Spyder, Inc, Fort Scott, KS has launched a rebranding scholarship program that is open to Kansas Colleges and Universities. The project runs through September with the winning individual or team winning a $1000 scholarship.
Spyder has made the decision to rebrand with a new name going forward says CEO Nedra Barr. “While we love the Spyder name, we are unable to get all of the social media handles needed as well as Spyder is a pretty common name. We need to move to a name that is more unique and representative of who we are and what we provide in the market.”
Letters with project definitions and guidelines went out Tues, Sept 6th. We’d like to have the individuals or teams known to us by the end of this week or at least by Monday, Sept 12th.
The project entails coming up with a new Company name, checking to make sure we are able to secure the domain as well as the social media handles, and creating a graphic logo by Sept 30th. Winners will be announced at the end of October.
This is truly exciting to work with local Kansas Colleges & Universities on our rebranding project, says CTO, Mike Upright. Our solutions will be running in the market for years to come so we want the business leaders of tomorrow to help come up with a cool, fun name for our Company.”
This project provides the students with a real-life Company branding exercise. This experience will be valuable to the students in their future business endeavors. We welcome any and all, college students who wish to participate. Interested participants may respond with their intent to participate to [email protected]
Good luck to all and we can’t wait to see what our new name will be!
Fort Scott Lighthouse welcomes Rachel French, the leader of a local interdenominational Christian women’s group, IF: Fort Scott. IF: Fort Scott promotes unity throughout the Body of Christ in Fort Scott and surrounding areas.
They host weekly Bible studies and two large gatherings throughout the year. The studies and events are focused on unity, discipleship, and community.
IF will be hosting their next Gathering on Saturday, October 22. Tickets for the event go on sale Saturday, September 10, and can be purchased at https://iffortscott.wixsite.com.
Rachel is a Jesus Follower, wife to Daniel plus a mom to two teen girls, Grace and Sophie, an advocate for unity within the Body of Christ, a member of Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church and a believer in local community stewardship.
Guests are welcome Thursday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. This is an interdenominational ministry opportunity for men, women, and youth. The goal of Aglow International is: Every nation touched, every heart changed.
Fort Scott Aglow Lighthouse meets the second Thursday of each month at the conference room of Fort Scott Inn, 101 State Street.
Volunteers post a flag at a Fly the Flag subscriber’s business. Submitted photo.
A local group of Fort Scottians work together to help the Fort Scott National Historic Site personnel tell the story of the its’ history.
The Friends of the Fort Scott National Historic Site, INC was formed in 2009 to work in cooperation with Fort Scott National Historic Site, according to a press release.
Members primary purpose is to support, advocate, and promote the importance of the Fort and its history through education, fundraising, volunteerism, and preservation.
The group is having its annual meeting on Monday, September 12, 2022, at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the Presbyterian Church at 3rd and Crawford Street, south entrance.
This event is free and open to the public.
“Anyone that would like to help the Friends of FSNHS with our mission to support Fort Scott National Historic Site is welcome to join,” said Friends of the Fort spokesperson Kelley Collins, herself a former park ranger for 23 years at the site.
“The community and all members of the Friends are encouraged to attend,” said President Reed Hartford said. “We will elect new officers, begin planning for next year’s activities, and enjoy a program presented by a ranger from Fort Scott NHS.”
The current leadership is Hartford, president; Matthew Wells, vice-president; Ronda Hassig, secretary and Marlene Braker, treasurer.
There are monthly board meetings, an annual meeting, and gatherings for various projects and fundraisers throughout the year.
What are those projects?
“We help the Fort with various events like the U. S. Naturalization Ceremony, Candlelight Tour, and 4th of July ( activities that are held at the fort),” Collins said.
Reed Hartford and Marlene Braker serve ice cream during an event at the site. Submitted photo.
“Our major fundraiser is the Fly the Flag project where we post an American flag outside subscribers homes and businesses on five flag holidays throughout the year,” she said.
Another community offering is in the works by the group.
“We are currently working with the National Park Service to bring a performance of Wahzhazhe: The story of the Osage people in dance and music to Fort Scott in July 2023,” Collins said.
There are various membership levels for the organization ranging from $35 to $1,000.
“Memberships help our organization support and promote Fort Scott National Historic Site in ways that the National Park Service cannot,” she said.
The organization lost two long-time members, Martha and Jim Scott, recently. Martha died and Jim moved away.
“Martha served as secretary for the organization since its inception and was a driving force in its establishment and success,” Collins said.
The Golf Course Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, September 8th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Woodland Hills Golf Course, 2414 S. Horton. The meeting will take place in the clubhouse. This meeting is open to the public.
Ralph Carlson introduces the Friday Night Concert musicians May 2019.
This week’s Friday Night Concert will be a family-style open-mic show for local talent. All ages are welcome to present one song and, should time permit, be prepared to perform a total of two songs. Performances may be instrumental and/or vocal. Upon request, local musicians will be available to accompany anyone who asks. Accompaniment tracks can also be accommodated.
