Kansas Municipal News
Humboldt named one of 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2024 by Smithsonian Magazine
Faced with a declining population, a group of Midwest natives kicked revitalization efforts into overdrive. In 2016, they established A Bolder Humboldt, an economic development organization formed with the support of the local community, which focuses on reimagining and rebuilding the 167-year-old town for a new generation of entrepreneurs, citizens and visitors.
Source: Smithsonian
Municipal Bond Trends for June 12, 2024
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.
Wichita’s mayor gives update on citywide cyber attack
After being shut down for a little over a month, the city of Wichita said almost all of its forward facing services are back up and running. These are things people use daily, such as public Wi-Fi, bus fares, and bills. “We had to work from the background to the foreground and so the background work has been happening over the last few weeks before we can turn the system back on,” said Wichita’s mayor Lily Wu.
Source: KAKE – News
Pittsburg advances downtown development with community input
The City of Pittsburg is continuing to work on the development of downtown. City staff have taken all of the thoughts and concerns from the community from last week’s Downtown Community Conversation and given them to a consultant to review and put into a report. Some of the feedback includes upgrading the general aesthetics within downtown, expanding parking options, and keeping the area safe.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Fed holds rates steady, indicates only one cut coming this year
The Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept its key interest rate unchanged and signaled that just one cut is expected before the end of the year. … New forecasts released after this week’s two-day meeting indicated slight optimism that inflation remains on track to head back to the Fed’s 2% goal, allowing for some policy loosening later this year. … For the period through 2025, the committee now sees five total cuts equaling 1.25 percentage points, down from six in March. If the projections hold, it would leave the federal funds rate benchmark at 4.1% by the end of next year.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
‘Take it seriously,’ SEC’s muni chief warns municipal bond market
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s chief of the Office of Municipal Securities Dave Sanchez urged issuers and muni professionals to stay vigilant in a smorgasbord of areas that regulators are watching, from late audits to shady conduit deals to unregistered advisors in the public-private partnership space. “If you guys aren’t able to have this discipline on your own, this is where outside forces will start to want to impose discipline,” Sanchez said Saturday, speaking to the Government Finance Officers Association’s Debt Committee during the GFOA’s annual meeting.
Source: The Bond Buyer
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Inflation slows in May, with consumer prices up 3.3% from a year ago
The consumer price index showed no increase in May as inflation slightly loosened its stubborn grip on the U.S. economy, the Labor Department reported Wednesday. The CPI, a broad inflation gauge that measures a basket of goods and services costs across the U.S. economy, held flat on the month though it increased 3.3% from a year ago, according to the department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for a 0.1% monthly gain and a 3.4% annual rate. The monthly rate rose 0.3% in April while the annual rate was 3.3%. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, core CPI increased 0.2% on the month and 3.4% from a year ago, compared with respective estimates of 0.3% and 3.5%. Following the report, stock market futures pushed higher while Treasury yields slid. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 250 points in morning trade while the 10-year Treasury yield fell to 4.27%, down nearly 0.14 percentage point. Though the top-line inflation numbers were lower for both the all-items and core measures, shelter inflation increased 0.4% on the month and was up 5.4% from a year ago. Housing-related numbers have been a sticking point in the Federal Reserve’s inflation battle and make up a heavy share of the CPI weighting.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
City of Wamego, ECODEVO respond to announcement of Caterpillar closure
Local officials are responding to Thursday’s announcement from Caterpillar that it plans to shutter its Wamego facility sometime next year. Wamego City Manager Stacie Eichem says they learned of the situation late in the day Thursday. Eichem says the announcement comes as a major blow to the community. Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Shanna Goodman provided the following statement Friday morning. “This news is a significant disappointment for our entire region, as Caterpillar has been an integral part of our community for decades. We are actively collaborating with regional partners to provide resources and support for displaced workers. However, with every challenge comes an opportunity. While we may not solve this issue today, I have full confidence that we can turn this situation into something positive for our community.” Caterpillar employs around 400 people at its Wamego plant. The company says it plans to close the Wamego facility in mid-2025.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Wichita proposes to buy former Park Elementary School to use as homeless shelter
Wichita wants to convert the former Park Elementary school into a new shelter for people who are homeless. For months, the city has been seeking a location for what it calls a multiagency center: a facility with emergency shelter beds, affordable housing units and social services. Now, the city has settled on the former school at 9th and Main. Wichita Public Schools shuttered Park Elementary earlier this year as the district faced a $42 million budget deficit. “Given its close proximity to multiple homeless service providers, the location is ideal for referrals and coordinated services, easy access and mobility for those needing services and collaboration among agencies,” Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson said. “The project is also more financially feasible as the property will be effectively donated to the city and appears to be readily adaptable to reuse.” The city hopes to get the building ready for use as an emergency shelter this winter. Last year, Wichita scrambled to find an emergency, no-barrier winter shelter. Neighbors protested the building the city selected at 21st and Grove, and Wichita promised it wouldn’t bring the shelter back this year. The Wichita school board will vote on the sale of the property to the city on Monday. Wichita will pay a “nominal” fee, Anderson said. He did not specify how much.
