Cedarbrook Meadows development ordinance approved

Map discrepancy delays final plat for Cedarbrook addition

City annexes land for new college agricultural facility

Century-old downtown storm sewer collapse could cost city $850,000

Final pipe to be installed on vital southeast water line

Free spring landfill disposal event scheduled for late April

Commission seeks electric franchise fee increase to lower property taxes

Officials clarify local grocery tax remains despite state reductions

Cedarbrook Meadows development ordinance approved

EMPORIA, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance creating a planned unit development overlay for the new Cedarbrook Meadows housing and commercial addition. The 38-acre tract, located north of West 18th Avenue and east of Road G, will feature approximately 124 residential lots alongside an 8-acre parcel reserved for future commercial development. The project is being developed by Crosswinds at Flint Hills, LLC. Staff recommended the zoning approval, which first cleared the planning commission in mid-2025, contingent upon the finalization of a developer's agreement.

Map discrepancy delays final plat for Cedarbrook addition

EMPORIA, Kan. - Despite approving the zoning overlay for Cedarbrook Meadows, the city commission tabled the approval of the development's final plat for two weeks after spotting a mapping discrepancy. It was noted that a roadway connecting to another county road was shifted eight lots to the south on the final plat compared to the original planned unit development map. Interim Director of Building and Neighborhood Development Justin Givens requested the two-week delay to review the plans and correct the alignment errors before final signatures are filed.

City annexes land for new college agricultural facility

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city commission unanimously approved the annexation of a property at 615 Overlander Road to pave the way for a new educational facility. The annexation was requested by Flint Hills Technical College, which intends to use the property as the location for its forthcoming agricultural-technology training facility. The ordinance passed without debate, marking the final stage of land absorption for the college's expansion in the area.

Century-old downtown storm sewer collapse could cost city $850,000

EMPORIA, Kan. - A collapsed storm sewer beneath Commercial Street and 10th Avenue will require immediate repairs costing an estimated $50,000, but a total replacement of the 120-year-old system could reach $850,000. City engineering staff reported that the 4-by-4-foot concrete box structure, built in the early 1900s, is structurally failing under the weight of modern traffic. The city plans to install temporary shoring and shift a northbound lane to ensure the road remains open for upcoming downtown events, including Cinco de Mayo, while permanent engineering solutions are developed for the corridor between Ninth and 10th avenues.

Final pipe to be installed on vital southeast water line

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city's major infrastructure project on the Southeast Transmission Main waterline is nearing completion, with the final piece of pipe slated to go into the ground this week. While system pressure testing and a month of site cleanup remain, the completion of the mainline installation ensures the city will have the critical water infrastructure operational ahead of the peak summer demand season.

Free spring landfill disposal event scheduled for late April

EMPORIA, Kan. - Residents will have the opportunity to dispose of household waste for free up to 1,000 pounds, with standard rates applying thereafter, during the city's spring landfill disposal event scheduled from April 25 through May 3. Solid Waste Manager Tina Weeks reported that the annual event historically sees high participation and helps the city divert scrap metals and wood from the tipping floor to offset shipping costs. Weeks also noted that ongoing concrete repairs to the landfill's main tipping floor are in their final stages and are expected to be fully operational before the event begins.

Commission seeks electric franchise fee increase to lower property taxes

EMPORIA, Kan. - The city commission is pushing for a 5 percent franchise fee in its upcoming contract renewal with Evergy, a 1 percent increase from the current 4 percent, 20-year agreement established in 2006. City Manager Trey Cocking stated the additional revenue — estimated at $400,000 annually — could offset a potential 1.6-mill reduction in local property taxes. The proposed 10-year contract includes a five-year renegotiation clause, and Cocking noted that while the fee is collected from utility customers, including tax-exempt entities, the subsequent reduction in the mill levy is intended to provide direct property tax relief to residents.

Officials clarify local grocery tax remains despite state reductions

EMPORIA, Kan. - City officials reminded the public that the local 1.0 percent sales tax on groceries remains in effect, even as the state phases out its own grocery tax. The local rate cannot be removed without explicit authorization from the state legislature. The local tax generates significant revenue for the city budget, and officials emphasized that certain items, such as hot, ready-to-eat foods, are still taxed fully under applicable sales tax rules.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us