Kansas Municipal News
Johnson County Charter Commission begins debating proposals to change county government
A proposal to make the county clerk, register of deeds and treasurer into elected offices failed to advance during the first round of voting Monday as the Johnson County Charter Commission began to sort through fifteen amendments proposed by its members. The amendment, offered by Wendy Bingesser, fell one vote short of the nine needed to keep it alive. Amendments that are approved by the Charter Commission ultimately will go before voters in a countywide vote. The Charter Commission meets every ten years to review the county’s home rule charter, what serves as basically the county constitution.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Infrastructure plan’s impact on Kansas
Kansas is in line for $2.6 billion in highway funding over the next five years, based on past federal transportation dollars. The state is in line to receive an additional $225 million for bridge repairs on top of that amount. … Kansas is set to receive at least $100 million to improve broadband access in both rural and urban parts of the state, something which has long been a bipartisan priority at the state and federal level.
Source: Salina Journal
Municipal Bond Trends for November 8, 2021
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.
Dodge City voters say No to sales tax increase
In August, Dodge City Commissioners approved a resolution to put a special question on the 2021 election ballot on whether the city would impose a one-half percent sales tax for city-wide retailers that would go into effect on April 1, 2022 and last over the next 10 years. After the canvass vote of the 2021 election ballots on Monday, Nov. 8, voters voted No, to that question. The final tally of the special question was 1,047 No — 1,038 Yes.
Source: Dodge Globe
Pittsburg community works to make sure everyone has something for the holiday season
One community in Southeast Kansas is working to make sure everyone can have something waiting for them this holiday season. This morning was the Holiday Craft Fair at the Pittsburg Farmer’s Market. Event-goers had the chance to check out local vendors and participate in holiday themed activities like a visit with Santa Claus. Anyone wanting to enter the market had to donate unexpired non-perishable food, which will be going towards Wesley House. “It’s amazing, the fact that we got 14 vendors here today wanting to help us out and help the community and give back is just awesome,” says Ashten Graham, City of Pittsburg Recreation Program Manager.
Source: KSNF/KODE
Charter Commission member withdraws Johnson County name change proposal but still wants to have ‘important discussion’
The Johnson County Charter Commission will not consider a proposal to begin a discussion about whether the county should be named after a former slave owner following a commission member’s decision to withdrew the recommendation. Tedrick Housh, who submitted the recommendation to “adopt a process of meaningful consideration” for changing Johnson County’s name, said over the weekend that the Charter Commission might not be the best venue for that. “It is an important discussion but upon reflection, I think the better approach is to address this matter with the (County Commission) and the community directly, outside the Charter Commission platform,” Housh told the Post. The Charter Commission is a body that convenes once a decade to review the county’s home rule charter and is completely separate from the Board of County Commissioners.
Source: Prairie Village Post
M.T. Liggett Art Environment showcases late artist’s ‘bizarre’ metal pieces near Mullinville
If you have ever driven on U.S. 400 near Mullinville, you’ve likely seen hundreds of strange pieces of metal art just a few feet from the highway. The art was created by the late M.T. Liggett (1933-2017), who had a passion for creating strange and fascinating works of art from old metal road signs and glass bottles. Some of his pieces have names of his inspirations and show strange caricatures of those he loved or disliked, with his largest works being nearly 20 feet tall. His unique works are now a part of the M.T. Liggett Art Environment, which is dedicated to preserving and showcasing one of Southwest Kansas’ most fascinating artists. “This building was completed with the vision of the Kohler foundation who played a huge part on this site, they preserved all of M.T.’s artwork outside and build this building for visitors to come to,” said Ann Dixson, director of the M.T. Ligget Art Environment.
Source: KSN-TV
Both leading candidates for Kansas governor want to cut the sales tax on food
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly called Monday for the elimination of the state sales tax on groceries, something lawmakers from both parties have talked about for years in Kansas. “This is not a partial reduction,” Kelly said, wielding an ax for emphasis during a news conference staged at a Topeka grocery store. “We are going to ax the food sales tax.” Kansas is one of only seven states that fully taxes groceries. Of those, Kansas’ 6.5% tax ranks second highest. Add in local sales taxes and the rates top 10% in some places. Kelly’s announcement comes just days after Kansas Republican Attorney General Derek Schmidt — the favorite to win the GOP nomination for governor in 2022 — called on lawmakers to eliminate or significantly reduce the food sales tax.
Source: KCUR News
USD 232 in De Soto hikes substitute teacher pay to highest rate in Johnson County to help deal with shortage
Facing a shortage of qualified substitute teachers, USD 232 in De Soto is increasing its sub pay rate to be more competitive with neighboring school districts. After some discussion, the USD 232 Board of Education last week voted 6-0 to increase the school district’s substitute teacher pay from $125 to $140 for the short term (or daily) rates and from $140 to $175 for long term rates. … With the increase in rates, USD 232 is now the highest-paying public school district for substitutes in Johnson County and remains one of the higher paying\ districts in the Kansas City metro. USD 232 now matches the rates of Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Unified School District and closely follows Kansas City Kansas and Turner school districts.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Broadband Dominates Tech Funding In Infrastructure Bill
Congress passed the long-awaited infrastructure bill Friday evening with bipartisan support after lengthy negotiations surrounding the bill’s provisions. In addition to being a major political win for President Joe Biden, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act also contains fresh funding for expansive technological updates. Calling it a “once-in-a-generation bipartisan infrastructure bill,” Biden highlighted one of the critical portions of the infrastructure bill: expanding high speed internet access across the country. “The bill will … make high-speed internet affordable and available everywhere in America,” he said in comments on Saturday following the bill’s passage.