Source: KLC Journal
Merriam adopts new rules after decision to take ‘thin blue line’ flags out of annual display
Following a debate over the use of “thin blue line” flags in the city’s annual Fourth of July event, Merriam has adopted a new official flag display policy. The Merriam City Council on Monday unanimously approved the new flag rules for city property and city-run events, which came after the decision to exclude “thin blue line” flags and display only U.S. flags during the city’s Flags 4 Freedom event that starts later this month. The new policy approved Monday goes beyond that one event and outlines what flags the city can display on city-owned flag poles and at citywide events. It also offers a way for the governing body to request additional flag displays at the base of several flag poles at the city’s municipal plaza, 9001 W. 62nd St. Last month, the city council decided to display only U.S. flags during the city’s Flags 4 Freedom event, which occurs each year during the week of the Fourth of July. This is the first year that the city is sponsoring and managing the event, which was previously overseen by a group of volunteers, and there were concerns over displaying a handful of “thin blue line” flags as has been done in previous years.
Source: Johnson County Post
Park City’s long-awaited $500M mixed-use development to break ground this week
Park City is ready for a groundbreaking on a massive and long-awaited mixed-use development. Wichita’s Lange Real Estate announced Monday it will break ground Friday on a 160-acre, mixed-use development west of I-135 between 53rd Street North and 61st Street. The development, called Champtown Addition, is slated to cost $500 million with several commercial projects, including a 180-room hotel and around 132,000 square feet of retail space with restaurants, big-box retail, and a multi-sport facility that will have baseball and softball fields. The plans include a 78,100 square-foot aquarium to operate as a nonprofit by Arizona-based operator OdySea, with a 20,000 square-foot rainforest-inspired butterfly conservatory. “This groundbreaking ceremony signifies the beginning of a project that will transform the community and provide residents and visitors with a unique destination for years to come,” Lange Real Estate’s Rachel Lange-Mills said in a news release.
Source: Wichita Business Journal
USD 259 looks to rebuild, renovate, and consolidate 25 schools
Wichita Public Schools is looking to rebuild, renovate, and consolidate 25 schools across the district over the next five years. Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld presented the Board of Education with his recommendations for the facility master plan. “The recommendations would occur over the next five years or more,” Bielefeld said. “The vision for new facilities as well as enhancements to current facilities support educational adequacy, equity and efficiency.” Bielefeld is asking members of the district to take a survey online starting on Tuesday to give their thoughts on the proposed plan. He adds the locations of the various rebuilds and consolidations are strictly data-based. “What our consultants have is essentially, kind of a heat map of the districts, you know, footprint, and areas where there are the most students and the most projected students. And that is where we are building the new schools.” But how will this all be paid for? Bielefeld said that one option, down the road, would be to have a $450 million bond issue for voters. However, he adds the bond would not raise taxes. “We feel like we can finance this and lay it out for another this would be a 20 year bond is what we’re proposing. And we could keep the mill rate neutral for that bond because it’s been so long since we’ve passed the last one.”
Source: KAKE – News
There’s a new Chief of Police in the City of Columbus
Columbus has a new police chief. “I understand that I have big shoes to fill,” said Chief Kyle Clark. The City Council selected Clark to serve as the next Chief of Police for the City. He’s a lifelong resident of Cherokee County and has served the Columbus Police Department for more than a decade. According to the City, his extensive experience includes roles as Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, in addition to three years with the Pittsburg State University Police Department. Chief Clark holds numerous law enforcement professional certifications, including credentials in crime scene investigation, verbal de-escalation, and narcotics detection. Chief Clark graduated from Pittsburg State University in December 2022 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice and Justice Studies. “I understand that I have big shoes to fill,” said Chief Clark. “I am committed to advancing the legacy established by Jason Daniels and am excited to have the opportunity to serve this community. It is both an honor and a privilege.”
Source: KOAM News
Governor Kelly Announces 12 Rural Communities and Organizations to Receive Funding for Mural and Public Art Projects
Governor Laura Kelly today announced that 12 communities and organizations will receive a combined $78,800 to allow 20 new murals and public art projects to revive public spaces and engage residents and visitors. “Murals and public art installations welcome people to our rural communities while developing community pride and showcasing the rich history of our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Investments in this program allow art to flourish and enhance public spaces for visitors and communities alike.” The Office of Rural Prosperity’s Rural Mural Public Art grant program awardees are in communities across the state with a population of less than 15,000. The murals will highlight community gathering spaces and tourist attractions. Each project requires a one-to-one match from the community, with the smallest of communities allowed to match the grant with in-kind donations. Seventy-five percent of the grant funding will be gifted upfront as several projects plan to start in the next few weeks. “Working with local partners to develop compelling places across the state is one of the initiatives detailed in the Kansas Framework for Growth – our state’s economic development strategic plan,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said.
Source: Kansas Department of Commerce
Lenexa is launching a pilot program to give seniors property tax relief
Lenexa is planning to launch a pilot program that will provide $100,000 in property tax relief for older homeowners in the area. On Tuesday, the Lenexa City Council unanimously approved a Governing Body Finance Policy for a Property Tax Rebate Program intended to provide property tax relief for eligible homeowners. The program is intended to provide property tax relief for eligible older homeowners and lessen the tax burden resulting from rising home values. The program has been in talks for about a year. “This is great,” said Councilmember Courtney Eiterich. “I know we’ve hashed through a lot of different scenarios on this, and I’m happy to see this come to fruition. I hope that we get lots of applicants.” The measure is similar to a pilot program recently discussed by the Overland Park City Council in May. Every eligible applicant will receive a property tax rebate equal to a pro rata share of available funds, capped at 75% of the City’s share of the homeowner’s property tax bill. The amount each applicant will be reimbursed depends on the total number of eligible applications. It is anticipated that rebate amounts will range from approximately $550 to a maximum of $924.
Source: KCUR News
Gov. Kelly approves updated drought declarations, emergency water use approved for four counties
Governor Laura Kelly has approved updated drought declarations for Kansas counties through a proclamation. “While drought conditions have improved in some areas of the state, many counties continue to be negatively impacted by the decline in water supply or strains on water resources,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “I strongly encourage all Kansans to continue to conserve water over the summer months.” The drought declaration placed four counties into emergency status, 35 into warning status, and 66 into watch status. While Eastern Kansas has seen significant relief from drought since March, central and western Kansas has declined rapidly into severe and, in a few counties, extreme drought. “The counties in a watch status are experiencing conditions that indicate the probability of a water shortage is rising. It is important to monitor these conditions and be mindful of water usage in these counties,” said Owen. “Summer has arrived, and with it, higher temperatures and a decrease in precipitation. The Governor’s Drought Response Team will continue to monitor the drought conditions across Kansas and make recommendations to Governor Kelly as conditions change.”
Source: KAKE – News
Wichita says most systems back online following cyberattack
The City of Wichita says recovery efforts following the recent cyberattack are progressing well and that most public facing systems are back in service with some limited exceptions. Water metering, billing and payment processing systems are coming back online, the city said in a release on Monday. Customers should expect to begin receiving updated statements this week. Auto-payments are functioning as normal, and customers should now have access to their utility accounts online. Bills may be paid via card, cash, check and money order at City Hall. You can also access your water account and pay online at link.wichita.gov. You can also mail your payment or pay over the phone by calling (316) 265-1300. “Please be aware, due to the cyber incident, which impaired processing bills and payments, some June bills will be for more than 60 days of service,” the release said.
Source: KAKE – News
Pittsburg seeks $360K grant to support homeless community
For more than a decade, the City of Pittsburg has annually applied for the Emergency Solutions Grant through the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation. This year, the city is requesting over $300,000 to support its homeless community. “We also help with homeless prevention funds, which assist individuals in staying housed by covering back rent or utilities assistance. Additionally, there’s funding for shelter operations,” said Megan Keener, Assistant Director of Housing. Last year, Pittsburg applied for $450,000 but received approximately $100,000. If the full amount isn’t granted this year, city officials plan to be strategic with the funds they do receive. “We have to be more mindful of how much we are helping individuals. We just need to ensure that we are truly helping those who need the assistance,” Keener added. However, not all residents are confident in the city’s approach. Rodger Lomshek, co-founder of the Facebook group “Citizens for Pittsburg,” which has 5,000 members, voiced his skepticism. “If this is the way to solve the problem—more money or more people working—why is the problem continually getting worse?” Lomshek questioned.
Source: KOAM News
Community theatre debuts with auditions for interactive comedy murder mystery
Excitement fills the air as the newly formed Bourbon County Community Theatre announces auditions for its inaugural production, “Holy Mother of Bingo!” by Patrick Walsh. Auditions are set for June 17 or 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ellis Performing Arts Center, Fort Scott Community College. Open to adults and teens, no prior preparation is required for this interactive comedy murder mystery. Set during an innocent bingo fundraiser at Our Mother of Mercy church, the plot thickens as parishioners mysteriously drop dead. With suspects aplenty, tensions rise and past feuds come to light. Could it be the disgruntled choir director, the magician turned youth minister, or even one of the Cookie Cadets? Performances are slated for August 2 and 3, with rehearsals typically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-9 p.m. Aspiring actors and enthusiasts alike are encouraged to seize this opportunity to be part of Bourbon County’s burgeoning theater community. Anyone who would like to join the community theatre or assist with the technical aspects of the play can fill out an interest form on the Facebook page.
Source: KOAM News
Benefit car show, cornhole tournament for Police Chief’s family
The community of Columbus, Kansas is coming together to support one of its own. According to the City of Columbus, Police Chief Jason Daniels was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this month and community members are coming together to support him and his family during this time. Chief Jason Daniels served the community for more than 20 years. The city says a Benefit Car Show and Cookout will be held at the fairgrounds on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the Columbus Fairgrounds. Community members have organized a Venmo account that will go directly to Jason’s family. The QR code can be found in the event flyer. “While these circumstances are most unfortunate, our community has always come together in times like these. Chief Daniels has dedicated his professional life to keeping this community safe. We hope that you all are able to share information about these events with your networks and participate and contribute as you are able,” – The City of Columbus Facebook Page.
Source: KOAM News