Kansas Municipal News
Gov. Kelly Announces Airport Improvements
Governor Laura Kelly announced that 66 airport projects across the state have been selected for Kansas Airport Improvement Program (KAIP) funding for planning, constructing, or rehabilitating public-use general aviation airports. “Whether it be airplane manufacturing, a link in the supply chain logistics, or travel, the Kansas aerospace industry is an essential part of our state’s economy,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These grants ensure the safety and longevity of Kansas airports, all while contributing to economic growth and job creation.” The aviation industry represents over 120.6 billion in economic impact across a broad spectrum of supply chain and manufacturing industries in Kansas.
Source: Andover American
Could county level income taxes solve the property tax problems in Kansas?
One Kansas lawmaker thinks county-level income taxes are the answer to sparing Kansans the burden of ever-increasing property taxes. Sen. David Haley, D Kansas City, calls the proposal, SB 79, an earnings tax and says it’s based on the system in Kansas City, Missouri. Under the proposal, county residents would have to approve the up to 1% tax by vote. “We contend that a majority of anyone in a taxpaying entity, or that county, should be allowed to vote,” Haley told the Senate Assessment and Taxation Committee Monday morning. “This would be triggered by the vote of each county, as to whether or not this would be imposed. And it would be put before the electorate every so often – in 10 years.” Half of the money raised would go to lower property taxes in that county.
Source: KAKE – News
Dwarf Goats: One Man’s Idea for Saving a Town in Rural America (Wilson, KS)
The former mayor of Wilson, Kan., believes he can lure travelers off Interstate 70 to see a collection of frolicking goats; he is butting heads with skeptics. Like many visionaries, David Criswell can’t say exactly how he dreamed up his big idea. Yet after chewing it over, Mr. Criswell, the former mayor of Wilson, became convinced he could milk a roadside attraction starring Nigerian dwarf goats clambering up and down a cluster of grain silos. “I’m going to bring people to town with these goats,” Mr. Criswell said. He anticipates herds of travelers pulling off Interstate 70 to visit his towering dwarf-goat playground. “Visually entertaining,” Mr. Criswell said, and a boost for local business. He envisions visitors buying souvenirs, meals and gas.
Source: Wall Street Journal
USD 252 superintendent interviews to start next week
The USD 252 Board of Education will start interviewing superintendent candidates next week, following a special meeting on Tuesday to review applications. According to board president Emily Darbyshire, interviews are set to begin Tuesday, Feb. 21. Information about the candidates will be released Tuesday morning. Outgoing Superintendent Michael Argabright announced his retirement effective June 30, 2023 last year. He’s led the district for more than 16 years.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Johnson County releases 2023 market study analysis, sees residential and commercial growth
Johnson County has released its Market Study Analysis for the Assessment Year 2023, examining the real estate market in the county – including both the residential and commercial markets. … The study found that nearly 90% of residential properties increased in value for 2023. The median single-family residential sale price rose 13.8% from 2021 to 2022, leading to an average increase in residential values of 12%. Commercial real estate also remained steady, specifically within the office and retail sectors. Overall, commercial values also increased at a rate of 12%.
Source: Johnson County Kansas |
After 43 years on the streets, Wichita police department’s ‘Dirty Harry’ retires
Chuck Loftis and another Wichita officer snuck on top of a pool hall at Ninth and Grove. It was the ‘90s and violent crime was skyrocketing as gangs fought over who could sell drugs where. A spotlight on the building kept the dealers below from being able to see them. They peered down, saw an exchange for crack and called in the description of the dealer to officer Robert “Bob” Bachman, who was down the road in a marked police car. Bachman pulled up. The dealer threw his crack and ran, but he didn’t get far, Loftis said. A man came out the door of the pool hall and yelled back inside: “Dirty Harry got Bobby,” Loftis recalls the man saying.
Source: Local News | Wichita Eagle
Should the Lawrence City Commission expand to 6 members plus a mayor? Voters will decide next year
Lawrence city commissioners approved one change to city government Tuesday night and set the stage for another potential big change, though that one will be up to voters to decide. Beginning with the 2023 general election, all Lawrence city commissioners will serve four-year terms. But how many commissioners the city will have, and whether we’ll have a directly elected mayor, will be up to voters to decide in November 2024. Commissioners also decided to ask city voters to weigh in on the city’s form of government in the 2024 general election. They passed a resolution that will put several decisions on the ballot, all wrapped up into one question.
Source: The Lawrence Times
Municipal Bond Trends for February 17, 2023
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, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Municipal Bond Trends for February 16, 2023
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, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Future uncertain for Walnut Valley Festival
The executive director of the Walnut Valley Festival confirmed comments he made recently on an area TV program that the beloved annual music event is struggling financially and its future is somewhat in doubt. Bart Redford, interviewed for an episode of “Positively Kansas” that aired Feb. 6, said the 51st festival will definitely be held in September, but there are no guarantees beyond that. “Where we go after that is an open question,” Redford told the KPTS. “We’re at a point where we’ve got to make it to continue on. No festival out there, no venture that you can think of, continues operating at a loss indefinitely.”