“This week’s show will be a treasure trove of local talent and we’re hopeful to have several show up and shake things up a bit,” concert series organizer Ralph Carlson said. “For those who aren’t interested in performing, help us out and encourage some musicians or vocalists you know to share their talent in a comfortable setting. Come out and join us for an interesting evening and enjoy the music with friends.”
For more information, or to be scheduled in the show, please call 620-224-1150. The one-hour concert begins at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Park Pavilion at First and Main streets. The shows, sponsored by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, are free and open to the public. Dave Oas and Jim Butler provide the sound each week. Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Common Ground Coffee Co., 12 E. Wall Street.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce announces the Fall Town-wide Garage Sale is next weekend, September 9th, and 10th. The Chamber wants to encourage the community to get garage sales listed on the map and get out to hunt for bargains on clothing, home décor, tools, and more. The deadline for registration is 8am, Wednesday, September 7th.
Starting Thursday, September 8th at 10am, copies of the official garage sale map may be found at the Chamber office as well as local stores 5 Corners, Bids & Dibs, Casey’s, Don’s Smoke Shop, and all Pete’s locations. The map may also be found on the Chamber website fortscott.com or on Facebook on the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce page.
Contact the Chamber for more information at 620-223-3566.
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 26th, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft, Clete Hall, Rob Harrington Deb McCoy, Pete Allen, Grace Nolan Sweat, and representing the press Tammy Helm, Editor, Fort Scott Tribune.
CONSIDERATION:
Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager shared with the Commission a spreadsheet on the amenities the City offers to citizens. He shared that the majority of these are losing money. He said that we need to manage our facilities better. The current revenue neutral rate is 45.222. The proposed revenue neutral rate is 46.756 which is an increase of 1.54 above the Revenue Neutral Rate.
Susan Bancroft informed the Commission she was hired by the Commission to assist in the budget process for 2023. She has over 20 years of experience in governmental accounting. She reminded the Commission that cash reserves are established for unforeseen emergencies and delays in funding. The City of Fort Scott’s Financial Policy which was adopted on May 19, 2020 states the following:
The Fort Scott City Commission understands it has a responsibility to maintain prudent financial operations to ensure stable City operations for the benefit of City residents and businesses. This policy is necessary in maintaining a prudent level of financial resources to protect against reducing service levels or raising taxes and fees due to temporary economic conditions or unforeseen one-time expenditures. Appropriate fund balance targets are expected to differ from city to city, based on each city’s specific circumstances. Factor to consider include the size of government, diversification of revenue, and volatility of revenue sources.
Unencumbered cash reserves are an important component in ensuring the overall financial health of a community, by giving the City cushion to meet contingency or cash flow timing needs. It is recommended that governments maintain a fund balance of no less that 5% to 15% of revenues or one or two months of operating expenditures.
Maintaining fund balances at a prescribed level involves two components: 1) Budgeted reserves; 2) Conservative budgeting ensuring revenues eceed expenditures.
Susan recommended that in order to avoid service disruptions that otherwise could arise from revenue shortfalls or unanticipated expenditures, business funds shall be managed by the Finance Director and Department Directors in such a way as to maintain a minimum unencumbers cash balance on the last day of each fiscal year to equal to at least 25% or three months of current fiscal year budgeted annual operating expenditures before any transfers out.
Pros and Cons to stay Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott:
Pros:
The City will not increase the amount of taxes levied from the previous year.
Cons:
No new revenue coming to the City to cover the increase in commodities/supplies.
No opportunity for employees to have raises without cutting cash reserves or services.
Already dropping reserves with changes that occurred in 2022 to retain employees and reducing reserves more to give raises in 2023 down below policy levels of three months operating.
Budgets need to be fluid to allow for unanticipated expenditures – such as disasters, change in administration, mandates, failing facilities, or retirees.
Susan shared a spreadsheet of budgeted 2022 expenses and changes during 2022. She said that the proposed budget amount of $2,255,064.00 would drop the mill levy by 1.756.
She also shared cash reserves amounts with the Commission. In 2021, there was $1,480,293 – Budgeted for 2022 is $1,313,333; 2022 with changes is $1,200,805; and proposed for 2023 is $1,071,750. She cautioned them on lowering the cash reserve amounts.
Susan informed the Commission that they have lowered their mill levy 2 ½ mills in the last two years. The County has lowered their mill levy 4 mills in the last two years.
Susan asked the City Clerk to read the proposed resolution with the budget amount in it.
Diane Clay, City Clerk, read the following proposed resolution:
RESOLUTION NO.33-2022
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.
WHEREAS, the Revenue Neutral Rate for the City of Fort Scott was calculated as 45.222 mills by the Bourbon County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, the budget proposed by the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott will require the levy of a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate; and
WHEREAS, the Governing Body held a hearing on August 23rd, 2022 allowing all interested taxpayers desiring to be heard an opportunity to give oral testimony; and,
WHEREAS, the Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas having heard testimony, still finds it necessary to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS:
The Governing Body of the City of Fort Scott shall levy a property tax rate exceeding the Revenue Neutral Rate with a proposed mill levy not to exceed a mill levy that generates $2,255,260.00 in Ad Valorem Tax.
This Resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and shall remain in effect until future action is taken by the Governing Body.
ADOPTED this 26th day of August, 2022.
Walker moved to approve the above stated resolution for Revenue Neutral and to keep it flat at 45.222. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION 33-2022 OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS REGARDING THE GOVERNING BODY’S INTENT TO LEVY A PROPERTY TAX EXCEEDING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE.
Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager said that this notice of public hearing needs to be approved to be published in the local City newspaper. This reflects the 45.222 rate.
Walker moved to approve to publish the notice for the 2023 Budget Public Hearing to be held on September 14th, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO PUBLISH THE NOTICE FOR THE 2023 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, 2022 AT 5:00 P.M.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Jones moved to recess into Executive Session for the financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts, and individual proprietorships exception in K.S.A. 75-4319(b)(4) until 1:08 p.m. This will include City Commissioners, City Manager, City Attorney, and Rob Harrington. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
Van Hoecke moved to come out of Executive Session at 1:08 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNMENT:
Van Hoecke moved to adjourn the special meeting at 1:08 p.m. J. Jones seconded. All voted aye.
A special meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held August 23rd, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Commission Meeting Room, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Josh Jones, Tim Van Hoecke, Shane Walker, Matthew Wells were present with Mayor Kathryn Harrington presiding.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Travis Shelton, Lisa Lewis, Brad Matkin, Betty Breault, Devin Tally, and Susan Bancroft.
PUBLIC HEARING:
Public Hearing: 5:00 p.m. Revenue Neutral Rate Hearing
Jones moved to open the Public Hearing at 5:00 p.m. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:00 P.M.
Adoption of Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution No. 33-2022 – City Manager stated that this meeting is held to discuss the current Revenue Neutral Rate which is currently 45.222 to the proposed amount for 2023 in the amount of 46.756. This will keep the mill levy flat.
Comments were taken from the audience.
Betty Breault said that she is a taxpayer, and she believes that the taxpayers should have the right to vote for a tax. She believes that state, local, and county governments should be monitored to make sure that the taxpayer’s dollars are spent correctly. She said that if there has been misappropriation of funds that people that work in that position should be held responsible for their actions. She believes that the utility companies should be monitored also. Once again, she believes that the taxpayers should be allowed to vote for any tax increases.
Jones moved to close the Public Hearing at 5:05 p.m. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 5:05 P.M.
Josh stated that he is not in favor of the Revenue Neutral Rate and the amount it is proposed. He said that not once has he heard a citizen say they moved from Fort Scott due to a pothole, but from the amount of taxes they have to pay. He mentioned that the payroll at the Golf Course has increased $90,000.00. He also about the sale of the First Source building and those funds. He said that there are other areas we can cut.
City Manager said that the First Source funds are being used for Bourbon County R.E.D.I. and the Land Bank funding.
Discussion was held regarding what was being paid to Bourbon County R.E.D.I.
Susan informed the Commission that they have cut about $100,000 since 2020. This was mostly from the Codes fund.
Susan said that the proposed budget needs to be published by September 3rd, 2022 which would allow for one more budget work session. She recommended that the Commission adopt the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution with the wording that the City of Fort Scott would not exceed the proposed mill levy of 46.756 mills.
Josh said that he has gone through the budget line item by line item. He asked if the others had done that. He believes we will have a bigger carryover than last year.
Jones moved to not approve the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution. M. Wells seconded. J. Jones, M. Wells and K. Harrington voted in favor of not approving the resolution. T. Van Hoecke and S. Walker voted in favor of approving the resolution. Motion denied 3-2.
DENIED APPROVING THE REVENUE NEUTRAL RATE RESOLUTION.
Commissioners decided to have a special meeting on Friday, August 26th, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. to discuss the Revenue Neutral Rate Resolution and the wording change, and the publication of the 2023 Budget Hearing Notice.
CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of publication of public hearing notice for 2023 Budget – City Manager
Harrington voted to table the publication of the 2023 Budget. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO TABLE THE PUBLICATION OF THE 2023 BUDGET AT THIS TIME.
Consideration of Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S Main Street – Pizza Republic – City Clerk informed the Commission that the Design Review Board had verbally approved the signage for 17 S. Main Street.
Wells moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 17 S. Main Street. T. Van Hoecke seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR SIGNAGE AT 17 S. MAIN STREET – PIZZA REPUBLIC.
ADJOURNMENT:
Jones moved to adjourn the special meeting at 5:30 p.m. S. Walker seconded. All voted aye.
