Will High Inflation Erode the Potential Benefits of Government Infrastructure Spending?

22 Wednesday, June 22

Will High Inflation Erode the Potential Benefits of Government Infrastructure Spending?

info2022-06-23T08:01:44-05:00June 22nd, 2022|

As local and state governments, including transportation agencies, were already grappling with ongoing supply chain disruptions for their current infrastructure projects, the historic inflation will also likely serve as a significant blow to the overall progress, funding allocation, and timely completion of these projects. Given the complexity and longer time horizon of many of these capital programs, local and state governments generally allocate set funding with an inflation factor, including the infrastructure programs funding through the federal government. However, with the current inflation numbers, the public sector may be faced with the dilemma to either scale back on the scope of [...]

22 Wednesday, June 22

City to take over management of Lenexa Cemetery

info2022-06-23T08:03:02-05:00June 22nd, 2022|

Since 1872, the Lenexa Cemetery Association has cared for the tract of land southeast of 87th Street Parkway and Pflumm Road, commonly known as the Lenexa Cemetery. The Lenexa City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding on June 21, 2022 to transfer property and assets of the Cemetery to the City at the end of this year. The Lenexa Cemetery sits adjacent to the St. John's Catholic Cemetery, which is located immediately south of the site. The Lenexa Cemetery Association’s Board of Directors approached the City about taking over the operation of the 4.34 acre site. The non-profit association has an [...]

22 Wednesday, June 22

Riley County enters HIGH incidence rate of COVID cases

info2022-06-22T18:07:06-05:00June 22nd, 2022|

Riley County has reached the High incidence rate with 76 new COVID cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment recorded 76 new cases between Jun 11 – 17. The Incidence Rate is 102.4, putting the county in the HIGH incidence category with 100 or more cases per 100,000 people. Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan is currently caring for two COVID-19 positive patients. According to Wednesday’s report, Health Department Director Julie Gibbs says “while the number of cases is increasing in the state, the number of hospitalizations is remaining low.” She also continues to encourage everyone to get vaccinated if [...]

22 Wednesday, June 22

County could pay 160% more for fuel in 2023

info2022-06-22T08:16:35-05:00June 22nd, 2022|

If oil companies still keep fuel prices high in the coming months, Labette County is looking at paying 160% more for fuel in 2023, Labette County commissioners heard on Monday. Public Works Director Sandy Krider seeks bids on a fuel contract for the county each year. Many departments (including the sheriff, ambulance service, appraiser’s office, Public Works, Noxious Weeds vehicles, abandoned cemetery vehicles and mowers and the city of Altamont) use this unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel by pumping it out of the Public Works tanks in Altamont using an access card. Source: Parsons Sun

22 Wednesday, June 22

Municipal Bond Trends for June 21, 2022

info2022-06-22T08:02:02-05:00June 22nd, 2022|

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.

21 Tuesday, June 21

Colorful mural coming to downtown Great Bend

info2022-06-22T07:44:46-05:00June 21st, 2022|

As part of the ongoing efforts to improve the 2000 block of Forest Avenue for the Final Fridays on Forest events, the Great Bend City Council Monday night approved a request from Great Bend Alive Inc. to repair and paint the alley between the 2000 block of Forest and the 2000 block of Lakin with a colorful geometric pattern. Source: Great Bend Tribune

21 Tuesday, June 21

Emporia Main Street earns accreditation

info2022-06-21T23:10:37-05:00June 21st, 2022|

Emporia Main Street has once again earned accreditation through Main Street America for meeting "rigorous performance standards," it announced last week. Main Street America, a program of the National Main Street Center, works to revitalize older and historic commercial districts to build vibrant neighborhoods and thriving economies. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. Source: Emporia Gazette

21 Tuesday, June 21

Prairie Village tackles zoning laws in effort to create attainable housing

info2022-06-22T07:55:39-05:00June 21st, 2022|

Living in Prairie Village is becoming less and less affordable, and as fewer people can afford to reside there, some officials are working to create opportunities for attainable housing. On Tuesday evening, the City Council will vote on recommended changes to zoning regulations to create opportunities to develop and preserve attainable housing — and to solidify the city's position to advocate for attainable housing in regional initiatives. Source: Kansas City Business Journal

21 Tuesday, June 21

IRS boosts business mileage rates as gas prices soar

info2022-06-22T07:57:03-05:00June 21st, 2022|

The Internal Revenue Service has some good news for taxpayers who use the federal mileage rate for business use of a vehicle. With gas prices soaring at the pumps, the IRS has increased the standard business travel reimbursement rate to 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate of 58.5 cents that went into effect in January. The new rate goes into effect on July 1 through Dec. 31. The rate applies for use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck. Source: IRS

21 Tuesday, June 21

Wichita considers changing charges for fentanyl test strips

info2022-06-22T07:59:41-05:00June 21st, 2022|

Right now it is illegal to possess a fentanyl test strip in the City of Wichita. But some members of the community say that the strips save lives, and the penalties for possession should be relaxed. On Tuesday, members of the Wichita City Council came together to discuss the issue. In the end, they decided to table any action on fentanyl test strips, and during their discussion, there were mixed opinions about what the city council should do. "I think we need to get moving of these fentanyl test strips as soon as possible. This is something that could save lives," [...]