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Colorful murals to brighten downtown Dodge City
Dodge City was selected to receive a Community Challenge Grant from AARP Livable Communities and AARP Kansas to create murals in our historic downtown. The Dodge City Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is proud to announce that the project is nearing completion. The PAAC has been working with talented artist, Efe Tekdemir from the design firm Gardner Design in Wichita, Kansas. Input gathered from community table days informed the direction of these three dynamic works of art that will infuse the area with color and excitement while honoring our city’s rich heritage and cultural diversity. The murals have been sent to Luminous Neon for test prints and final production should be underway soon. The murals will be installed at the same time, a process expected to take approximately two days.
Source: Dodge City Daily Globe
Manhattan discusses Parks and Rec cost recovery model
Manhattan’s Parks and Recreation Department updated the city commission with their proposed cost recovery model at their meeting Tuesday. The current model sorts all programs into one of five tiers. Tier 1 would consist of the programs with the most community benefit, and as the tier number increases, the programs become more individualized. The tiers are situated on a cost recovery pyramid indicating that programs with the most community benefit will require the smallest cost recovery percentage.
Source: 1350 KMAN
Kansas school administrators question bill adding school board members to district payroll
The hypothetical cost of implementing a Kansas House bill enabling local school districts to pay elected board members $20 per hour for a commitment of less than two hours a week would cost taxpayers $2.8 million annually. Adopting the change would break a 50-year precedent in Kansas law that made local school board members volunteers without a salary… Jim Karleskint, a former state legislator and Holton school superintendent … did raise with the committee a series of concerns. “In many school districts,” he said, “the superintendent is selected as the chief negotiator for the board. In years of limited fiscal resources, the board and the teacher’s association would be even more at odds when board members are receiving pay for serving on the board. We would envision board members would receive pay for days they are on board business. It is our concern this could be taken advantage of and resented by the community.”
Source: Atchison Globe Now
City commission discusses state incentives for additional housing in Salina
With the need for housing in the community not going away anytime soon, Salina continues to look for opportunities to make it easier for developers to build in the area. During its meeting Monday, the Salina City Commission discussed and ultimately decided to lend support for incentives for three housing developments in the community. Lauren Driscoll, the city’s director of community and development services, presented the commission with multiple resolutions to consider on the topic. “As you’re aware, we’ve been very much engaged in dealing how to provide more housing in Salina related to future employees (coming from) corporate expansion of some major employers as well as overall growth in the community,” Driscoll said.
Source: Salina Journal
Prairie Village looks to remake city hall and police HQ
Prairie Village is looking to either renovate or completely rebuild its city hall and also remodel the city’s police department headquarters next door. City staff presented three preliminary project options at a special city council session on Saturday that came with projected price tags for work on both buildings ranging from $29 million to $42 million. This comes as the city is also gauging public opinion on a new community center on the site of the aging Paul Henson YMCA, which sits directly south of the current city hall and police building.
Source: Prairie Village Post
Leawood’s new history book in the works for 75th anniversary
In celebration of Leawood’s 75th anniversary, the city is publishing a new history book later this year. The roughly 100-page book — loosely titled “Leawood — The Journey Continues” — will chronicle the city’s history from 1997 to 2022 from a variety of perspectives, from economic development to arts and public outreach. City staff is slating for a fall publication, after which time the book will be available for purchase.
Source: Prairie Village Post
House bill would repeal 50-year ban on compensating members of local school boards
The hypothetical cost of implementing a Kansas House bill enabling local school districts to pay elected board members $20 per hour for a commitment of less than two hours a week would cost taxpayers $2.8 million annually. Adopting the change would break a 50-year precedent in Kansas law that made local school board members volunteers without a salary, but the idea seemed to make sense to Rep. Kristey Williams, chair of the House K-12 Budget Committee. She said during a Tuesday hearing the legislation could serve as a token of appreciation for board members and affirm the value placed on work to improve education of children in public schools.
Source: Cowley CourierTraveler
Municipal Bond Trends for February 15, 2023
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, Beth Warren and Henry Schmidt.
Lyon County may use private entity for shelter services
Lyon County may be close to an agreement with a private entity for animal control services, Sheriff Jeff Cope told city and county commissioners Wednesday afternoon during a joint luncheon. Cope said he was not yet able to disclose who the private entity was, but said he expected a contract to come through to the Lyon County Commission in the coming week. “We would be able to address the quarantine issues for animal bites, vicious animals, court orders and things like that,” Cope said.
Source: Emporia Gazette
Uniontown: Improving Community Spaces Grant Available
“The Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) is gearing up for a placemaking project in Uniontown,” President and CEO Jody Hoener said. They are seeking Uniontown resident’s input for a grant to improve the small town of almost 300 people in Bourbon County. “We have a survey for community members to fill out,” Hoener said. … “We have already been working on Creative Placemaking projects in Fort Scott: the 3rd Street Park Improvements and the Downtown Arch projects,” Rachel Carpenter, Director of the The Center for Economic Growth at HBCAT, said. … “Some examples would be: park improvements, murals in an alley way, public space for studying or a public art sculpture about the place’s history,” Carpenter said.
Source: Fort Scott Biz