Smith elected mayor, vice mayor named

Interim public works director introduced

Conference room renamed to honor Evora Wheeler

State of the city address outlines 2026 priorities

Legislative policy adopted with focus on home rule and veterans

Commission approves contract amendment for Fire Station No. 2

Bonds issued for fire station and aerial truck with no tax increase

Smith elected mayor, vice mayor named

EMPORIA, Kan. - Following the swearing-in of newly elected officials, the commission reorganized its leadership for the upcoming year. Commissioner Becky Smith was elected to serve as mayor, while Commissioner Tammi Ogle was elected as vice mayor. Both nominations were approved unanimously by the five-member board, marking the first time in recent history that the commission is made up of a female majority.

Interim public works director introduced

EMPORIA, Kan. - City Manager Trey Cocking introduced Brian Silcott as the new interim public works director. Silcott, a combat veteran and former city manager for several Kansas municipalities including Sterling and Ottawa, will lead the department for at least the next three months. He fills the vacancy while the city conducts a search for a permanent director.

Conference room renamed to honor Evora Wheeler

EMPORIA, Kan. - The commission voted unanimously to rename the city commission conference room in honor of the late Evora Wheeler. Wheeler was recognized as a former mayor, commissioner and philanthropic mentor who made significant contributions to the Emporia community. The motion was made by Mayor Becky Smith to permanently memorialize Wheeler's legacy within City Hall.

State of the city address outlines 2026 priorities

EMPORIA, Kan. - In the State of the City address, outgoing Mayor Erren Harter outlined four strategic priorities for 2026: responsible stewardship of resources, community growth, quality of life and citizen engagement. The address highlighted the resilience shown by Emporia in 2025 and emphasized a commitment to economic development that preserves the city's character while maintaining financial sustainability and transparency.

Legislative policy adopted with focus on home rule and veterans

EMPORIA, Kan. - Commissioners approved the 2026 Legislative Policy Statement, a document that guides the city's stance during the state legislative session. The policy reaffirms the city's support for constitutional home rule and opposes state mandates that burden local taxpayers. At the request of Vice Mayor Tammi Ogle, a new provision was added to the platform to explicitly advocate for tax relief for veterans.

Commission approves contract amendment for Fire Station No. 2

EMPORIA, Kan. - City commissioners approved a guaranteed maximum price amendment to the Crossland Construction contract for the remodel and addition to Fire Station No. 2. Fire Chief Brandon Beck presented the plans, noting that the design prioritizes firefighter safety by creating separate contamination zones to reduce exposure to carcinogens and improving living quarters to support mental health. The project utilizes savings from the Fire Station No. 1 project and maintains the overall contract value of approximately $16 million.

Bonds issued for fire station and aerial truck with no tax increase

EMPORIA, Kan. - The commission adopted Resolution 2785, authorizing a general obligation bond issuance to fund the Fire Station No. 2 project and the purchase of a new aerial fire truck. City staff confirmed that the debt service for the combined $1.6 million payment will be covered by the existing bond and interest fund, which currently holds a surplus. Officials stated that because of this surplus and retiring debt, the projects will proceed with no tax increase for residents.

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