community pride. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the south entrance off U.S. Highway 77 on 61st Road, where the first sign was installed. Additional signs have been placed at the city’s north and east approaches, with the new branding also featured on the West Madison Bridge.
Source: KSN-TV

The recent rain in Kansas has helped Cheney Lake rise and gain half a foot of water. According to the latest data from the National Water Prediction Service, that lake is at 1,414.25 feet as of 7 a.m. Tuesday. At the beginning of the month, the lake was at 1413.7 feet. The lake is still measuring at 7.35 feet below normal. Jansen Roberson, a Cheney State Park ranger, said attendance was down this Memorial Day weekend due to weather and lake levels.
Source: KSN-TV

While some Kansas cities like Grinnell and Plevna are recovering from recent devastating tornadoes, others are reflecting. The Udall Historical Museum held a remembrance event for the 70th anniversary of the tornado that nearly leveled the town. On May 25, 1955, Udall was blindsided by a tornado, taking over 80 lives. The newest addition to the museum is a room dedicated to reconstructing the destruction.
Source: KSN-TV

Wichita teachers, support staff, and school security workers will see pay raises next school year under new agreements reached with the Wichita Board of Education. The deals, which cover the 2025-2026 school year, include a 3% pay increase for teachers, classified staff (such as custodians, food service workers, and paraprofessionals), and safety personnel. Security workers will also receive an extra 1% “catch-up” raise. Health insurance coverage and premiums will remain unchanged across all employee groups.
Source: KSN-TV

Wichita’s skyline is about to get an addition with the lighting of the Century II spire. It has been nearly 10 years since the last time the community saw it with lights. The lighting will happen on Sunday, June 1, during the Riverfest’s “I Choose Wichita” evening events. “Lighting the Century II spire after nearly a decade is a powerful symbol of unity and celebration,”; BreAnna Monk, Wichita Festivals president and CEO, said in a news release. “It’s an honor to mark the moment at Family Movie Night — a bright reminder of Wichita’s spirit.”
Source: KSN-TV

The Topeka Lodging Association is sounding the alarm on tourism in the capital city. They say a big part of that is due to Hotel Topeka and the closure of Heartland Park Racetrack. Topeka’s tourism taxes is $50,000 off track for 2025, 15% less than expected. They say most of the shortfall comes from Hotel Topeka, which the city purchased next to the Stormont Vail Event Center.
Source: KSNT 27 News

As the Memorial Day weekend approaches, the city of Winfield has launched a new online interactive cemetery map that officials call “a powerful tool designed to provide residents, genealogists, and visitors with easy access to burial information from the comfort of their homes.” The digital map is now live and available to the public through the City’s website. Users can search for loved ones, locate burial plots, and view cemetery layouts with enhanced clarity and convenience.
Source: Local – Cowley Post

A guaranteed income program for single mothers has been on county leaders’ minds for some time. But in its 2025 session, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2101, which now prohibits any city or county from using tax dollars to fund such programs unless the Legislature gives its prior approval. Now, the county appears to be taking a more concrete step toward developing the guaranteed income program idea.
Source: LJWorld

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 resolution regarding a countywide 1% retailers’ sales tax to fund the county hospital cited K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 12-187(b)(1), a general tax provision, rather than K.S.A. 2014 Supp. 12-187(b)(5), which specifically addresses funding health care services. …Here, the ballot question was phrased in such a way that the electors understood a “yes” vote was a vote to approve a countywide 1% retailers’ sales tax to fund the county hospital.
Source: Kansas Attorney General Opinions

The House passed a massive tax and spending bill that leaves the municipal bond tax exemption untouched after months of market speculation. It now heads to the Senate, which will shape the legislation to its own priorities.
Source: Bond Buyer

The city of Plevna, with a population of fewer than 100 residents, does not carry insurance on its municipal buildings. Many residents are also facing property damage at their own homes, leaving limited local resources to fund repairs to public structures.
Source: KSN-TV

Recovery is just beginning in Grinnell after an EF-3 tornado struck the town. Community leaders say financial donations will be key.
Source: KSN-TV

The first order of business for Brian Wells, who will become Marion city administrator June 16, will be getting to know the community and council and then deciding the best paths to take from there, he said in an interview last week.
Source: Marion County RECORD

A major manufacturing plant in Wamego will stay open under new ownership. A Caterpillar Inc. spokesperson confirmed plant workers were informed the facility will stay in the Caterpillar family and pass into the hands of a subsidiary of the company: Solar Turbines. The facility currently employs hundreds of workers locally who will now get to keep their jobs.
Source: KSN-TV

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.

Treasury yields moved higher on Wednesday as investors feared a new U.S. tax bill could worsen the country’s deficit following a Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating. At 6:57 a.m. ET, the 30-year Treasury bond yield was up over 6 basis points at 5.03%. The 10-year yield was more than 5 basis points higher at 4.537%. The 2-year yield advanced just over 2 basis points, reaching 3.994%. One basis point is equivalent to 0.01%, and yields and prices move in opposite directions. Investors are keeping an eye on discussions around U.S. President Donald Trump’s budget bill as some Republicans said they wouldn’t support the bill without larger deductions for state and local taxes. The bill could increase the U.S. government’s deficit — which has become a cause for alarm in the past week.
Source: Bonds

