In a review of the city’s draft policy for its use of drones and other camera systems, city leaders said they appreciated the efforts of the police department to discuss the issue with concerned local groups and that continued discussion would be important as the city looks toward a potential drone program. As part of its meeting Tuesday, the Lawrence City Commission received a presentation from the police department on the draft “public safety camera” policy, which would apply to drones and other cameras used by the police department, the fire and medical department, and any other department. Each department will ultimately have its own policy, and Mayor Brad Finkeldei said he appreciated that the process was moving forward as more applications for drones arise.
Source: LJWorld.com.

The union election for City of Lawrence utilities and public works employees will occur later this month. The Lawrence City Commission approved a resolution setting a date for the election as part of its meeting Tuesday. As the Journal-World reported, Teamsters Local Union No. 696 announced last week that the union had recently filed a petition with the city to conduct an election for employees in the city’s Municipal Services and Operations Department.
Source: LJWorld.com.

When the bells of Baldwin City First United Methodist Church rang out the noon hour on Saturday, the Maple Leaf Festival had only been going on for a few hours — but one of the key organizers was already pronouncing the event a huge success. Donna Curran, the festival booth committee chair, said the festival was on track for what could be an attendance record. She pointed to the near-perfect fall weather, as well as the fact that the festival wasn’t held in person last year because of COVID-19. The annual fall festival takes place on the third weekend of October, and it’s been estimated that it draws about 30,000 people during its two-day run when the weather cooperates.
Source: LJWorld.com.

The phrase “dark store” sounds more like part of an elaborate Halloween prank, or perhaps a haunted house or plotline in a horror movie. Instead, the phrase refers to a seemingly arcane debate over property taxes — only the issue has major ramifications for taxpayers, Kansas municipalities and some of the country’s most prominent retailers, such as Walmart, Target and Home Depot. The fight, which has raged in Kansas and scores of other states, boils down to how big box stores should be considered for property tax purposes. Municipalities have attempted to appraise the properties as if they were occupied and raking in revenue, with the valuation tied into the value of a building’s lease. But retailers have fought this determination, both before the Board of Tax Appeals and in the court system. They argue the store should be valued as if it were empty, with the appraisal reflecting how much a property would fetch if it were sold on the open market without a tenant. That value is generally much lower.
Source: CJonline

Jennifer Cunningham, city of Garden City Assistant City Manager, announced her resignation effective at the end of 2021. She will join Doering, Grisell & Cunningham, P.A., where she will assume the responsibilities of City Attorney with the retirement of Randy Grisell, the current City Attorney, at the end of the year. … Cunningham began working for the city in 2012 as the City Prosecutor. A year later she was promoted to overseeing all Municipal Court functions and personnel. In 2015 Cunningham was named the city’s Assistant City Manager.
Source: Garden City Telegram

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.