|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Legislative Update by State Senator Caryn Tyson
April 12, 2024
Property Tax Relief was passed by the Senate in Conference Committee Report (CCR) 2096, but hit a brick wall in the House. The provisions include:
- Expand the property tax freeze for seniors and disabled veterans so more people qualify
- Eliminate personal property taxes on items not used for business purposes, such as off-road ATVs, 15,000 lbs. trailers, motorized wheelchairs, bicycles, scooters, watercraft, and golfcarts
- Veterans’ Valor property tax relief program providing for totally disabled and unemployable
- Provide the current year and a four-year lookback on property valuation notices
- Allow payment under protest and appealing valuation in the same year if new evidence is provided
- Establish government competition property tax exemption
- Clarify 1031 exchange, build-to-suit, or sale/leaseback are not used establishing fair-market value
Property tax provisions in CCR 2096 will help many, especially seniors in need and disabled veterans. However, the House believed inaccurate information that there are two provisions for the rich and big businesses. The government competition piece is to stop governments from running a business that directly competes with businesses. It is a problem and this legislation is a shot across the bow to try to stop this practice. It is narrowly crafted for day-cares, health clubs, and restaurants within a city or 5 mile radius, but will most likely be expanded to include hotels/motels at some point. Topeka City Council bought and is running a hotel. Taxpayer funded lobbyist, such as the Kansas County Commissioners and the League of Municipalities opposed the legislation, but they offer no solution. The business has to be in existence before the government started a competing business. The State Constitution exempts government from property taxes, so it makes sense to provide directly competing businesses the same benefit, until the government stops running or sells the business. The other provision taxpayer lobbyists are against is making it clear that the value of property should be considered, not the rent or income the property generates. Would you want your income to be considered in the value of your home? All of the provisions in the bill deal with property tax. The House voted to send CCR 2096 back to conference committee.
Leadership may or may not allow the conference committee to meet again and if not, the CCR will be lost this year unless the House does a motion to reconsider the first day we return for veto session. The House could pass the CCR and send it to the Governor, since it has passed the Senate 23 to 14. I voted Yes.
I agree that each bill should pass on its own, but all of this legislation did not pass both chambers, so the only chance for it to pass this year is in a CCR. The conference committee put legislation together in CCRs by topics – property tax, sales tax, administrative, pro-life, and such. The only tax committee CCR that did not pass both chambers was CCR 2096.
I have worked diligently on provisions in this CCR, property tax relief for seniors, disabled veterans, and the personal property tax exemptions for all. Let’s hope we don’t lose the CCR and that the House or the Governor doesn’t throw the “baby out with the bathwater”, and focus on all the good in this CCR.
Governor’s Veto Pen could break last year’s record number of 17. There was also a record number of veto overrides last year. Because the last day of session was early, there wasn’t a chance to override all of the vetoed legislation and that could happen this year, including CCR 2096 if the House were to pass it. There was an attempt to override 14 of the 17 last year. Eight of the overrides were successful. There have been 6 vetoes this year: 2436, making it unlawful to force an abortion; 2446, making it unlawful to ban plastic bags; 2749, requiring reporting of each abortion; 2648, requiring impact statements of rules and regulations that have the force of law; 233, prohibiting sex changes of minors; and 434, exempting sugaring hair removal from cosmetology requirements. It takes 2/3 majority in each chamber to override a veto.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve as your 12th District State Senator.
Caryn
Unofficial Minutes of the Uniontown City Council for April 9
The Regular Council Meeting on April 9, 2024 at Uniontown City Hall, was called to order at 7:02PM by Mayor Jurgensen. Council members present were Jess Ervin, Danea Esslinger, and Mary Pemberton. Also in attendance for all or part of the meeting were Heather Jackson, Danny Taylor, Codes Officer Doug Coyan, City Treasurer Charlene Bolinger, City Superintendent Bobby Rich and City Clerk Sally Johnson.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS/PROJECTS
CITIZENS REQUEST
Heather Jackson turned in an Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St. After discussion:
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to approve the Application for Placement of Mobile Home at 405 Hill St.
