Abilene local news summary

Abilene Election Results - City Commissioner

Voter turnout below 18 percent in general election

City faces major decision on use of $4.2 million in excess bond funds

Capital improvement plan highlights unfunded city needs

Officials detail urgent stormwater needs, question $20 million project estimate

City to suspend water shutoffs, waive fees amid government shutdown uncertainty

Planning commission to review zoning for hydrogen wells

Future of FEMA funding uncertain, officials say

Abilene Election Results - City Commissioner

ABILENE, Kan. – Three candidates won seats on the Abilene City Commission in a tight race that saw just 14 votes separate the top finisher from third place, according to unofficial results from Tuesday's election. Debbie Lytle led the field with 514 votes, followed by John Kollhoff with 502 votes and Cy Taylor with 500 votes. Bruce L. Johnson narrowly missed a seat with 491 votes, while Alan M. Baier received 476 votes and Rebecca Perkins got 410 votes in the race for three commission seats.

Voter turnout below 18 percent in general election

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — Voter turnout for the recent general election was 17.91 percent, with 2,481 of the county’s 13,854 registered voters casting a ballot, County Clerk Jennifer Gaytan reported Tuesday. The official canvass of the votes, which will include a review of all provisional ballots, is scheduled for 8 a.m. next Thursday. Full, unofficial election results are available on the county’s elections page.

City faces major decision on use of $4.2 million in excess bond funds

ABILENE, Kan. – The city has an estimated $4.2 million in excess proceeds from temporary notes issued in 2025, forcing a debate between paying down debt early or funding long-delayed projects. The surplus resulted from the city successfully securing grants for the industrial park and Buckeye Avenue road projects after the notes were issued. Interim City Manager Jon Quinday presented two main options: redeem the unused portion in 2027 to save on future interest payments, or reallocate the money to address a backlog of critical needs, such as street repairs, bridge maintenance and public safety vehicles. The commission will weigh the long-term financial implications and community priorities before making a decision.

Capital improvement plan highlights unfunded city needs

ABILENE, Kan. – A 10-year Capital Improvement Plan presented to the commission Tuesday highlights a growing list of deferred maintenance and equipment needs, including street overlays, bridge repairs and police vehicles. Projects like the mill and overlay of NE 14th Street ($450,000) and replacing three police cruisers ($142,500) were identified as priorities that have been postponed due to budget constraints. The list was presented in conjunction with the discussion about the city’s excess bond proceeds, illustrating the types of critical projects that could be funded if the commission chooses to reallocate the surplus funds rather than paying down debt.

Officials detail urgent stormwater needs, question $20 million project estimate

ABILENE, Kan. – City officials presented a stark overview of Abilene’s widespread stormwater drainage problems Tuesday, identifying the southeast drainage system as the highest-priority project that could alleviate flooding in numerous other areas. A 2020 study estimated the cost to replace the failing “clamshell” pipe in that area at over $20 million, a figure Interim City Manager Jon Quinday called into question. Quinday has asked the engineering firm to revise the estimate, suggesting that negotiating with railroad companies for crossing costs and exploring modern pipe-lining technology could significantly reduce the financial burden on the city. The commission took no action but will review the prioritized list to create an official plan for tackling the city’s most severe drainage issues.

City to suspend water shutoffs, waive fees amid government shutdown uncertainty

ABILENE, Kan. – The city commission voted unanimously Tuesday to temporarily suspend water service disconnections for non-payment and waive associated late fees, a measure prompted by the potential impact of a federal government shutdown on residents. Interim City Manager Jon Quinday had administratively halted disconnections last week, citing concerns over residents, particularly those receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, having to choose between paying for food or water. While commissioners agreed with the temporary relief, a discussion emerged about creating a permanent policy for such events. Ultimately, the commission directed staff to continue the suspension through the next billing cycle, contingent on the government's status, and to bring back recommendations for a formal policy to handle future “extraordinary circumstances.”

Planning commission to review zoning for hydrogen wells

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — The Dickinson County Planning Commission is set to review potential amendments to agricultural zoning regulations concerning the placement of hydrogen wells. While the Kansas Corporation Commission regulates oil and natural gas wells statewide—and would likely be involved if hydrogen production proceeds via subsurface wells—county officials are exploring local siting rules. A resolution on the matter could be presented to the County Commission as early as January.

Future of FEMA funding uncertain, officials say

DICKINSON COUNTY, Kan. — The structure and funding mechanisms of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may be shifting, creating uncertainty for local disaster response and mitigation efforts. After attending a recent conference, planning officials reported that FEMA is expected to transition to a new model that could place more financial responsibility on states and make grant funding more competitive. County officials noted that they are monitoring the situation at the federal level.

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