Kansas Municipal News
Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter point
The Federal Open Market Committee lowered its benchmark overnight borrowing rate by a quarter percentage point, or 25 basis points, to a target range of 4.50%-4.75%.
The vote was unanimous. Fed officials have justified the easing mode for policy as they view supporting employment becoming at least as much of a priority as arresting inflation.
Source: CNBC – Bonds
Municipal Bond Trends for November 7, 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.
Wichita crews get ready for winter snow operations
The City of Wichita is getting its crews and vehicles ready to handle snow events during the coming winter. Mayor Lily Wu held her weekly news conference at the Public Works Central Maintenance Facility at 1801 South McLean, with several plow trucks on display. The mayor said the city will have 8 brine trucks and more than 70 trucks with plows and spreaders. There will be three dispatch facilities to send the trucks out during winter storms. The city has 6,000 tons of a salt-sand mix that will be ready for use, and there is 10,000 tons of salt available to make an additional 20,000 tons of salt-sand mix for use on the streets. The city will have 153 operators, just above its minimum staffing level, and Mayor Wu said the city is looking for more drivers with a commercial drivers license who can help with snow and ice season.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Sedgwick County Drug Court to hold graduation event
Sedgwick County’s Drug Court held a graduation ceremony Thursday for 24 people who have completed their work under the program. The graduates range in age from 29 to 69, and they have completed an 18-month program of intensive supervision, drug and alcohol treatment, drug testing, and comprehensive services as they work toward the goal of lifetime sobriety. The program is not mandated by Sedgwick County Community Corrections, so all of the graduates volunteered for the program. It helps promote change by reducing new crimes and ultimately reconnects clients to their families and to society.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
City approves MOU for entertainment multiplex project
A Memorandum of Understanding between the city of Garden City and Icon Cinemas was approved by the Garden City Commission Tuesday at its regular meeting. The MOU is for development of a property located at the 2800 block of East Highway 156 that is anticipated to house an entertainment multiplex. Danielle Burke, Assistant City Manager of Garden City, said the expected features of the project two Iconic Mega cinema screens, a beer and wine bar, a 14-lane duckpin bowling alley, an arcade area with arcade games and virtual reality elements and an outdoor theater and concert venue with a beer garden and related concession and kitchen areas.
Source: Garden City Telegram
Funding approved to continue anti-violence program in Wichita
The Wichita City Council has voted to provide additional funding to a program aimed at reducing gun violence in the community. The violence interrupter program began in 2021 when the city engaged Chicago-based Cure Violence Global to develop a program. Working through Wichita State University and a local organization called Destination Innovation, the program identified two areas in Wichita to begin its efforts. The program was set up in the area of 21st Street North and I-135 and in the area of Harry and Oliver. It uses trained professionals, case management and neighborhood-based services.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Rose Hill school bond issue approved by voters
Voters in the Rose Hill school district in Sedgwick and Butler counties have approved a bond issue of almost $20 million for school improvements. The vote in Sedgwick County was 567 yes and 341 no, while Butler County voters approved the bond issue with 1,901 yes votes and 997 no votes. The proposed bond totals $19,995,000 and is designed to deliver essential upgrades without increasing the current 17 mills tax rate. The bond issue will fund secure entrances and storm shelters and other safety and security improvements. It will also provide for mechanical system upgrades and more classroom space.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Voters say no to library tax district expansion
Arkansas City Public Library officials vowed to carry on after voters rejected expanding the library’s taxing district by fewer than 400 votes on Tuesday. They might even try again. The question before the roughly 15,000 voters within the 470 school district boundaries was whether to expand the library’s taxing boundaries from the city limits to the school district, which would generate about $250,000 more in operating revenue for the library. Voters said no by 359 votes, or 53.3% to 46.6%, according to the unofficial tally posted by the Cowley County Clerk’s office. A similar proposal involving the Udall Public Library did pass, 540 votes to 369. Ark City library board chair Shawna Allison said the board and director Mendy Pfannenstiel will have to discuss what the plans are moving forward, including how programs and services will be affected since the City of Arkansas City has not provided full funding for the library the past two years. Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
KCC is laying groundwork to make Home Rebates available in Kansas and wants your input
The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is moving closer to launching the Kansas Home Rebates Program to help Kansas households lower energy costs and improve the comfort of their homes. Under the program, established by the Inflation Reduction Act, Kansas is set to receive $105.6 million to lower energy costs for low to moderate income households. The KCC has partnered with HORNE, a nationally recognized professional services firm, to assist the agency with the program design, application development, and implementation process. As a part of the program planning process, the KCC is scheduling engagement sessions with stakeholders (Kansas utility companies, contractors, other State agencies, and the community) to ensure the Home Rebates program is tailored to meet the Sunflower state’s needs.
Source: Fort Scott Biz
Overland Park to limit heights of apartment buildings. See the new construction rules
The Overland Park City Council approved new standards that will limit the height of new apartment buildings in certain areas. The council voted Monday to amend development standards for multi-family housing that would streamline construction in some ways, while setting new restrictions in others. The changes are a step in a broader process in Overland Park to update standards and accommodate the city’s plans for future multi-family housing. City staff recommended the updates for various reasons, including to reflect the current state of construction projects and proposals coming to the city; stay in line with existing city practice; complement existing neighborhoods; and respond to community input, according to information presented at the meeting. The new rules include a five-story height limit on new apartment buildings in some areas and restrictions on how close apartments can be placed in proximity to lower-density neighborhoods. The council narrowly approved the new rules in a 7-5 vote, with Mayor Curt Skoog providing the necessary seventh vote.
Source: KC Star Local News
City of Wichita introduces new downtown parking plan option
In the final meeting to discuss paid parking in downtown, Old Town, and Delano, another option is now on the table for the City Council to consider. The City of Wichita introduced a new downtown parking plan option during a public meeting Thursday evening. During the meeting, Assistant City Manager Troy Anderson reviewed the four options outlined last week before introducing the new fifth option. Former Wichita Police Department officer John David Crane has first-hand experience patrolling parking. “I was in the traffic bureau of the Wichita Police Department for six of my 25 years,” he said. Despite several options for paid parking, Crane said he needs more information. “There’s a lot of questions that need to be answered,” he said.
Source: KSN-TV
Final Topeka police chief candidates interact with community during meet and greet
A pool that started with 18 applicants is now down to two candidates: Russell Klumpp and Chris Vallejo. Community members had the chance to interact with both of them at a meet and greet at Hotel Topeka on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Major Klumpp is a lifelong Topekan and has been with the Topeka Police Department (TPD) for nearly 30 years. 16 of those years have come at the command level. With an understanding of the Topeka community, he says community relations is always the top priority. And then there’s Chris Vallejo. Although he’s not from Topeka, or the Sunflower State for that matter, he has three decades of law enforcement experience under his belt. From training, to investigation, to patrol in Austin, Texas with a metropolitan area of over a million people and two million metro.
Source: KSNT 27 News
Voters reject sales tax; elect Brocker
On Election Day, Allen County picked a new county commissioner and voted down a half-cent sales tax that would have shifted the burden of funding EMS away from property taxes. A commissioner who proposed the sales tax said the county could try again.
Source: The Iola Register
Provisional Ballots Could Change Marshall County Sales Tax Vote | Unofficial Marshall County Election Results
In a race too close to call, extension of a half-cent sales tax in Marshall County, toward operations at Community Memorial Healthcare trails on election night by just eight votes, 2,325 no, and 2,317 yes. There are 164 provisional ballots to be counted, and mail in ballots postmarked today could also affect the eventual outcome. As it stands with all 30 precincts reporting in Marshall County, the hospital sales tax trails by eight votes with 4,642 counted. It will likely come down to a canvas of ballots by county commissioners to decide the final total.
Source: The Sunflower State Radio Network
Sales tax renewed; benefits to Great Bend going forward
With more than 70% of the vote Tuesday in favor of the initiative, Great Bend citizens decided to renew the half-cent sales tax that assists with capital improvements, economic development and property tax reduction. There were 3,371 “yes” votes to renew the tax compared to 1,418 “no” votes.
Source: Great Bend Post
Russell passes sales tax to help fund R9 water project
Russell residents on Tuesday approved a 3/4-cent city sales tax that will support water infrastructure, including expenses related to the R9 Ranch water project. The ballot measure passed with 1,196 yes votes to 651 no votes—64.75% to 35.25%.
Source: Hays Post
Douglas County commissioners approve measures to maximize the impact of unspent ARPA funds
Douglas County commissioners learned on Wednesday that only around 72% of the federal funding they distributed through the American Rescue Plan Act has been utilized, and they approved measures to maximize the money’s impact before the end-of-the-year deadline to spend it. In July 2022, the county awarded $23,747,378 in ARPA funding — which is emergency funding to help state and local governments respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic — to support 51 projects for internal and external partners.
Source: LJWorld
Lawrence City Commission set to vote on sweeping Land Development Code next week
Lawrence city commissioners at their meeting Tuesday will consider adopting a new Land Development Code for the city, which would govern how developments in the city are built, from lot sizes to parking requirements. The project to update the city’s code, which has not been updated since 2006, started in 2022 and aims to establish a simpler and more consistent set of development procedures and help the city better achieve goals in its Plan 2040 strategic plan — including building more density in housing and affordable housing.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for November 6, 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.
Falling Rates, Rising Tax Risk Give Some Shine to Muni Bonds
Municipal bond issuance in the U.S. is heating up as local governments ramp up borrowing and investors gobble up the low-risk securities. … local governments have needed to borrow more as the massive federal stimulus received during the pandemic wears off. Issuances also are increasing in size, as the cost of projects become more expensive due to rising prices for materials, labor and services. Meanwhile, as the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates, yield-seeking investors have more reason to park their cash in munis.
Source: WSJ.com: Markets
Ballot questions pass in Barton and Pawnee Counties
Voters in Great Bend, Ellinwood, and Pawnee County all had special election questions on their ballots Tuesday and all three passed. Great Bend’s half-cent sales tax will continue, Ellinwood USD 355’s bond issue was approved, and in Pawnee County, establishments will be able to sell liquor by the drink without a minimum food sales requirement.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
Lawrence voters approve expanding affordable housing sales tax, providing more funding for homelessness services in city
Lawrence voters on Tuesday approved a referendum that will double the city’s affordable housing sales tax to help provide more funding for services to help people experiencing homelessness. A total of 20,923 voters, or 53.32%, voted “yes” on the ballot initiative to raise the affordable housing sales tax from 0.05% to 0.10%, according to the unofficial results from the Douglas County elections office; 18,314, or 46.68%, voted against the increase.
Source: LJWorld
Municipal Bond Trends for November 5, 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.
Lawrence voters reject proposal that would have altered structure of city government and added a direct mayoral race
Lawrence voters on Tuesday narrowly rejected a referendum that would have altered the city’s structure of government, voting down a proposal that would have included a direct mayoral election and additional commissioners in the city, with some voted on by districts and others serving at large. A total of 18,815 Lawrence voters, or 50.86%, chose “no” on the referendum, according to the unofficial vote totals from the Douglas County elections office with 100% of precincts reporting, while 18,178 voted “yes”, or 49.14%. That means the city government will keep its current format, with five city commissioners who choose one of their own members to serve as mayor each year.
Source: LJWorld
Finned friends find home in Halstead City Hall
Halstead City Hall has a new face to greet the public in the form of a betta fish. Deputy Clerk Bre Connell started introducing the fish to the office several months ago after loving the ones she had at home. Connell first brought “Swim Shady” from her home to the office.
Source: Harvey County Now
New study calculates New Century AirCenter’s economic impact at $1.1 billion
New Century AirCenter contributes an annual economic impact of $1.1 billion to the local and regional economy, according to a study conducted by the County Economic Research Institute. Through strategic investments and professional management, the Johnson County Airport Commission has transformed the airport into a bustling hub of economic activity.
Source: Johnson County Kansas
Garden City Launches New Website for Enhanced User Experience
The City of Garden City is pleased to announce the official launch of its newly redesigned website, a significant enhancement aimed at improving accessibility, user experience, and transparency for anyone residing, visiting, or investing in our community.
Source: Garden City, KS
WPD creates property crimes task force
The Wichita Police Department has created a task force to crack down on property crimes across the community, and the group is already reporting success. The task force will work with local businesses to target retail thefts, car break-ins and other crimes, with a zero tolerance policy. Police Chief Joe Sullivan says “The message is clear. Wichita is a place where property crimes will be met with decisive action,” and the task force will be working to keep streets safe and businesses protected. Chief Sullivan said in its first few weeks, the team has already conducted 80 investigations leading to 43 arrests and the recovery of 32 stolen vehicles and retail property valued at approximately $635,000.
Source: 101.3 KFDI
Goddard school district addressing growth
According to the Times-Sentinel News, continued growth in west Wichita and Goddard – where the population is expected to nearly double in a few years – led Goddard Public Schools to recently form a bond steering committee to help prepare and address the school district’s facility needs.
Source: Derby Informer | Area
Bates retires after decades of preserving black history
On Oct. 19, over 75 family members, friends and colleagues gathered at “The Bates Farm” one mile north of Nicodemus, to celebrate her remarkable 38-year legacy as the founding President and Executive Director of the Nicodemus Historical Society (founded in 1986). Angela’s tireless efforts have ensured the preservation of Nicodemus, Kansas – an essential icon of the African American experience in post-Reconstruction on the Great Plains of western Kansas. She’s also protected and secured the legacy of Nicodemus safeguarding it for future generations. Under her leadership, she spearheaded efforts to secure Nicodemus as a National Historic Site, securing federal funding for historic preservation of its five historic buildings. The National Park Service Visitor Center, has hosted thousands of visitors since its designation in 1996. The public has an opportunity to learn about the resilience of these Black homesteaders who sought to experience freedom in the West.
Source: Great Bend Tribune
GOP sweeps local elections, alcohol regulation removed
The GOP had a strong night in Harvey County, with all candidates winning. Harvey County voters also chose to remove a requirement that establishments with a liquor license derive 30 percent of net sales from food. Sixty-seven percent of voters favored removing the regulation.
Source: Harvey County Now
Mega-convenience store chain Buc-ee’s seeks incentives for KCK travel center
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas, will consider approving $13 million in tax incentives to develop the metro area’s first Buc-ee’s travel center. On Monday, the UG Economic Development and Finance Committee recommended approval of a development agreement with Buc-ee’s to build the travel center at 601 Village West Parkway, just south of the Kansas Speedway. The UG will review the development agreement on Thursday. Buc-ee’s plans to build a 74,000-square-foot travel center with 120 gas fuel pumps and 12 electric-vehicle charging stations on about 25 acres.
Source: Kansas City Business Journal
Shawnee mulls big rate increases for trash haulers. Could residents feel the cost?
Next week, the Shawnee City Council will consider a significant rate hike for trash hauler permits in the city. City leaders in a committee meeting on Oct. 28 directed city staff to look into revising the Shawnee’s policy to increase annual permits for trash haulers from $25 to $1,000. “After comparing (our rates) to other cities, plus considering the cost to fund our Tidy Town program, it was apparent an increase was needed,” Colin Duffy, deputy city manager, said in an email to the Johnson County Post. The rate hike was part of the committee’s discussion of proposed changes to various city policy statements. It is included in the PS-56 Comprehensive User Fee Schedule.
Source: Johnson County Post
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