Kansas Municipal News
Augusta downtown park plan revealed
The Augusta City Council will be asked to make a decision more than a decade-and-a-half in the making on Nov. 2 — a new master plan that will make changes to the city’s downtown business district. Specifically, plans for new park space that will coincide with a new pedestrian trail that follows old railroad rights of way. “I think it will be an amazing addition to the downtown. It has been a long time coming,” said Josh Shaw, city manager for Augusta.
Source: Pittsburg Morning Sun
Shawnee balances need with neighbors’ concerns in proposed homeless shelter code
The Shawnee Planning Commission will meet again to continue discussions on where and how homeless shelters could operate in the city. Planning commissioners on Oct. 19 discussed proposed changes and after raising concerns about the various needs of people without shelter as well as neighboring property owners, agreed to continue the public hearing to Monday, Nov. 16.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Survey: 25% of Kansans say they’ve faced economic hardships during COVID-19 pandemic
One-fourth of Kansas households have experienced serious problems during the COVID-19 pandemic covering essential costs like food, utility and medical bills and dealing with obligations of loans and credit card debt. That was among findings of a sweeping statewide survey by the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University conducted annually to check the pulse of Kansans on economic, political and social issues. Amid the coronavirus crisis factoring in the death of more than 1,000 Kansans, the survey was adjusted to include examination of the financial stability of individual households and to drill down on public attitudes about vaccines, masks and political leadership.
Source: Shawnee Mission Post
Sedgwick County resumes asymptomatic COVID testing
Sedgwick County residents can once again get tested for COVID-19 regardless of symptoms. Asymptomatic testing resumed through the local health department on Monday. Residents can get a free COVID-19 test by calling the United Way of the Plains at 211. The drive-through Sedgwick County Health Department sampling site is open from: 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.
Source: KAKE – News
Reno County launches COVID Cut-Off Challenge to slow the spread of the virus
The Reno County Health Department is asking all Reno County residents to take part of the COVID Cut-Off 10-Day Challenge from Nov. 4 through Nov. 13 in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. The county health department has teamed up with the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson Clinic and the City of Hutchinson. “We need your help to curb the spread of COVID-19, prevent our hospital from being overwhelmed, and protect our neighbors from critical illness!” the county said in a statement.
Source: KAKE – News
Kansas tax revenue $62 million above estimate in October to sustain positive trend
Kansas’ individual income, retail sales as well as liquor and cigarette tax collections surged in October to deliver $62 million more than projected to the state treasury and offer a slice of budgetary optimism despite lingering concern of a revenue shortfall this fiscal year. The haul last month left the state with $178 million or 6.6% more in revenue than expected through the initial four months of the fiscal year. In April, Kansas’ official revenue forecasters said the state should prepare for a shortfall of $650 million by the end of June 2021 absent reductions in spending or increases in revenue. The state is constitutionally prohibited from running an annual budget deficit, but each month of positive tax revenue news shrinks the hurdle for the 2021 Legislature and Gov. Laura Kelly.
Source: Kansas Reflector
Shawnee Co. landfill wants to increase waste level, upsetting people in area
Controversy hit Shawnee County during Monday’s commission meeting, leaving people upset about a potential increase in the height of a landfill in the northern part of the county. The Rolling Meadows Landfill, owned by Waste Management, currently houses a hill of waste that has a maximum height set at 1,164 feet. Now, they want to split the hill into two and increase the height to 1,190 feet. “This is simply a plan that is meant to preserve space,” said Michael Hey, area manager of disposal for Waste Management. “The space is precious to us, it should be precious to the county.”
Source: KSNT News
Kansas has 99 of 105 counties in the red zone for new COVID cases. Only 1 is green.
The worsening spread of the coronavirus now has 99 out of 105 Kansas counties in the red zone for the rate of new COVID-19 cases. Kansas Department of Health and Environment data released Monday shows more of the state is in the red zone for that indicator than at any other point during the coronavirus pandemic. The rate of new COVID-19 cases compared to population and the positive test rate are two key indicators measured by the KDHE that are used in the state’s school reopening guide.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Seeking funding: Humane society seeking expanded support from local governments
This year two members of the operational board are stepping down, in preparation for that, the organization hired an executive director. That kind of blew a hole in the budget. “We are showing a 49,000 loss with the hiring of the director,” said Becka Locke, who handles the accounting for the organization. She, and financial advisors, believe the center needs to come with about $42,000 in funding — and they have a plan. That plan is designed to do two things — increase funding from local governments, and to fix a issue the society sees in one of those funding streams.
Source: McPherson Sentinel
Lawrence City Commission to consider allowing temporary homeless shelters to operate in schools and other locations
City leaders will soon consider a code amendment that would allow schools, event centers and recreation centers to house temporary homeless shelters. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission will consider a text amendment that would expand the potential locations of temporary shelters, which are meant to give those sleeping outdoors day and/or overnight shelter during the winter months. Currently, only churches and other religious organizations can operate such shelters.
Source: LJWorld.com.
USDA Invests $17.28 million in Community Infrastructure in six Kansas Communities
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $17.28 million toward community infrastructure for six rural communities. …
Winfield- The Southwestern College Two loans totally $11.66 million will be used to build a new dormitory and make technology upgrades throughout the Southwestern College campus. A Guarantee loan from a local bank will provide an additional $5.5 million to assist the College with refinance of existing debt and make improvements to facilities across campus. This partnership, which will benefit 12,301 people, is made possible with a $500,000 contribution from the applicant.
City of Neodesha A $50,000 grant will assist in purchasing new equipment for the Neodesha Fire Department. Project funds will help to purchase a new battery-powered “Jaws of life;” three new pneumatic lifting air bags; Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus with spare air cylinders; two new thermal imagers; and a patient ventilator. This partnership, which will benefit 2,486 people, is made possible with a $86,050 contribution from the applicant.