Source: Route Fifty – All Content
New grant program launches for historic building revitalization
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced a new grant program that will move quickly to help revitalize underutilized, vacant and dilapidated downtown buildings in rural Kansas communities. The Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program is designed to bring downtown buildings back into productive use as spaces for new or expanding businesses; housing; arts and culture; civic engagement; childcare; or entrepreneurship. The matching grants will help address emergency needs for neglected buildings and assist building owners with eligible expenses for the revitalization of historic properties. Projects submitted must show potential as economic drivers in the community. … There are two funding categories under the HEAL program. Emergency HEAL grants provide immediate relief for buildings at risk of collapse. Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted from November 8-19 with awards announced November 23. All non-Emergency HEAL applications will be accepted until December 20 with awards announced January 10, 2022. Eligible properties must have historical or architectural significance and be in a downtown business district in cities of less than 50,000 population.
Source: KDOC
‘Pretty heavy’ requirement for driveways in rural Riley County areas
Riley County Commissioner Greg McKinley on Monday said he’s received complaints about a proposal that establishes driveway requirements for unincorporated part of the county. The county currently doesn’t have driveway requirements, but officials said the changes will allow easier and safer access for emergency responders. “I understand the purpose was to allow (EMS) access, but that seems like a pretty heavy requirement for a new home,” McKinley said. The commission didn’t vote on the matter Monday, but it continued discussion on the proposal. Proposed driveway requirements would only affect people building new homes in unincorporated residential developments in Riley County and wouldn’t affect existing homes.
Source: themercury.com
Baxter Springs police warn of hard to see home address markings
The Baxter Springs Police Department is asking residents to take steps to make sure first responders can find homes. The department says many homes do not have visible numbers to indicate the house address. Those numbers should be clearly visible and at least three inches tall.
Source: KOAMKOAM
Neighborhood revitalization plan gets green light from City Commissioners
Every eight years the city of Atchison votes on the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The city commissioners just voted for the city to partake in the 8th term that started October 31, 2021, and will end October 31, 2029. What does the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP) is intended to promote the rehabilitation, conversation, and/or redevelopment within all parts of the County in order to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the County? What does that mean to homeowners? It means that incentives are offered in the form of a tax rebate. The tax rebate incentive is based on the incremental increase of qualified improvements of properties. The act authorizes municipalities subject to the Kansas Cash Basis Law to designate one or more areas within their boundaries as a “Neighborhood Revitalization Area.” The term “municipality” specifically includes any county, township, city, or school district.
Source: City Government | atchisonglobenow.com
Sedgwick County updates code regarding firearms discharge
Issues in a Derby neighborhood led to action taken at the Nov. 3 Sedgwick County Commission meeting, with the governing body approving a resolution regulating the discharge of firearms across property boundaries.. The resolution updates the Sedgwick County Code, making it a violation for a person to discharge a firearm and have the bullet leave the boundaries of the property from which it was discharged (with minimal exceptions such as defense of life, hunting, with consent, etc.). Such a violation would be subject to a maximum fine of $500.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Temperatures drop and needs rise for Hutchinson community-aid programs
As temperatures drop, the needs at homeless shelters and services rise. Shelter, food and clothing are crucial ingredients for the homeless. In Hutchinson, The Salvation Army and New Beginnings provide emergency services with the aid of the community. Due to last year’s struggles with COVID-19, more families in Hutchinson are utilizing community assistance services. According to New Beginnings and the Salvation Army, the need for community resources has more than doubled.
Source: Hutch News
Kansas hospitals brave staffing challenges
Lois Pearce wore a variety of hats during her 33 years working at Osawatomie State Hospital. Her past 17 years were spent as a mental health technician and mental health aide, two of the most in-demand roles at Osawatomie and Larned State Hospital, the state’s two mental health hospitals, which provide care for adults with psychiatric conditions. But in her three-decades-plus of work, Pearce said some things remained largely consistent: structural factors that made it hard to bring staff aboard, with a trying work environment, low pay and mismanagement.
Source: Hutch News.
Topeka-area has 59 bridges in need of repair or corrective action. None are designated as unsafe.
Shawnee County has 59 bridges in need of repair or corrective action, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. None are designated unsafe. “If we had any bridges that were unsafe, the road would be closed,” Shawnee County public works director Curt Niehaus said. Bridges are flagged for needing to be repaired for two primary reasons — the bridge is either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.
Source: CJonline
Municipal Bond Trends for November 5, 2021
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.
Johnson County is named after a major pro-slavery advocate. A new proposal would change that
A recommendation to consider whether Johnson County should be named after its slave owning namesake is among 18 suggested changes that have been submitted by members of the county Charter Commission for its consideration. The list of amendments and recommendations also includes some ideas about which county races should be partisan and which should be elected — subjects that have proved controversial among people who have attended the charter commission’s recent public hearings. The proposal to consider a name change asks the Board of County Commissioners — not the Charter Commission — to “adopt a process for meaningful consideration of Rev. Thomas Johnson as the namesake of Johnson County.”
Source: KCUR News