Commission approves three-month extension for Visit Emporia amid personnel concerns

Sales tax revenue shows growth in December

Trash and recycling contract transferred to Republic Services

City plans $1.1 million street rehabilitation program for 2026

Bids for lift station No. 1 rehab exceed estimates, project to proceed

Public works prepares for winter storm despite changing forecasts

Duft, Bartel retain leadership roles in annual reorganization

Board approves appointments to planning and corrections boards

Commission approves nearly $600,000 for liability insurance

Commission pays bond counsel for issuance services

Appraiser's office prepares for valuation mailings

County to purchase two new Kenworth dump trucks

Highway Department stocks up on grader tires

County approves $46,000 purchase for new computers

Funds approved for facility server upgrade

Commission approves three-month extension for Visit Emporia amid personnel concerns

EMPORIA, Kan. — The Emporia City Commission voted to approve a three-month contract extension for Visit Emporia, capped at $120,000, while requesting a detailed budget within a week following a contentious discussion regarding the agency's leadership. Commissioners expressed frustration regarding the promotion of Matt Fowler to the full-time Visit Emporia director position without prior notification to the city, with Mayor Becky Smith noting the need for greater oversight of how the agency utilizes budget funds. While officials voiced support for Fowler's work, they emphasized that the lack of communication regarding the staffing change and budget usage required immediate transparency measures before a longer agreement could be secured.

Sales tax revenue shows growth in December

EMPORIA, Kan. — City Manager Trey Cocking reported positive economic indicators during a recent financial briefing, noting that Emporia's sales tax revenue rose 2.32 percent year-over-year for December. Lyon County sales tax numbers demonstrated even stronger performance, increasing by 4.08 percent compared to the previous year, while local construction activity remained steady with the city issuing 58 building permits in December carrying a total valuation of $2.1 million.

Trash and recycling contract transferred to Republic Services

EMPORIA, Kan. — Commissioners approved a consent request allowing NR Hamm Quarry Inc. to transfer its solid waste and recycling hauling contract to Allied Waste Systems Inc., a subsidiary of Republic Services. Republic Services representatives assured city officials that despite the change in ownership, the current local team, facilities and pricing structure will remain unchanged through the remainder of the current contract, which expires at the end of 2026. City Manager Trey Cocking indicated the city intends to open the service to competitive bidding once the current agreement concludes.

City plans $1.1 million street rehabilitation program for 2026

EMPORIA, Kan. — The City Commission reviewed the proposed 2026 Street Rehabilitation Program, which allocates approximately $1.1 million to improve local roadways. The plan identifies 24th Avenue as a primary target for mill and overlay work, alongside the installation of curb and gutter on the street's east and south sides to separate traffic from an adjacent Kansas Department of Transportation project. Staff noted that Weaver Street was removed from this year's list to allow for necessary water line replacements before resurfacing occurs.

Bids for lift station No. 1 rehab exceed estimates, project to proceed

EMPORIA, Kan. — During a study session, city staff presented a $2.86 million bid for the rehabilitation of Lift Station No. 1, a critical 50-year-old facility located near the Emporia State University soccer fields that is currently operating on a single pump. Although the bid exceeded original estimates and pushed the total project cost to approximately $3.4 million with engineering fees, officials confirmed that bond proceeds are available to cover the expense and recommended proceeding due to the infrastructure's fragile state.

Public works prepares for winter storm despite changing forecasts

EMPORIA, Kan. — Interim Public Works Director Brian Silcott briefed the commission on preparations for a pending winter storm, emphasizing that crews and equipment are mobilized regardless of fluctuating snowfall predictions. Staff highlighted that pre-treatment of roads becomes ineffective when temperatures drop below the high teens, potentially complicating snow removal efforts, and urged residents to utilize the online mapping tool at emporiaks.gov to track snow routes and plow priorities.

Duft, Bartel retain leadership roles in annual reorganization

EMPORIA, Kan. — During the commission's annual reorganization, the board voted unanimously to retain Ken Duft as chairman and Chris Bartel as vice chairman for the 2026 term. The commission also approved the 2026 yearly appointment list, designating representatives for various local boards, including the Fair Board, Extension Board and the Joint Economic Development Advisory Council.

Board approves appointments to planning and corrections boards

EMPORIA, Kan. — The commission finalized several personnel appointments, reappointing LeRoy Boline and Aaron Davis to three-year terms on the Lyon County Planning/Appeals Board. Additionally, Commissioner Doug Peck and local attorney Ty Wheeler were reappointed to the Community Corrections Advisory Board for terms expiring in late 2027.

Commission approves nearly $600,000 for liability insurance

EMPORIA, Kan. — Lyon County commissioners authorized a payment of $594,085 to the Kansas County Association Multi-Line Pool for the county's annual liability insurance premium. The unanimous decision covers the policy for the upcoming year, with funds drawn from the Tort Liability fund at the request of County Controller Dan Williams.

Commission pays bond counsel for issuance services

EMPORIA, Kan. — Commissioners approved a $52,500 payment to the law firm Gilmore & Bell for professional legal services related to bond issuance. The payment, drawn from the Bond Expense account, covers the firm's role as bond counsel for the county.

Appraiser's office prepares for valuation mailings

EMPORIA, Kan. — Commissioners authorized $17,326.17 for printing and mailing services through Postalocity/Broadstroke to cover upcoming valuation notices. The expense covers the 2026 Change of Valuation Notices scheduled for March and Personal Property Valuation Notices scheduled for May, according to County Appraiser Ryan Janzen.

County to purchase two new Kenworth dump trucks

EMPORIA, Kan. — The commission approved the purchase of two Kenworth dump trucks from Master Tech Truck & Equipment for a total of $551,021.99, a price that includes a trade-in allowance for two used trucks. County Engineer Wayne Scritchfield was authorized to sign the agreement, with funding provided by the Capital Outlay Fund.

Highway Department stocks up on grader tires

EMPORIA, Kan. — Commissioners approved the purchase of 24 grader tires from Mel's Tire LLC of Emporia to stock the Highway Department. The $25,800 expense was approved unanimously and will be covered by the Highway Department's budget.

County approves $46,000 purchase for new computers

EMPORIA, Kan. — The Information Technology Department received approval to purchase 47 new personal computers and miscellaneous video equipment from CDW-G as part of a scheduled hardware update. The acquisition, totaling $46,404.74, was presented by IT Director Jean Barnett and will be paid for using the Multi-Year Fund.

Funds approved for facility server upgrade

EMPORIA, Kan. — The commission authorized a $28,907 payment to Thermal Comfort Air for a supervisor server upgrade and integration project. Facilities Manager Robbie Weiss requested the upgrade, which will be funded through the Facilities Capital Fund.

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