Danny Taylor asked if he could put up new No Parking, Loading/Unloading Zone signs at each drive of his storage units. After discussion, the city will provide the signs of his choice. He also asked about the size of rock to dress up his drives.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Treasurer Bolinger presented the March 2023 Treasurer’s Report. Beginning Checking Account Balance for all funds was $268,423.36, Receipts $61,625.33, Transfers Out $3,026.00, Expenditures $52,175.70, Checking Account Closing Balance $274,846.99. Bank Statement Balance $281,085.53, including Checking Account Interest of $60.89, Outstanding Deposits $0, Outstanding Checks $6,238.54, Reconciled Balance $274,846.99. Water Utilities Certificates of Deposit $37,243.06, Sewer Utilities Certificate of Deposit $21,264.85, Gas Utilities Certificates of Deposit $39,027.01, Total All Funds, including Certificates of Deposit $372,381.91. Year-to-Date Interest in Checking Acct is $173.43, and Utility CDs $436.08 for a Total Year-to-Date Interest of $609.51. Also included the status of the Projects Checking Account for the month of March 2023, Beginning Balance $0, Receipts $0, Expenditures $0, Ending Balance $0. March 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 Income for the month of March $6,423.63, Year-to-Date Net Income $39,367.79. Budget vs Actual Water Fund YTD Revenue $26,687.77 (21.6%), Expenditures $31,016.80 (19.1%); Sewer Fund YTD Revenue $8,651.07 (23.4%), Expenditures $8,728.22 (20.7%); Gas Fund YTD Revenue $59,321.33 (40.5%), Expenditures $32,371.80 (18.2%); General Fund YTD Revenue $75,848.78 (46.2%), Expenditures $52,497.08 (25.9%); and Special Highway YTD Revenue $2,077.58 (28.6%), Expenditures $0 (0%). The April 2024 payables to date in the amount of $44,672.83 were presented. The invoices from KMGA, Homestead Tech, Phillips 66, and Ag Engineering have not been received at noon meeting day.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0, to approve Consent Agenda:
- Minutes of March 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting, March 19, 2024 Special Council Meeting, and March 25, 2024 Special Council Meeting
- Treasurer’s Report, Monthly Transaction Report & Accounts Payables
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
City Superintendent Rich presented a quote from USDI to replace 4 gas system valves that are getting hard to turn. Council requested he get two more quotes before taking action.
Codes Enforcement Officer Doug Coyan discussed various projects being completed around town. He asked for the Junk Vehicle ordinance as he will be visiting some locations. He submitted a letter to Clerk Johnson to be put in the newsletter and on the webpage.
Clerk Johnson informed the Council that Bourbon County Commission has scheduled a special election for May 14, our next meeting date. Polls are open 7AM to 7PM. She asked if our meeting needed moved or if we would ask county to find another venue.
Motion by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0 to change our meeting time on May 14, 2024 to 7:30PM
Motion by Ervin, Second by Pemberton, Approved 3-0 to enter in to executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel matters exception, KSA 4319(b)(1), in order to review applications of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at 8:25PM
Open meeting resumed at 8:25PM.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to call a Special Meeting to enter into executive session to interview non-elected personnel applicants on April 17, 2024 at 5:45PM.
COUNCIL REPORT
Councilman Ervin – nothing
Councilwoman Esslinger – nothing
Councilwoman Kelly – absent
Councilwoman Pemberton – asked if the bench near where the horseshoe pitch area can be moved. It is set in concrete.
Councilman Stewart – absent
Mayor Jurgensen – nothing
OLD BUSINESS
Pond Project – final paperwork has been submitted to Don George, KDWPT. Project finished under budget.
Pickleball Court Placemaking Project – discussed the painting of the lines for the court and bench placement.
Warehouse project – Another contractor was contacted for a quote to fill in the scales. He does not have time for the project. No response from attorney on process to sell the Weed Barn to offset cost of refurbishing the warehouse as discussed last month.
Motion by Ervin, Second by Esslinger, Approved 3-0 to hire Rogers and Sons to fill in the scales at the warehouse.
NEW BUSINESS
Mayor Jurgensen stated that Bettis Asphalt will be putting a temporary asphalt plant in Bourbon County this summer and has a job on 54 Highway and in Bronson. They will be in town to repair any areas that were asphalted last year. He suggested that the council review the streets and designate which areas of need for this year. Clerk Johnson will email them with approximate amount available for street resurfacing.
Moved by Pemberton, Second by Ervin, Approved 3-0, to adjourn at 9:01PM
The Obituary of David Hunt
David Lee Hunt, age 92, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2024, at his home. He was born September 7, 1931, in Centralia, Missouri, the son of Arlie L. Hunt I and Viola Mentze Hunt. Dave married Hildred Feezell on October 10, 1953, in Ft. Scott.
In earlier years, Dave worked for Coca-Cola in Ft. Scott. He later began a career in the printing industry. He trained at Witt Printing in Eldorado Springs, Missouri and later worked at Mid-America Business Forms, Ennis Printing and finally Ward/Kraft.
In addition to printing, Dave also worked as a handyman. He worked countless hours doing carpentry work and painting for area residents.
Dave loved the Lord and will be remembered for his faithfulness to the Kingdom. He never wanted to miss and opportunity to tell someone about Jesus or to help a person in need. He faithfully attended the Parkway Church of God (Holiness).
Survivors include his daughter, Terri Crum and her husband, Jesse, of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, his grandson, Brian Crum and his wife, Allison of Bentonville, Arkansas and his great-grandson, Logan Crum. Also surviving are a sister, Edna Byram of Erin, Tennessee and two sisters-in-law, Sandra Hunt of Arkansas and Billie Hunt of Arizona.
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Hildred on May 1, 2016. He was also preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Arlie Hunt II, Russell Hunt and John Hunt and a sister, Arlene Hunt.
Rev. Nathan Bryant will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, April 20th at the Cheney Witt Chapel.
Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Ft. Scott Christian Heights and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Volunteers & Donations Requested Downtown Spring Clean
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|||||||||||||
|
Gordon Parks Museum offers Hughes-Parks Traveling Exhibit Display
Fort Scott, Kan. April. 15, 2024 – A panel-display exhibit featuring the collaborations and connections between Gordon Parks and Langston Hughes is now available for temporary loan-out to educational entities and organizations across the state of Kansas.
Titled “Harlem Renaissance and the Renaissance Man,” the display highlights and explores the history, journey and friendship of the two men, one a poet (Hughes) and the other a photographer (Parks), and their impact on the arts.
The museum has four identical versions of the panel display ready to travel to schools, colleges, universities, libraries, etc. The displays were made possible through an award grant with Humanities Kansas and support by Kansas Tourism.
“The exhibit display creates a great opportunity in helping to keep both of the legacies and triumphs of Langston Hughes and Gordon Parks alive,” said Kirk Sharp, museum, executive director.
The panels are 36-inches-by-91-inches and include graphics, photos and text information and a QR code. They come with a carrying case with wheels that can easily be moved for display at varying locations. There is no charge for renting the displays, but certain fees might apply for delivery, set-up, shipping, etc.
For more information, contact the museum by phone at (620) 223-2700, ext. 5850, or by email at [email protected].
###
Boys State of Kansas Offering College Credit, Scholarships for Attendees
April 15, 2024 — The American Legion Boys State of Kansas has announced a partnership with Kansas State University to offer attendees of the leadership program three hours of college credit at a significant discount. This year’s ALBSK will be held Sunday, June 2, through Saturday, June 8, on KSU’s campus in Manhattan. This will be the program’s 32nd consecutive session at KSU and 86th overall.
Kansas State is offering two sections of Introduction to Political Science (POLSC 110) specifically for Kansas Boys State attendees. Attending KBS will fulfill a portion of the course requirements with additional course work assigned by the instructor, Nate Birkhead, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. KBS attendees wishing to take advantage of this course will be enrolled as a KSU student, but they do not have to attend K-State as the credit hours will be transferable. The tuition for the course will be $366 (payable to K-State), a nearly 70 percent savings over the regular three-hour online tuition rate of $1,181.25. KBS attendees should contact their school guidance counselor to enroll in the course.
In addition, Kansas Boys State attendees also have the opportunity to earn two scholarships — the Samsung American Legion Scholarship, worth up to $10,000, and the Boys State of Kansas Director’s Scholarship, worth up to $1,500. For more information on the Samsung Scholarship, visit legion.org/scholarships/samsung; for more information on the KBS Director’s Scholarship, e-mail [email protected] or call (785) 550-6492.
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas program provides a relevant, interactive, problem-solving experience in leadership and teamwork that develops self-identity, promotes mutual respect and instills civic responsibility to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation. Boys State is a “learning by doing” political exercise that simulates elections, political parties and government at the state, county and local levels, providing opportunities to lead under pressure, showcasing character and working effectively within a team. It’s also an opportunity to gain pride and respect for government, and the price paid by members of the military to preserve democracy.
The ALBSK program is for individuals who will complete their junior or sophomore year of high school in the spring just prior to the start of each session. The cost to attend Kansas Boys State is $375; however, in many instances, sponsors pay the majority of the fees, with the delegate or the family paying $50. Those wishing to attend the 2024 session should visit ksbstate.org to apply. The deadline to apply for the 2024 program is Tuesday, April 30; applications are accepted after that date, but on a space-available basis. Potential sponsors, such as American Legion posts, civic organizations, businesses, clubs and interested individuals should visit ksbstate.org/sponsor-a-delegate. Questions? Contact the ALBSK at [email protected] or (785) 550-6492.
For information about the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Sunflower Girls State, which will be held Sunday, June 2, through Friday, June 8, at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, visit ksgirlsstate.org.
— #KSBoysState —
The American Legion Boys State of Kansas is an interactive simulation that teaches high school seniors-to-be the value of democracy and civic duty. Participants form mock governments and campaign for positions at the city, county and state levels. After the elections, participants find out firsthand the difficult decisions made daily by those in government through a series of challenging simulations. Delegates, nominated to attend by their high school counselors and other influential people in their lives, are sponsored by American Legion posts and various civic organizations from across the state. All delegates demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities in student government, athletics and/or other activities.
The Boys State program was founded by Legionnaires Hayes Kennedy and Harold Card in Illinois in 1935, and was first held in Kansas two years later in Wichita. The Kansas program moved to the University of Kansas in Lawrence in 1963 and remained there until 1991. The following year, it moved to its current location at Kansas State University in Manhattan. For more information about the American Legion Boys State of Kansas, visit ksbstate.org.
Free Car Show On April 21 at Riverfront Park
Rumble on The Bricks is a local car show organized by Fort Scott residents, Austin Alfaro and Dakota Rusk.
“We present ourselves as a car community but this is for anybody who wants to come out and have a good time, see friends, and promote small businesses/ideas,” Rusk said. “All vehicles are welcome, bring whatever you’ve got, just come hang out.”
Their first car shows were in 2023 and one is scheduled for April 21 at Riverfront Park, north of the orange-colored bridge on North National Avenue. The event starts at noon and will last about three hours, Rusk said.
“This is a family-friendly event, food trucks are welcome to come,” he said. “We’ve had Over Yonder BBQ bring some amazing food last year.”
They hope to bring the community together and give people something to do, once a month when the weather is nice, Rusk said.
“My main goal is to bring the community together and have fun,” he said. “This is a car show, just for fun.”
Admission is free.