Municipals were little changed Tuesday as U.S. Treasury yields rose out long and equities ended down. The two-year ratio Tuesday was at 72%, the five-year at 72%, the 10-year at 73% and the 30-year at 90%, according to Municipal Market Data’s 3 p.m. ET read. ICE Data Services had the two-year at 70%, the five-year at 71%, the 10-year at 73% and the 30-year at 90% at 4 p.m.
As the second half of the month gets underway, munis are seeing small gains of 0.1%, bringing year-to-date returns to negative 0.96%. This compares to 2024, when returns for the month were 1.02% at the midway point of May, said Jason Wong, vice president of municipals at AmeriVet Securities.
Source: The Latest

A vibrant transformation is in store for the parking structure outside of Merriam Plaza Library and the Merriam Community Center. The Merriam City Council last week unanimously approved a $50,000 contract with New Orleans-based artist duo Milagros Collective for a vibrant, colorful mural to span the stairs in and around the parking structure at 6040 Slater St. This is part of the city’s larger public art master plan, which is an overarching effort to bring more public art to Merriam’s streets.
Source: Johnson County Post

With Memorial Day on the horizon, Riverview Cemetery is getting a little extra attention—but for Sexton Marcus Lynn, the work never really stops. Home to more than 13,300 graves, Riverview is managed by Lynn and one other full-time city employee. While other departments help when they can, much of the weekly upkeep is Lynn’s responsibility.
Source: KSN-TV

Recovery efforts continue in Grinnell after a tornado hit the town on Sunday. The destruction has nearly leveled the west side of town. From above, the scope of the destruction becomes clearer. The Gove County Sheriff says it will still be a while before rebuilding begins. Debris won’t be cleared out for at least a week, but the sheriff hopes to have the town cemetery prepared for Memorial Day weekend.
Source: KSN-TV

A disaster relief center has been set up in Plevna after a tornado entered the town late Sunday night into early Monday morning, leaving behind damage to buildings, vehicles, and trees. Ten minutes away in Abbyville, a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) serves a different purpose than the relief center. It’s much more focused on getting families and homeowners set up for long-term relief than providing food, water and supplies. The goal is to take people in and assess their needs.
Source: KSN-TV

Hays is seeking feedback on a proposed ordinance allowing residents to raise chickens. A community survey is now available online, and residents are encouraged to participate to guide the City Commission’s decision-making process. Under the suggested guidelines, residents could keep up to five hens, while roosters would not be permitted. Chickens would only be allowed on properties with permanent structures and must be kept within an enclosed, secure coop.
Source: KSN-TV

Topeka Police and Topeka Fire competed for the most blood donations with Monday’s 9th annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive. Those donations go to support patients all around the Sunflower State. A member of the local Red Cross says that while we aren’t in a critical blood shortage now, this time of year is imperative for blood drives. The summer season has unique challenges that make it a difficult time to collect donations.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Public health leaders in Douglas County are concerned about a spike in suspected opioid overdose cases. It’s said to be twice the number of cases they’re accustomed to seeing. The community’s public health department isn’t sure why this uptick exists. Emergency response workers in Douglas County say they see a steady stream of suspected opioid overdose cases, as many emergency medical teams do. Since early 2025, that first response agency has seen a 69 percent increase in total incidents, 83 percent of which involves a patient needing an ambulance to reach emergency care.
Source: KSNT 27 News

Year-round fireworks sales will be prohibited within Wichita city limits, despite a new state law allowing it.The Wichita City Council unanimously approved a new ordinance prohibiting the year-round sale of fireworks and prohibiting permanent firework retailers in the city.
Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

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.

A company hopes to infuse the Topeka housing market with reasonably priced homes produced in a fraction of the time it takes to build traditional stick or modular housing. The answer to Topeka’s problem, its leaders say, is to produce 3D printed homes.
Source: CJonline

Twenty-one tornadoes were reported to have touched down late May 18 in western and central Kansas, according to a graphic posted on the website of the weather service’s Topeka office. Tornadoes damaged homes just before 7 p.m. at Grinnell, along Interstate 70 in northeast Kansas, and just before midnight in the area of Plevna, southwest of Hutchinson in south-central Kansas, the weather service said. No injuries had been reported.
Source: CJonline

An ongoing legal battle between a Kansas town and a burger joint over an unfinished mural is sparking controversy in the community, with lawyers claiming the city violated free speech rights. Steve Howard, owner of The Cozy Inn, filed a lawsuit last year after the city of Salina told him he had to stop painting a mural on the side of his restaurant because it violated city codes for signage. The Kansas Justice Institute, which filed the suit on behalf of Howard, said the city’s actions violate free speech.
Source: Wichita Kansas Local News, Crime & More |

After nearly 17 months, Marion will have more than an interim city administrator starting this summer. City council members voted 5-0 Wednesday to hire Brian Wells to fill Marion’s city administrator position, vacated in January, 2024, by Brogan Jones. Retired Emporia city manager Mark McAnarney has been filling in as interim administrator since then.
Source: Marion County RECORD

The City of Lawrence on Monday will begin using parking boots to immobilize vehicles of people who have three or more unpaid parking tickets that are 60 days or more overdue. The new system is replacing a criminal process that required people to go to Lawrence Municipal Court to handle outstanding fines. Effective Monday, May 19, city staff members will be able to put boots on cars of people who are considered habitual violators. “The violators will get a 48-hour notice that the car could be impounded if the outstanding parking tickets aren’t paid before then,” according to the city’s parking website. There will be a 24-hour call system with the booting company so drivers can call, pay and get a code to remove the boots.
Source: The Lawrence Times