Commission prepares for $14 million bond issue for fire station

Financial advisor reports strong city reserves

Commission awards $2.86 million bid for lift station improvements

Public hearing set for Cedarbrook Meadows housing district

Common Consumption Area hours extended to 1 a.m.

Commission denies request to annex property on Road 160

Commissioners cite field research in annexation decision

Residents voice strong opposition to proposed industrial site

Proposed annexation conflicted with new Emergency Communications Center

County approves waste disposal agreement with Republic

Commission prepares for $14 million bond issue for fire station

EMPORIA, Kan. — The Emporia City Commission reviewed plans to issue approximately $13 million to $14 million in general obligation bonds to fund a new fire station headquarters, an aerial ladder truck, improvements to the Flint Hills Crossing project, and a street sweeper. Greg Vahrenberg, a financial advisor with Raymond James, presented a debt profile analysis during the study session, noting that the city currently holds a "AA-" bond rating following a 2022 upgrade. While acknowledging public concerns about debt, Deputy City Manager Mark Detter and city leaders likened the borrowing to a mortgage rather than credit card debt, emphasizing that the funding protects approximately $2.5 billion in community assets; authorization for the bond issue is expected at an upcoming meeting.

Financial advisor reports strong city reserves

EMPORIA, Kan. — During a financial review study session, financial advisor Greg Vahrenberg reported that the city's general fund reserves are strong, specifically noting that available reserves totaled 49 percent of operating expenditures in fiscal year 2022. Vahrenberg contrasted the current stability with the lean fund balances the city faced in 2005, crediting conservative budgeting and a formal debt policy for the improvement. He advised that the city has debt capacity available for general obligation bonds without necessarily increasing the mill levy.

Commission awards $2.86 million bid for lift station improvements

EMPORIA, Kan. — The Emporia City Commission unanimously approved a bid of $2,861,967.90 to CAS Constructors LLC for improvements to Lift Station No. 1. The city received six bids for the project, with CAS Constructors selected based on a recommendation from BG Consultants. The project, which is fully budgeted, is expected to begin within 30 to 60 days and aims for completion by the end of the year.

Public hearing set for Cedarbrook Meadows housing district

EMPORIA, Kan. — The commission adopted Resolution 3787, scheduling a public hearing for March 18 to discuss the creation of a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) for the Cedarbrook Meadows development. The developer will fund all public infrastructure within the district, and because no public upfront funding is involved, a feasibility study was not required at this stage. This hearing marks the halfway point in the approval process for the housing development.

Common Consumption Area hours extended to 1 a.m.

EMPORIA, Kan. — Following a review of the downtown Common Consumption Area (CCA), commissioners agreed to extend the operating hours from midnight to 1 a.m. Police Chief Ed Owens reported that there have been "zero major issues" since the CCA launched in April 2025, dismissing social media rumors regarding excessive "pedestrian under the influence" citations. The commission directed City Manager Trey Cocking and staff to place the ordinance for the time extension on the consent agenda for the next meeting.

Commission denies request to annex property on Road 160

EMPORIA, Kan. — The Lyon County Commission unanimously voted to deny a request from the city of Emporia to annex property located at 800 Road 160. Following a hearing that included public testimony and commission discussion, the board determined the location was unsuitable for the proposed industrial usage. While commissioners expressed support for economic development, they agreed the proposal represented a "great project" but was situated in the "wrong location."

Commissioners cite field research in annexation decision

EMPORIA, Kan. — Board members detailed the extensive research undertaken regarding the annexation request, noting that all three commissioners individually visited the current A1 Pump and Jet facility. Additionally, commissioners and city officials traveled to Whitetail Composting in Osage County to assess odor levels. The commission noted that while there was no smell on the north side of the facility, the odor was "terrible" on the south side, influencing the decision to protect nearby residents.

Residents voice strong opposition to proposed industrial site

EMPORIA, Kan. — Multiple residents spoke during the meeting to oppose the annexation of the Road 160 property, citing concerns regarding environmental hazards and quality of life. Residents raised issues regarding potential odors, while John Alvarado expressed fears about heavy rain runoff affecting the safety of residential yards. Other speakers, who declined to be identified in the report, compared the potential smell to previous industrial issues in the area and questioned why a site with flood risks would be approved for a business creating relatively few jobs.

Proposed annexation conflicted with new Emergency Communications Center

EMPORIA, Kan. — During the discussion on the Road 160 property, the commission highlighted a specific conflict with county infrastructure. Discussion noted that the county's new Emergency Communications Center is slated to be located at the northwest corner of the property in question. Concerns were raised regarding how the proposed industrial usage and potential odors could negatively affect the emergency response facility.

County approves waste disposal agreement with Republic

EMPORIA, Kan. — Commissioners voted unanimously to accept an agreement with Republic Services for solid waste disposal and recyclable processing through 2026. Deputy City Manager Mark Detter, representing the city of Emporia, and Republic Services Municipal Services Manager Charlie Sedlock explained that the agreement follows the sale of Hamm Waste Services to Republic. The city of Emporia, which jointly owns the transfer station with Lyon County, had already approved the measure.

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