Obituary of Sandra Lessley
Sandra Fay Lessley, age 62, resident of Fort Scott, KS died Friday, April 12, 2024, at North Point Skilled Nursing in Paola, KS. She was born May 23, 1961, in Webb City, MO the daughter of James Lee and Dorothy Lavona Collins Petty. Sandra worked for Med Plans Insurance Company and later in daycare. She enjoyed dancing, camping, and spending time with her family. Sandra was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.
Survivors include her son Alex Lessley; siblings Larry Thompson, Linda Thompson, and Lenda Tibby; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Darrel and Roy Thompson, a nephew, Bryan Mize, and her parents.
There was cremation. Interment will be announced later to take place later in West Liberty Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS. Words of remembrance may be submitted online at cheneywitt.com.
Amended Bourbon County Commission Agenda for April 15
Bourbon County Courthouse
210 S. National Ave Fort Scott, KS 66701 Phone: 620-223-3800
Fax: 620-223-583
Attachment:
Bourbon County, Kansas
1st District Commissioner
Jim Harris, Chairman
2nd District Commissioner
Clifton Beth
3rd District Commissioner
Bourbon County Commission Agenda 210 S. National Ave.
Fort Scott, KS 66701
April 15, 2024 5:30 p.m.
- Call Meeting to Order
- Flag Salute
- Approval of Consent Agenda
- Approval of Minutes from 4/8/2024
- Approval of Accounts Payable Totaling $13,848.18
- Public Comments
- Cherri Walrod-CORE Community Program Update
- Charles Gentry-Citizens for ER Committee
- Discussion of Solar Panel Farms
- Eric Bailey, Public Works Director- 2024 Hard Surface Road Plan
- Jennifer Hawkins, County Clerk
- Executive Session KSA 75-4319 (b)(2)
- KDHE Public Notice
- KDOT District Meeting
- KCAMP Documents
- Commission Comments
- Adjourn Meeting
Executive Session Justifications:
KSA 75-4319 (b)(1) to discuss personnel matters of individual nonelected personnel to protect their privacy.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(2) for consultation with an attorney for the public body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the
attorney-client relationship.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(3) to discuss matters relating to employer/employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the
representative(s) of the body or agency.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(4) to discuss data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trust and individual proprietorships
KSA 75-4319 (b)(6) for the preliminary discussion of the acquisition of real property.
KSA 75-4319 (b)(12) to discuss matters relating to the security measures, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting
would jeopardize such security measures.
CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND
CIVIL WAR CAMP DANCE FEATURED THIS WEEKEND
Dust off your dancing shoes and mark your calendar for the Civil War Camp Dance this Saturday, April 20. The fun filled evening, hosted by the Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site Inc., is being held at Memorial Hall 1 East 3rd Street in Fort Scott and will feature 19th century music, Victorian dance instruction and light refreshments. Doors open at 6:30 pm with dancing to begin at 7:00 pm. Admission is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Period dress is encouraged but not required.
Dancing was a favorite form of entertainment during the Victorian era (1840s-1890s) and especially during the Civil War as it offered respite from the worries and horrors of a war that affected the entire nation. Come find some respite from your own busy schedule as you are transported to times past. All ages are welcome and no prior dance experience is necessary to enjoy the evening.
This event is being offered in conjunction with Fort Scott National Historic Site’s (FSNHS) Civil War Encampment. For more information concerning FSNHS’s Civil War Encampment go www.nps.gov/fosc.
The Friends of Fort Scott National Historic Site is a non-profit organization established in partnership with the National Park Service to support and promote the preservation and interpretation of FSNHS.
Uniontown City Council Special Meeting is April 17
The Uniontown City Council will hold a special meeting on April 17 at 5:45 p.m. at city hall.
CALL TO ORDER AT _________ by __________________________________________
ROLL CALL:
____ Jess Ervin ____ Danea Esslinger ____ Amber Kelly ____ Mary Pemberton ____ Bradley Stewart
Motion by _____________, Second by __________, Approved ______, to enter into executive session pursuant to non-elected personnel exception, KSA 75-4319(b)(1), in order to interview applicants of non-elected personnel, the open meeting to resume at ____________.