Inflation comeback may force Fed to abandon easy money policy much sooner than intended, Wall Street forecaster Jim Bianco warns

The Federal Reserve’s intention to leave interest rates alone may get sidetracked. According to Wall Street forecaster James Bianco, the backdrop is conducive for an inflation comeback that would force the Fed’s hand to tighten and upset the stock market. He sees two major factors sparking inflation: A smaller economy than last year due to the coronavirus lockdowns and the impact of massive monetary and fiscal stimulus.
Source: CNBC – Bonds

Ranson Financial2020-10-20T08:04:25-05:00October 20, 2020|News|

How Topeka, Kansas, Used Data Modeling to Pave a Stronger Future for Public Works and Residents

Using data modeling powered by current pavement inventory and condition data, the city of Topeka could better understand its long-range pavement condition and funding needs. The public works department for the city of Topeka, Kansas, was in a position where they needed to reevaluate the effectiveness of their half-cent retail sales tax to fund pavement renewal projects. To add to that, the city also tasked public works with improving their average pavement condition index (or PCI) from 55 to 60 in the next 10 years. They were given a $31 million budget.
Source: ICMA.

Ranson Financial2020-10-20T07:50:39-05:00October 20, 2020|News|

Municipal Bond Trends for October 19, 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.

Ranson Financial2020-10-20T07:46:03-05:00October 20, 2020|News|

USDA Invests $791,638 in Distance Learning in Osborne County, Kansas

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Kansas Lynne Hinrichsen today announced that USDA is investing $791,638 to provide interactive video conferencing equipment to allow access to students in rural Kansas…. This Rural Development investment will help Osborne County purchase monitors, video and audio conferencing equipment, wiring and software licenses for distance learning upgrades for Paradise Unified School District Number 399. The project will expand educational opportunities for rural residents within the district.

Ranson Financial2020-10-19T08:38:11-05:00October 19, 2020|News|

Liquor sales increase as pandemic continues

Business is booming for one segment of the economy in Kansas during the coronavirus pandemic: liquor stores. At the same time, the increased use of the products found in those stores has not necessarily benefitted people. The Wichita Eagle reported that tax collections on liquor sales at stores are up 17.9 percent from July to September compared to last year, according to data from the Kansas Department of Revenue.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2020-10-19T07:15:42-05:00October 19, 2020|News|

Incentive considered to lure home builders to Ark City

Arkansas City Commissioners will consider a resolution Tuesday allowing increased tax rebates for homes built in a housing development in north Ark City. If approved, property owners who build in the Compass Point Addition will be eligible for a 90 percent tax rebate of the first $150,000 of the property value for 10 years. Current city practice allows a 75 percent rebate for seven years.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler

Ranson Financial2020-10-19T07:15:12-05:00October 19, 2020|News|

Hoisington offers incentive to curb weekend EMT shortage

In an effort to offset a shortage of weekend emergency medical staff, the Hoisington City Council recently approved a financial incentive to recruit and retain volunteer technicians. Adequate weekend emergency staffing has been an issue for the city. State law mandates all ambulance services providing emergency care (as defined by the rules and regulations adopted by the Kansas Board of EMS) will offer emergency service 24 hours a day, every day of the year. “The problem of being able to provide weekend technician staff has evolved overtime,” said City Manager Jonathan Mitchell. “Trying to develop a solution to get volunteers to work weekends has been challenging. Volunteers are important but they’re also hard to find, especially good volunteers.”
Source: Great Bend Tribune

Ranson Financial2020-10-19T07:14:29-05:00October 19, 2020|News|

When Lyons officer was shot, this couple rushed in to help

Wyatt Johnson and his girlfriend were driving around Lyons on Friday while she reminisced about her hometown. They were wasting time before a wedding rehearsal. In southeast Lyons, near the home of one of her childhood friends, the couple saw an officer at a door and then heard shots ring out. Sgt. Cory Ryan was responding to a call from a man who was mowing the lawn when he was threatened by a neighboring man with a gun at around 3:40 p.m. The officer arrived at the home of the alleged shooter, 40-year-old Adam Hrabik.
Source: KC Star Local News

Ranson Financial2020-10-19T07:13:40-05:00October 19, 2020|News|

Did workers’ compensation changes go too far? Kansas Supreme Court to decide

Soon after Howard Johnson suffered a spinal cord injury in October 2015 while working as a delivery driver for U.S. Food Service, he suffered a financial one: His workers’ compensation award was nearly $47,000 less than what he would have received if the injury had occurred a year earlier. Johnson hurt himself while trying to dislodge a partially frozen trailer door and sought remedy through the Kansas Workers’ Compensation Act — the only option for employees hurt at work. The significant difference in his compensation was the result of a change in the guidelines doctors follow to assess impairment, attorneys said. A new state law adopted the Sixth Edition of American Medical Association Guides, rather than the previous Fourth Edition.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle

Ranson Financial2020-10-19T07:13:12-05:00October 19, 2020|News|

Voters to decide on individual drink sales

Voters can decide whether to allow liquor by the drink to be sold without requiring establishments to sell food at the Nov. 4 election. Prohibition was approved in Kansas in 1917 and lasted until 1948. In fact, three Kansas counties are still “dry,” and 67 require the 30 percent food sales. Wyandotte, Douglas and Shawnee do not have the food requirement.
Source: Gardner News

Ranson Financial2020-10-19T07:12:02-05:00October 19, 2020|News|