Kansas Municipal News
Voters approve $180 million in bonds to rebuild Kansas City, Kansas Public schools
Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools won the ability to sell $180 million in bonds Tuesday that officials plan to use for rebuilding its aging stock of school buildings. Voters approved a ballot initiative to issue the debt at a rate of about two to one, or 68%. The result comes six months after a more expansive, $420 million plan was rejected at the ballot box during a single-issue special election in May. A major difference between the two plans: the $180 million alternative was crafted in a way that will not increase property taxes, according to district officials. The bonds will finance rebuilds of Central and Argentine middle schools, two of the oldest in the state. Also included on the project list are a new building to combine Silver City and Noble Prentis elementary schools, and an addition for the Sumner Academy of Arts and Science that would eliminate the need for mobile trailer classrooms.
Source: KC Star Local News
Edwardsville voters approve sales tax to fund new City Hall, fire and police stations
Edwardsville residents voted Tuesday to create an additional sales tax that city officials plan to use for building a new City Hall, and police and fire stations. Voters supported two separate ballot measures that each carry a half-cent tax on every retail dollar spent in the town. Both passed by margins above 56%, according to unofficial results from the Wyandotte County Election Office. City leaders pitched the plan to residents as a necessary measure to rebuild aging and inadequate buildings.
Source: KC Star Local News
Survey: 1 in 2 Kansans concerned about state’s water supply
The survey, by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University, found one-third of Kansans think the state and local government are not doing enough to conserve water.
Half of Kansans are either very or moderately concerned that Kansas may be running out of water, according to a new statewide survey by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University. “I can remember, 20 years ago, nobody wanted to talk about the depletion of the Ogallala (Aquifer),” said state Sen. Carolyn McGinn, who also serves as a member of the Kansas Water Authority. “And now, I mean, farmers are talking about it.” Parts of western and central Kansas have battled severe drought the last several years. Wichita is currently enforcing outdoor watering restrictions as a result.
Source: KCUR News
City of Topeka invites community to weigh in on finances
Topekans are invited to take part in a few upcoming community engagement sessions for budgetary feedback later this month. Taylor Bugg with the City of Topeka said in a press release on Monday, Nov. 4 that locals can take part in three different engagement sessions to give their opinions on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget process. Participants can also learn more about the city’s financial forecast, possible service reductions and sales tax options. People can use these sessions to provide their own input on decisions which impact city services and the overall community.
Source: KSNT 27 News
New tools help Shawnee County deputies hit the mark
The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office is showing off some new advancement in its shooting accuracy this week. Shawnee County Commissioners got a behind the scenes look at the new law enforcement training center in Berryton on Monday, Nov. 4. In addition to local law enforcement entities, the center is used by the FBI, Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and more. The main focus of the sheriff’s office presentation detailed the new sights on their weapons. Using the new red dot sight gives officers greater situational awareness, threat analysis and accuracy. Source: KSNT 27 News
Municipal Bond Trends for November 4, 2024
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.
Community open house to address stormwater management plan for controversial Douglas County solar project
An open house will be held to discuss a stormwater management plan for a large solar project in Douglas County on Wednesday. The Kansas Sky Energy Center plans to install 8 million square feet of solar panels on approximately 600 acres of farmland in the Kansas River valley, located in northern Douglas County. This project, which has been controversial among county residents, requires two approvals from the County Commission before it can move forward. The open house on Wednesday will discuss one of these necessary approvals, the stormwater management plan.
Source: LJWorld
City files suit against west Lawrence apartment complex alleging Section 8 discrimination
The city has filed suit against another apartment complex alleging discrimination against a prospective disabled renter based on the renter’s source of income. The 23-year-old disabled woman was ready to move into her new apartment at The Links, 5401 Rock Chalk Dr., in August of 2023 but just days before she moved, she was informed that because she intended to pay her rent using primarily a Section 8 voucher she would not be permitted to move in, according to the suit filed by the City of Lawrence in Douglas County District Court.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for November 1, 2024
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.
City employee looks back on 35-year career
Payne was recognized at the Oct. 22 Derby City Council meeting for his 35 years of service to the city. He began his career with the city in 1989 as an engineering technician with the engineering department. This was a new team created to design and manage smaller engineering projects and oversee larger projects. With computers just starting to become popular in the workspace, Payne spent a lot of time producing hand drawings based on surveys he would complete. Those drawings were provided to contractors who would submit bids to the city. This included the addition of roads and underground infrastructure for residential neighborhoods. Eventually, Payne would see the incorporation of computers and the specific software that allowed for hand drawings to be created digitally. After working in the engineering department for nine years, Payne accepted the Director of Public Works position. With advances in the technology, Payne was eventually invited back to the engineering department.
Source: Derby Informer | News
UG will consider zoning for 120-pump Buc-ee’s near Kansas Speedway
A planned Buc-ee’s travel center — among the chain’s largest — soon could contribute to the growing list of tourism attractions aiming to pull visitors to Wyandotte County. Buc-ee’s Ltd. wants the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, to approve a zoning request for a new travel center at 601 Village West Parkway. The UG will review the request on Nov. 7. Founded in 1982, Texas-based Buc-ee’s chain of travel centers has developed a national following for its clean restrooms, Buc-ee the Beaver mascot and colossal convenience stores. It also offers a wide variety of food options, including Texas barbecue, jerky, fudge, kolaches and caramel-coated corn puffs called “Beaver Nuggets.” Buc-ee’s plans to build a 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 gas fuel pumps as well as electric-vehicle charging stations. The travel center would have 560 parking spaces for passenger vehicles and RVs.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Governor Kelly Announces More than $1.9M Investment for Airport Infrastructure
Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that four Kansas communities have secured more than $1.9 million in infrastructure funding to improve local airports. The communities secured more than $1.7 million in federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. Additionally, these projects are receiving almost $200,000 in matching funds from the Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund. “Kansas’ airports play a vital role in connecting businesses to more opportunities and strengthening local economies,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These four projects will improve airport infrastructure while strengthening the state’s transportation network.”
Source: Governor of the State of Kansas
Commissioners vote to approve solar panel agreements
Bourbon County Commissioners on Thursday approved measures concerning the hot-button issue of solar projects in the county, although the votes were not unanimous. During the meeting, the commission discussed and later approved by a 2-1 vote a resolution rescinding the moratorium implemented in April on future solar projects, and termination of agreements with Hinton Creek Solar LLC, as well as a development agreement, road agreements and decommissioning agreements with Doral, NextEra and Advance Power for future solar projects.
Source: Fort Scott Tribune
Wichita’s emergency winter shelter will operate around the clock. Here’s when and where
The city of Wichita is moving forward with plans to open its emergency winter shelter in the former Park Elementary building around Thanksgiving. The shelter will be part of the planned multi-agency center for homeless services at Park. The City Council is poised to approve two contracts for the center Tuesday: one for more than $6.3 million of renovations to the building, and another to allow HumanKind to operate the emergency shelter this winter.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Municipal Bond Trends for October 31, 2024
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.
Judge rules lawsuit against Olathe cop for fatal shooting can go ahead
A lawsuit against an Olathe police officer who shot and killed a man in a mental health crisis on New Year’s Eve in 2022, as well as the city of Olathe, can move forward. In a ruling published this week, Judge Julie Robinson of the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kansas, denied parts of the officer’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit, ruling that the officer is not eligible for qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that permits some government officials — like police officers — to avoid personal liability in some instances. The judge also declined to dismiss the city as a defendant in the lawsuit. However, the judge did dismiss one of the claims as they pertained to the officer in his official capacity.
Source: Johnson County Post
Prank 911 call leads to lockdown at Overland Park elementary school
Police officials say a prank 911 call prompted a lockdown at an Overland Park elementary school earlier this week. Overland Park officers responded to Sunrise Point Elementary School, 15800 Roe Ave., at 9:23 a.m. Tuesday after a Veterans Affairs Crisis Line received a threat. Sunrise Point school is part of the Blue Valley School District. Officer John Lacy, a spokesperson for Overland Park Police, said the crisis line reported that an armed subject was threatening to kill children at the school.
Source: Johnson County Post
Elsmore residents want housing, infrastructure
A Community Conversation allowed Elsmore residents to talk about their priorities and challenges. They talked about the need for short-term rental housing with an RV park or small rentals for hunters or those visiting the lake. They also want help with drainage and ditches. Infrastructure and housing top the list of priorities for Elsmore residents. The small community held a Community Conversation Oct. 22 to discuss what they enjoy about their town, as well as what areas need improvement. Allen County Commissioners received an update on the conversation Tuesday morning from Thrive Director of Community Engagement Marcia Davis. She noted that the conversation had 10 residents in attendance, as well as Commissioner David Lee and Road and Bridge Director Jeremy Hopkins.
Source: The Iola Register
Law enforcement use of county airport runway sparks discussion
Managing editor Sheriff’s deputy training at the airport was a topic of discussion at Monday’s Board of County Commission meeting. Both commissioner Raleigh Ordoyne and Road and Bridge supervisor Jimmy Workman observed several sheriff’s deputies’ patrol vehicles with flashing lights at the airport last week.
Source: Backroads News
School bond up for vote to improve handful of KCK schools
In August of this year, the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education approved a $180 million bond issue for voters to take up in November. It would allow for three new schools to be built, along with facility upgrades and improvements. One of the Kansas City Kansas Public Schools in need of major renovations is Central Middle School.
Source: FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports