Category Archives: Government

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

USD234 Agenda for January 8

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Unified School District 234

424 South Main

Fort Scott, KS 66701-2697

www.usd234.org

620-223-0800   Fax 620-223-2760

 

DESTRY BROWN                                                                                                                                                        

Superintendent                                                                                                                                             

 

 

 

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

January 8, 2024 – 5:30 P.M.

AGENDA SUMMARY WITH COMMENTARY

 

1.0       Call Meeting to Order                                  David Stewart, President

2.0       Flag Salute

3.0       Approval of the Official Agenda (Action Item)

4.0       Reorganization of New Board (Action Item)

            4.1 Appoint Board Member

            4.2 Election of Vice-President of the Board

5.0       Approval of the Consent Agenda (Action Item)

            5.1       Board Minutes

  1. 12/11/23 Board Minutes

            5.2       Financials-Cash Flow Report

            5.3       Check Register

            5.4       Payroll – December 18, 2023 – $1,689,996.80

            5.5       Activity Fund accounts

5.6       USD 234 Gifts

5.7       CTE Math 2023-2024 Fundraising

5.8       Update Officers

            Appoint KPERS Designated Agent

5.9       Resolution 23-11 KMIP Signers

5.10     Resolution 23-12 Bank Account Signers

6.0       Recognitions (Information/Discussion Item)

6.1 Employee Recognition

  • Licensed
    • Speech Team
  • Classified
    • Bus Driver
    • Bus Driver

7.0       Leadership Reports (Information/Discussion Item)

7.1       Superintendent’s Report

            7.2       Assistant Superintendent’s Report

            7.3       Special Education Director’s Report

            7.4       Finance Director’s Report

 

 

8.0       Old Business

            8.1       Core Communities Report

8.2       Board Vacancy (Discussion Item)

            8.3       Publish Board Seat Vacancy #1&4, #2&5 in the Fort Scott Tribune.  (Action Item)

 

9.0       New Business

9.1     Resolution 23-10 to adopt Open Enrollment Policy (Action Item)

9.2     Resolution 23-13 To Establish Regular Board Meetings 2024

9.3     Resolution 23-14 To Establish Election of School Board Officers

10.0     Public Forum

11.0     Other Business – Personnel Matters

11.1     Enter Executive Session – Personnel Matters (Action Item)

11.2     Exit Executive Session

11.3     Approval of Personnel Report (Action Item)

 

12.0     Adjourn Meeting            David Stewart, President

Fort Scott, Government

Unapproved Minutes of the FS City Commission From January 2

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT

SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Unapproved

Minutes of January 2, 2024                                 Special Meeting

 

A Special Meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held January 2, 2024, at 6:00PM in the City Commission Meeting Room at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street, Fort Scott, Kansas.

 

ROLL CALL

Commissioners T. Van Hoecke, M. Guns were present with Mayor M. Wells.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION  M. Wells led the Pledge of Allegiance and said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City, our Government and City officials.

 

AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE  Brad Matkin/City Manager, Bob Farmer/City Attorney, Jason Dickman/Earles Engineering, Jason Pickert/Chief of Police, Tracy Dancer, Dyllon Olson, Michael Hoyt, Jason Silvers

 

NEW BUSINESS

Tracy Dancer and Dyllon Olson recited their Oath of Office for Commissioner and were sworn in by the City Clerk.

 

The City Clerk called roll for the first 2024 Fort Scott City Commission:

Commissioners T. VanHoecke, M. Guns, M. Wells, T. Dancer, and D. Olson were present. A quorum was established, and business was continued according to the agenda.

 

Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott: 

Nominations opened for Mayor by M. Wells.  T. VanHoecke nominated T. Dancer for Mayor.  M. Guns seconded.

 

There were no further nominations for Mayor. M. Wells closed nominations.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to select T. Dancer as the Mayor of the City of Fort Scott. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. DANCER APPOINTED AS THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT.

 

  1. VanHoecke thanked M. Wells for his service as Mayor over the past year.

 

 

 

Mayor T. Dancer took position at the head of the Commission table and presided over the meeting.

 

Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott:  Nominations for President were opened.  M. Wells nominated M. Guns for President.  T. VanHoecke seconded.

 

There were no further nominations for President. T. Dancer closed nominations.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to appoint M. Guns as President of the City Commission of Fort Scott. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

  1. GUNS APPOINTED AS PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF FORT SCOTT.

 

Review and Agreement of the Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563

  1. Olson expressed concerns about specific responsibilities of Commissions such as “Represent the City at ceremonial functions at the request of the Mayor” and wishes to strike “at the request of the Mayor.”

 

Discussion was had about D. Olson’s concerns regarding Commissioners ability to directly contact the Chief Financial Officer, City Clerk, Contracted Entities and the City Attorney without prior approval of the City Manager.

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to table the Review and Agreement of the Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563until the January 9, 2024, meeting. M. Wells seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO TABLE THE REVIEW AND AGREEMENT OF THE CODE OF ETHICS – ORDINANCE 3563 UNTIL THE JANUARY 9, 2024, MEETING.

 

Review and Agreement of the Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas

 

  1. VanHoecke moved to agree to the Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City of Fort Scott, Kansas as it is written. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

APPROVED TO AGREE TO THE CODE OF PROCEDURE FOR THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS AS IT IS WRITTEN.

 

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Michael Hoyt: addressed the Commission to congratulate the new Commissioners and passed out copies of the Constitution that he does traditionally.

 

  1. Hoyt requested to be put on the January 23, 2024, agenda to discuss Charter Ordinance 31. T. VanHoecke requested that M. Hoyt provide support materials to the Commission for their review prior to the meeting if possible.

 

  1. Wells moved to have a meeting on January 2nd to swear in the new Commissioners and officers. The regular City Commission meetings for January will be on the 9th and the 23rd. M. Guns seconded. All voted aye.

 

The City Manager reminded the public about the scheduled Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, January 4, 2024, 6:00PM at the Empress Event Center to discuss the Star Bond and TIF Bond issues with the City’s Bond Counsel, Gath Herman, Bourbon County REDI’s Rob Harrington and City Manager, Brad Matkin.

 

         Commissioner VanHoecke, Commissioner Guns, Commissioner Wells, Commissioner Olson, and Commissioner (Mayor) Dancer made comments.

 

The City Attorney commented as well.

 

ADJOURNMENT

  1. VanHoecke moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:56PM. D. Olson seconded. All voted aye.

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:56PM.

 

Next Meeting:

WORK SESSION:  Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:00PM to discuss Advisory Boards

REGULAR CITY COMMISSION MEETING – Tuesday, January 9, 2023, at 6:00PM

 

Submitted by:

Lisa A. Lewis, City Clerk

Fort Scott, Government

Agenda for FS City Commission Meeting on January 9

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Work Session at 5:00 PM on 1-9-2024 – Advisory Boards

City Commission meeting at 6:00 PM on 1-9-2024

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR        

MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION

CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.

January 9, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.

 

  1.   Call to Order
  2.   Roll Call:  T. VanHoecke, M. Wells, M. Guns, D. Olson, T. Dancer

III.    Pledge of Allegiance

  1. Invocation
  2. Approval of Agenda
  3. Consent Agenda:
  4. Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of December 19, 2023, and January 2, 2024.
  5. Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1351-A – $4,063,977.89
  6. Request to Pay – Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. – Project No. 23-430 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Invoice No. 17054 – Inspection Fees – $17,473.48
  7. Request to Pay – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-031B – Fort Scott Pavilion Project – Payment Application No. 3 – $70,875.00
  8. Request to Pay – Nowak Construction Co., Inc. – Project No. 22-305 – Contractor’s Project No. 231031 – South Industrial Park Waterline Extension – Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 2 – $231,061.95
  9. Request to Pay – T. Richardson Construction – Project No. 21-307 – Application for Payment No. 8 – 17th and Eddy St. Stormwater Improvements –           Drainage – $23,619.44
  10. Request to Pay – Bourbon County Treasurer – 2023 Real Estate Taxes for City-owned properties – $43,301.08
  11. Renewal of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage License for Consumption on the Premises – Debra Cagle – DBA Fifthwheel Tavern – 206 N. Humbolt, Fort Scott.

 

VII.   Public Comment:   Sign up required.  Comments on any topic not on agenda

and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.

 

 

 

 

 

  VIII.   Old Business:

 

  1. Review and Agreement of Code of Ethics – Ordinance No. 3563 – tabled from January 2, 2024.

 

  1. Discussion of Advisory Boards from Work Session.

 

 

  1.  New Business: 
  2. Selection of City Commissioner Representatives to Advisory Boards
  3. Bourbon County REDI Representative
  4. Land Bank Representative
  5. Lake Advisory Board Representative
  6. Library Board Representative
  7. Fort Scott Housing Authority Delegate
  8. Healthy in All Practices (HIA)

 

  1. Approval of Golf Advisory Board recommendations – (8) Letters of Interest submitted to fill (4) vacancies – Golf Advisory Board recommendations made on December 27, 2023.

 

  1. Request to Amend Ordinance No. 3604 – Membership Terms – Golf Advisory Board recommends change City/County requirements in the ordinance as stated on Staff Request for Commission Action – M. Wyatt

 

  1. Consideration of Change Order No. 1 – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Repair – Final Measured Quantities – Decrease of $7,341.20

 

  1. Consideration of Contractor’s Application for Payment No. 1 (Final) – Sprouls Construction, Inc. – Project No. 22-032 – KDOT Sub-Area Road Extension & US-69 at 20th Street Repair – $148,783.80 – Certificate of Substantial Completion included.

 

  1. Consideration of Change Order No. 2 – Bennett, Inc. – Project No. 23-005B – Engineer’s Project No. 217314-022 – Infantry Substation Sanitary Sewer Relocation – $129,530.00

 

  1. Approval of 2024 Cereal Malt Beverage (CMB) License for Consumption on the Premises and Retail Sale of Original and Unopened Containers – Kevin Allen – DBA Aunt Toadies – 1411 E. Wall, Fort Scott – 2023 CMB License was issued for Consumption on the Premises only, requires new approval.

 

 

 

  1. Resolutions
  2. Resolution No. 1-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL CITY NEWSPAPER FOR THE ENSUING TERM OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF   THE CITY OF FORT SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Resolution No. 2-2024 – DESIGNATING THE OFFICIAL DEPOSITORIES FOR THE PUBLIC FUNDS OF THE CITY OF FORT    SCOTT, KANSAS

 

  1. Resolution No. 3-2024 – EXEMPTION FROM GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES UNDER K.S.A. 1120A

 

  1. Resolution No. 4-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 922 E.            WALL – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM.

 

  1. Resolution No. 5-2024 – NOTICE OF HEARING WITH REFERENCE TO ALLEGED UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 515 S.            HEYLMAN – PUBLIC HEARING DATE – FEBRUARY 20, 2024, AT 6:15PM

 

 

  1. Reports and Comments:
  2. City Manager Comments:
  3. Engineering Comments:
  4. Commissioners Comments:
  5. VanHoecke
  6. Wells
  7. Guns
  8. Olson
  9. Dancer

 

  1. City Attorney Comments:

 

  1.  Executive Session:

XII.     Adjournment:

 

 

Work Session – Contactors’ Licenses: Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 5:00PM

City Commission meeting:  Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 6:00PM

Government, Kansas

Kansas Credit Rating is AA

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Fitch Ratings Releases First Kansas
Credit Rating at AA, Citing Fiscal Responsibility Championed by Governor Kelly


TOPEKA— Today, Fitch Ratings, a global credit rating agency, released its first credit rating for the State of Kansas. Citing Governor Laura Kelly’s fiscal responsibility, including efforts to pay off debt, balance the budget, and increase Kansas’ Rainy Day Fund, Fitch announced Kansas’ Issuer Default Rating (IDR) as AA with a stable rating outlook.

“It’s clear that our laser-sharp focus on growing the economy, paying off debts, and balancing the budget is setting Kansas up for long-term success,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Fitch Ratings’ announcement today is great news for Kansans. I will continue to prioritize fiscal responsibility as we work to cut taxes for working Kansans.”

In its report, Fitch cited Kansas’ sustained trend of balanced budgets, bolstering the Rainy Day Fund, and responsible spending as indicators of long-term fiscal responsibility that contributed to the high credit rating. This rating is higher than the most recent credit rating Kansas received, AA-, from S&P Global in February 2023.

“This AA credit rating is affirmation that the path the state has taken to restore stability, predictability, and overall health to the state’s finances is the right path to be on,” said Budget Director and Secretary of Administration Adam Proffitt. “It’s a testament to the work done by Governor Kelly and the Legislature to put the state on solid footing.”

Prior to Governor Kelly’s administration, the State of Kansas’ credit rating and outlook was downgraded four times between 2014 and 2017 by S&P Global. The state’s credit rating was downgraded from AA+ to AA in August 2014, put on a negative credit watch in 2016, downgraded again to an AA- in the same year, and the outlook downgraded from ‘stable’ to ‘negative’ in 2017. S&P Global improved the state’s credit outlook from ‘negative’ to ‘stable’ in 2018 after lawmakers rolled back the Brownback tax experiment.

Fitch Ratings’ report can be found here.

Bourbon County, Government

Uniontown City Council Minutes of December 12

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The Regular Uniontown Council Meeting on December 12, 2023 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 8:00PM, due to schedule conflict with school activity, by Mayor Jurgensen.  Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger (8:01), Josh Hartman, Amber Kelly, and Bradley Stewart.  Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.

 

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Mayor Jurgensen presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing councilmember Josh Hartman

 

404 Washington repair followup – Mr O’Dell did not appear.  Exterior of structure is not completed but has been made safe and secure.  Exterior and interior work is continuing.

 

USD 235, Vance Eden – Mr Eden forgot after the music program.  He wanted to address the council about support for a proposed grant project to construct preschool/daycare classrooms, office spaces, and community space for fitness center and computer lab.

 

CITIZENS REQUEST

None

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to discuss performance and job duties of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:12PM

 

Meeting resumed at 8:12PM, no action taken.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Bolinger present the November 2023 Treasurer’s Report.  Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $393,424.49, Receipts $38,253.45, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $184,870.35, Checking Account Closing Balance $243,781.59. Bank Statement Balance $252,410.86, including Checking Account Interest of $71.68, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $8,629.27, Reconciled Balance $243,781.59.  Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,562.47, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $20,047.08, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $33,841.33, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $331,232.47. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $869.87, and Utility CDs $1,049.90 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $1,919.77.  Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of November 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0.  November Transfers from Sewer Utility Fund to Sewer Revolving Loan $1,402.00; from Water Utility Fund to GO Water Bond & Interest $1,624.00; for Total Transfers of $3,026.00.  Net Loss for the month of November $149,642.90, Year-to-Date Net Loss $99,770.38.  Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $109,948.84 (90.0%), Expenditures $103,590.71 (64.7%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $33,931.68 (92.0%), Expenditures $27,021.56 (65.6%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $120,906.83 (77.2%), Expenditures $120,058.49 (53.3%); General Fund YTD Revenue $170,695.62 (114.0%), Expenditures $142,559.66 (77.0%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $8,152.71 (109.3%), Expenditures $8,841.12 (75.6%).  The December 2023 estimated payables to date in the amount of $69,435.50 were presented.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to approve Consent Agenda as amended:

  • Minutes of November 14, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and November 27, 2023 Special Meeting
  • Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

City Superintendent Rich reported a sewer issue at 100 Second St.  It is unsure whether the leaking line is the city’s or the property owners.  Council directed him to determine the ownership of the line and fix if it is the city’s line.

He reported that the labor for the water valve replacement is estimated at $4,720 and estimated to be 12 weeks out.

 

Motion by Hartman, Second by Ervin, Approved 4-0 to table labor for valve replacement until January meeting

 

Rich asked about a water meter replacement plan.  This will be put on the January agenda under new business.

 

Codes Enforcement Officer Coyan was not in attendance.  Johnson reported that Animal Control Officer is monitoring the dogs at large on Washington Street and taking appropriate action.

 

Clerk Johnson received a request for donation for SOS (Send Off Seniors) party.  Historically the city donates $100.

 

Motion by Kelly, Second by Ervin, Approved 5-0 to donate $100 to 2024 SOS Party

 

Johnson asked to not renew Zoom subscription.  It has been used twice in the last three years.  Council agreed to non-renew as we can always reactivate if needed.  She did receive a late notice for renewal of smoothwall and did get it paid and renewed.

She also gave an update from the December 5 KDHE public meeting on the Lead Service Line Inventory being required by EPA and KDHE.  KDHE does have grants available for assistance in getting accurate information for the inventory.  Midwest Assistance Program (MAP) also has technical assistance available.  She will be attending a MAP webinar in January.  Some of the testing processes are changing and the acceptable level will be reduced from 15ppb to 10ppb

She provided governing body with a resource pamphlet from League of Kansas Municipalities and asked to not comply with request for Economic Development Survey as city has not expended anything for economic development.  Clerk was directed to order a 2024 Governing Body Handbook for new councilmember.

Animal Control Officer Binford wanted to express her appreciation for the gift and council support.

Johnson also thanked the council for allowing her to be City Clerk.

 

COUNCIL REPORT

Councilman Ervin – nothing

Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing

Councilman Hartman – again conveyed his appreciation to other governing body members and city staff as his term is ending.

Councilwoman Kelly – nothing

Councilman Stewart – nothing

Mayor Jurgensen – nothing

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking project – Blue Cross Blue Shield will present $10,000 grant check on December 18.  Contractor is planning to begin as soon as weather permits.

 

Pond Project – contractor has contoured bank and is waiting on County to deliver rock.  County rock crusher is broken down at this time.  Mayor Jurgensen has given KDWPT biologist Don George an update on progress and discussed with him the weeds growing in the riprap on the west side.  It is recommended to not spray with roundup or glyphosate.  Mr George would like to view the areas of weeds and make herbicide recommendation.

 

NEW BUSINESS

2024 CMB off premises renewal-Union Station –

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Kelly, Approved 5-0 to renew Union Station’s CMB off premises license for 2024

 

Procurement Policy – after discussion, policy does not need changed.  The wording on the invitation for bid needs to state that bid opening will be (up to 10 days) before council meeting and will be awarded at council meeting.

 

Financial/Utility Software – Clerk Johnson contacted four companies for quotes – Tyler Technologies, one time fees $60,570, annual fees $20,645; MuniBilling, one time fees $2,390, annual fees $5,208; gWorks, one time fees $1,500, annual fee $2,030; and Edmunds, one time fees $10,000-12,000, annual fees $7,000.  She recommended gWorks as they have the lowest quote plus we already use gWorks desktop Utility Billing module.  There will be no onboarding/implementation cost for utility billing.  All quotes are for cloud-based software.

 

Motion by Ervin, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0 to purchase gWorks Finance Hub and Utility Billing Hub cloud-based software

 

Employee Benefits-Health Insurance – Clerk Johnson presented the three options she found.  None can be used until we have an employee to insure.  Once an employee is hired, she recommends KMIT as the best option for long term health benefits.

 

Moved by Kelly, Second by Hartman, Approved 5-0, to adjourn at 9:59PM

Bourbon County, Government

Agenda for the Uniontown City Council on January 8 at 7 p.m.

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CALL TO ORDER AT ________ by _____________________________

ROLL CALL: 

___ Jess Ervin ___ Danea Esslinger ___ Amber Kelly ___ Mary Pemberton ___ Bradley Stewart

2023 Financials – December

01-24 Informational Items

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS

Oath of office for newly elected councilmembers

 

 

CITIZENS REQUESTS

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Charlene Bolinger – Financial reports

 

APPROVE CONSENT AGENDA

  1. Minutes of December 12, 2023 Regular Council Meeting
  2. Treasurers Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
  3. Destruction of records for 2013 and prior
  4. Resolution 2024-0108-1 – 2024 GAAP Waiver

 

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Superintendent:  Bobby Rich

Sewer issue at 100 Second St update

Sewer issue in alley between Hill and Clay

Water valve replacement update, labor cost estimate

 

Codes Enforcement: 

 

Clerk Report:  Sally Johnson  

New finance and utility billing software implementation

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Labs schedule of fees increase

 

COUNCIL & COMMITTEE REPORTS

Councilman Ervin –

Councilwoman Esslinger –

Councilman Kelly –

Councilwoman Pemberton –

Councilman Stewart–

Mayor Jurgensen –

 

OLD BUSINESS

Placemaking Project –

 

Pond Project –

 

NEW BUSINESS

Water Meter Replacement Plan –

 

ADJOURN Time ____________ Moved by ______________, 2nd ___________________, Approved ___________

Government, Kansas

KS Tax Collections Below Estimate

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December Total Tax Collections at $1.043B;

3.4% Below Estimate

TOPEKA –The State of Kansas ends December 2023 with total tax collections at $1.043 billion. That is $36.9 million, or 3.4%, below the estimate. Total tax collections are down 3.8% from December 2022.

Individual income tax collections were $397.1 million. That is $17.1 million, or 4.5%, above the estimate, and up 5.9% from December 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $235.7 million. That is $39.3 million, or 14.3%, below the estimate and down 16.1% from December 2022.

“Withholding tax, the largest component of the individual income tax receipts, was 9.2% greater than December 2022”, said Secretary of Revenue Mark Burghart. “This comes as no real surprise as the growth is entirely consistent with recent findings of the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which showed that personal income and earnings in Kansas grew during the second and third quarters of 2023 at some of the highest rates in the country.”

Secretary Burghart further observed that the corporate income tax receipts were lower than expected because there was one less deposit day this December compared to December 2022. Nearly $34.4 million was deposited on that additional day in December 2022.

Combined retail sales and compensating use tax receipts were $302.4 million, which is $5.6 million, or 1.8%, below the estimate and down $4.9 million, or 1.6%, from December 2022.

Click to here view the December 2023 revenue numbers.

Fort Scott, Government, Schools

James Woods Leaves a Vacancy on USD 234 Board of Education

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James Wood from the USD 234 School Directory.

James Wood has served as a member of the Board of Education in Fort Scott for four years. He was just recently re-elected in November for a second term. James works at Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA. In late November, James was promoted to a partner position with Diehl Banwart Bolton CPAs, PA, which changed his responsibilities at the firm. Consequently, James is resigning his position on the USD # 234 school board effective January 1, 2024.

“James has been a great board member and has held several leadership positions on the school board during his term. He is a creative thinker and has been a great asset to the board because of his accounting and business background. He will be sorely missed on our board,” states Destry Brown, superintendent.
On reflecting about his time on the board, James reflects, “I have truly enjoyed my time on the Board of Education. I believe in the direction our school district is going and am excited for the future of the district. I grew up as a Tiger and will always be a Tiger at heart.”
The Board of Education will discuss filling the vacancy created by Wood’s resignation at the next board meeting on January 11th. 
Government, Kansas

Governor Kelly’s Year In Review

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Year in Review: Kelly Administration Delivers a Successful 2023 for Kansas

TOPEKA – As 2023 comes to an end, Governor Laura Kelly today highlighted some of the key successes from the first year of her second term.

“This year, I worked with the Legislature, members of my administration, and Kansans from across the state to continue building on the successes of our first term,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Heading into 2024, there is more work to be done to ensure Kansas remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Bipartisanship: In 2023, Governor Kelly signed 89 bipartisan bills into law, including significant legislation that:

Expanding Affordable Child Care:  The first executive order of Governor Kelly’s second term established the Early Childhood Transition Task Force. The task force was charged with reviewing Kansas’ early childhood programs and developing a roadmap to create a cabinet-level agency solely focused on supporting our youngest Kansans. Earlier this month, the task force presented Governor Kelly with its final report.

Throughout 2023, the Kelly administration has allocated more than $65 million to create nearly 6,000 new child care slots.

Economy and Workforce: In 2023 alone, the Kelly administration closed 256 economic development projects, totaling more than $3 billion in new business dollars invested into the state and creating or retaining more than 12,000 jobs.

In September, Governor Kelly celebrated the anniversary of establishing the Office of Registered Apprenticeship. Now, over 4,500 Kansans are active in a registered apprenticeship program, showing a nearly 55% increase in new registered apprentices and 18 new programs established in 2023.

Infrastructure: In 2023, Governor Kelly announced the final phase of the last two projects remaining from the T-WORKS program. These projects were only able to move forward through the Governor’s and Legislature’s bipartisan work to close the “Bank of KDOT” by the end of her first term.

High-Speed Internet: The collaboration of the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Research and Education Network, and private providers brought $43 million in federal funding to strengthen the state’s high-speed internet infrastructure. Nearly 9,000 homes and businesses have been connected to high-speed internet in 2023.

Water: In partnership with the Legislature, Governor Kelly invested a record $35 million to protect vital water resources and fund projects to address high-priority dams and small-town water infrastructure through the passage of HB 2302. As she proposed in her budget, funding has also been dedicated to pay off debt for the Milford and Perry Reservoirs, saving Kansas taxpayers money in long-term interest payments.

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Fort Scott, Government

FS City Commission Agenda for January 2

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The only order of business for 1-2-2024 is to establish the new 2024 City Commission. All other business will be discussed on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 6:00PM

 

NOTICE OF AND AGENDA FOR REGULAR
MEETING OF FORT SCOTT CITY COMMISSION
CITY HALL COMMISSION ROOM – 123 SOUTH MAIN ST.
January 2, 2024 – 6:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call:
T. VanHoecke M. Guns M. Wells
II. Pledge of Allegiance & Invocation: M. Wells
III. New Business
A. Oath of Office – Commissioner Tracy Dancer and Commissioner Dyllon Olson
B. Appointment of Mayor of Fort Scott
C. Appointment of President of the City Commission of Fort Scott
D. Review and agreement of Code of Ethics – Ordinance 3563
E. Review and agreement of Code of Procedure for the Commission of the City
of Fort Scott, Kansas
IV. Public Comment:
Sign up required. Comments on any topic not on agenda and limited to five (5) minutes per person, at the Commission’s discretion.
V. Reports and Comments:
A. City Manager Comments:
B. Commissioners Comments:
T. VanHoecke –
M. Wells –
M. Guns –
T. Dancer –
D. Olson
C. City Attorney Comments:
VI. Executive Session:
VII. Adjournment:
Next regular meeting scheduled: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 6:00PM

Fort Scott, Government

Fort Scott Has A New Human Resource Director and City Manager Reflects on 2023, Looks To 2024

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Fort Scott City Manager Brad Matkin was asked what the city’s accomplishments were this year and also what is on the horizon for 2024 and he sent his reply.

He also announced a new administrative position has been filled by Payton Coyan.

Payton Coyan. Submitted photo

 

Payton Coyan started as the Fort Scott Human Resource Director on December 27.

She has four years of experience in driving strategic human resource operational initiatives, with a  focus on talent acquisition, employee retention, succession planning, organizational development, legal compliance, and grievance management. She also has skills in recruitment, interviewing, resume screening, negotiating, conflict resolution, streamlining operations, and heightening employee productivity by mastering HR situations for integrating human resource functions with overall goals, according to a press release.

She has experience managing employee benefits, employee hiring and onboarding, performance management, and HR records.

Coyan is a graduate of Ottawa University.

“Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends,” she said in the press release. ” I come from an amazing family and am fortunate to have… every one of them in my life. I am a lifelong resident of Bourbon County and love our community full-heartedly. In my free time, I enjoy…camping, (going) on a nature walk, walking downtown, or reading a book.”

Brad Matkin. Submitted photo

Matkin stated he is sure there is more coming for the city in 2024  but this list of goals will get things going, and “I am sure I missed some things on what we did in 2023.”

2023 Accomplishments:

  • Establishing the “My Fort Scott” App
  • Completion of Cooper Street
  • Completion of the “Old Faithful” sewer project near Nelson Park, between Elm and Pine on North Grant Street.
  • Improved wages for city staff, crews, and public safety members
  • Gunn Park Campground area improvements
  • Lake Fort Scott stem repair
  • The 2022 Cape Seal program completed
  • 2023 Cape Seal program prepped and ready for 2024
  • Increased advertisements and promotion of area events by the Fort ScottTourism Department
  • Approvement of 2nd Phase of  City Connecting Link Improvement grant for the Wall Street project. This is a federal and state-funded program that will start in 2025.
  • Pothole and crack sealing program
  • Established “street repair” crew
  • Memorial Hall improvements (thanks to volunteers for helping this happen)
  • Additional Lake Fort Scott docks
  • Buck Run Community Center improvements
  • Wastewater Treatment Plant lagoon improvements and elimination of the “smell”
  • Assignment of Baker Tilley,  a consulting and public accounting firm, as City Finance Director, with their representative being Ben Hart.
  • Flawless 2022 City audit
  • Establishing a budget that did not increase taxes and freed up city monies for investments
  • Community Development Block Grant sewer repair throughout the city
  • Fort Scott Airport runway and taxi-way improvements thanks to an FAA grant
  • Stormwater project from 15th to 17th and Eddy streets
  • Purchased street line paint machine, city crews painting streets instead of outsourcing
  • Several street and water line repairs
  • Bringing back the Community Development position
  • UTV for the fire department (thanks to Timken Foundation grant)
  • Additional quick-action weapons for the Fort Scott Police Department
  • New Christmas “swags” for downtown
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course cart path improvements and repairs
  • Workman Compensation insurance graded the city with a Gold Star which will equate to a 5% reduction in premium

 

What’s Up in 2024:

  • Tourism Department to branch out to the Kansas City  area to promote Fort Scott
  • 2024 Street program that will improve streets one block at a time
  • Horton Street project
  • Additional aeration systems to the wastewater plant
  • Woodland Hills Golf Course maintenance barn and simulator barn justified; built either in the 4th quarter of ’24 or 1st quarter of ’25.
  • Gunn Park shelter house renovation and shower house built
  • Gunn Park sewer project
  • 2” water line replacement program
  • Caboose in Fisher Park painted and moved to an uptown location at Scott Avenue and Wall Street
  • Two additional police cars were purchased
  • Memorial Hall bathroom renovations (grant pending)
  • Memorial Hall tables and stage lights improvements
  • Phase 1 on the Farmers Market Pavilion completed, and Phase 2 started
  • Buck Run Creek area sewer repair
  • Improved housing initiatives
  • Goals and expectations for our Economic Development Department, which is Bourbon County Regional Economic Development Inc.
  • Contractor licensing completed and implemented
  • Event Tourism Grant policy completed and implemented
  • City of Fort Scott webpage improvements and updated
  • Lake Fort Scott camping area – phase 1
  • Lake Fort Scott secondary valve installed
  • Additional water sources researched
  • Buck Run Walking Trail phase 1 started (grant search and cleanup)
  • Additional downtown parking (plus paving what we currently have)
  • 25th Street rebuilt
  • School speed signs installed on Margrave and National