City of Independence A $49,200 grant will assist in purchasing emergency equipment for first responders. Project funds will purchase new cardiac monitors; new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus equipment; and a new law enforcement vehicle. This partnership, which will benefit 9,483 people, is made possible with a $91,500 contribution from the applicant.
City of Burr Oak A $16,000 grant will assist in purchasing and installing new street signs throughout the city. Street signs are critical for 911 calls and will assist the residents and visitor with accurate directions and addresses for daily activities. This partnership, which will benefit 174 people, is made possible with a $2,923 contribution from the applicant, $13,500 from Dane Hanson and $1,200 from community donations.
City of McCune A $6,200 grant will assist in purchasing furniture for the new McCune City Hall. Project funds will help to purchase a desk; a large safe to store community records; a new heating/air conditioning unit; a through the wall drop box; a storage cabinet; bookshelves; and tables and chairs. This partnership, which will benefit 405 people, is made possible with a $5,142 contribution from the applicant.
City of Ellinwood A $3,900 grant will assist in purchasing new computer equipment for city workers to increase computer security from cyber-attacks. This partnership, which will benefit 2,131 people, is made possible with a $7,400 contribution from the applicant.
These investments were made through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program and can be used to build or upgrade schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities.
Municipal Bond Trends for October 30, 2020
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.
Western Kansas riddled with COVID-19 hot spots
For the first time during the pandemic, Drew Miller was unable to send a severely ill COVID patient to the intensive care unit. Miller and other staff at the Kearny County Hospital, in southwestern Kansas, had done what they could last weekend, putting the patient on a maximum oxygen flow. But the closest ICU in the area was one county over — St. Catherine Hospital in Garden City — and it was full. The nearest open ICU bed was in Kansas City, seven hours away.
Source: Leavenworth Times
Dangerous dog breeds prohibited in Girard
Girard City Council members amended an ordinance last week to strictly prohibit citizens of Girard from having a pit bull, Doberman or rottweiler within the city limits. The previous version of the ordinance had a loophole that still allowed dog owners to have those breeds. The ordinance is part of the city’s laws against vicious animals and also applies to any dog that is a mix between these "aggressive" breeds and other breeds.
Source: State News – Morning Sun
Ark City announces new surveying program
The City of Arkansas City announced the debut of its new FlashVote citizen surveying system. Among other uses, these quick surveys will be used to develop its new Comprehensive Plan. The City and FlashVote are working together to make regular civic participation more accessible and simple for the Ark City community.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Winfield library works to reopen
The Winfield Public Library is working toward reopening its building to the public, although staff believe the current model of curbside and virtual services is the safest option for the time being, according to a presentation from WPL director Joan Cales to the Winfield City Commission on Thursday. According to a copy of Cales’ presentation, although the building remains closed the library is providing community services 43 hours a week. Services include e-library, curbside service, wireless internet access, craft kids, copy and fax services, virtual programs and more.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Shawnee Mission to vote on $264M bond plan, raising taxes, lowering teacher workload
The Shawnee Mission school district will ask residents to approve a $264 million bond issue and property tax increase to rebuild schools, fund renovation projects and hire additional teachers to address workload concerns. The school board this week agreed to put the bond referendum to a public vote Jan. 26. The proposal would raise the district’s property tax rate, an annual increase of $8 per every $100,000 of assessed home value for the average homeowner. If approved, the bonds would pay to rebuild five elementary schools, renovate middle and high schools, plus fund other updates and repairs. Superintendent Mike Fulton said it would also make it possible to reduce the workloads of middle and high school teachers.
Source: Joco 913 News
Largest utility in Kansas wants to charge everyone to collect more from solar users
The State’s largest utility wants to charge customers with solar panels about $25 a month, even if their homes pull almost no electricity off the grid. If courts and regulators reject that idea, power-provider Evergy’s backup proposal would charge all customers — not just those harvesting power on their roofs — a minimum of $35 a month just for plugging into its system. For most customers, that charge wouldn’t matter, because it would count against their energy consumption. But some poorer households don’t use that much electricity, so they’d be paying more. Evergy, the largest electric utility in Kansas, needed to make a plan because the Kansas Supreme Court shot down a previous solar rate. Meantime, the utility insists it needs to recover the cost of having electricity on demand for solar-equipped homes that don’t buy many kilowatts.
Source: KAKE – News
Rental crisis still looms
A recently announced state program to help with overdue rent impacts from novel coronavirus could be a big boost to many struggling local families. With the continued rise in infections, however, and the likelihood it will affect some jobs for months, officials in helping agencies are concerned the assistance may not be enough to keep the community, already experiencing growing homelessness, from suffering a serious housing crisis. Complicating the situation, at least one property manager said, is an influx of new residents seeking to escape larger cities because of the virus, putting greater pressure on landlords and an already tight housing market.
Source: Local – The Hutchinson News
In race for Sedgwick County Treasurer, one candidate campaigns for no more elections
One of the candidates for Sedgwick County Treasurer in Tuesday’s election wants to be the last person ever elected to the office. “I hope to be the last who has to run for this seat,” said Democrat Charity Kennedy, who is campaigning in part on eliminating the role of county treasurer as an elected position and transitioning it to a nonpolitical staff role. “Imagine a county treasurer who is devoted totally to serving the public instead of worrying about her next election. Right now, after reviewing certain financials of the treasurer’s office, I’m seeing opportunities for more efficient use of taxpayer funds. It’s time we demand a culture of taxpayer trust in Sedgwick County government.”
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle