10-year tax abatement granted for $400 million Empirical Foods expansion

American Implement receives tax abatement for training facility

Sales tax renewal placed on November 2026 ballot

County to accept mail-in ballots during three-day grace period

Commissioners approve contract for hail-damaged county roofs

Senior center faces critical public transportation cuts

10-year tax abatement granted for $400 million Empirical Foods expansion

FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Finney County Board of Commissioners approved a 10-year, 60 percent economic development property tax abatement for Empirical Foods Inc. following a public hearing. The $400 million capital investment project in the agricultural sector is projected to create 270 direct jobs and generate nearly $300 million in wages over a 15-year period. During the 10-year abatement period, the company will still pay 60 percent of its property taxes, which is expected to yield approximately $25 million in county property tax collections.

American Implement receives tax abatement for training facility

FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Finney County Board of Commissioners approved a 10-year, 20 percent property tax abatement for American Implement's $3.7 million business expansion project. The company recently purchased property to utilize as a training facility and demonstration site for customers and technicians. An updated cost-benefit analysis from the Kansas Department of Commerce projects the expansion will create 10 direct jobs and generate $910,087 in net fiscal benefits to the county.

Sales tax renewal placed on November 2026 ballot

FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Voters will decide whether to renew an existing 0.25 percent countywide retailer sales tax following the Finney County Board of Commissioners' unanimous approval of a resolution calling for a special question election on Nov. 3, 2026. The current sales tax, which was approved by voters in 2021 and expires on Sept. 30, 2027, is dedicated to funding existing building and road maintenance, as well as necessary equipment. If approved, the renewed tax would continue for an additional 10 years and be shared with local municipalities based on population.

County to accept mail-in ballots during three-day grace period

FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following a recent district court ruling in Douglas County by Judge Carl Folsom III that struck down the elimination of a three-day grace period for mail-in ballots, Finney County Clerk Dori Munyan confirmed the county will accept mail-in ballots that arrive up to three days after Election Day. The state's appellate courts declined to stay the ruling, making it the law of the state for the current election. The board of canvassers will officially address the acceptance of these ballots when they meet to certify the election results later this month.

Commissioners approve contract for hail-damaged county roofs

FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Finney County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a professional services agreement with The Architect, LLC, for the architectural and design services of 11 county-owned facilities damaged by a July 2024 hailstorm. The initial roofing construction budget is approximately $1.77 million, excluding related heating, ventilation and air conditioning and non-roof repairs. Compensation for the architect is based on a 6.5 percent fee of the cost of work, capped at $124,000, and will be funded through the Building Maintenance Capital Reserve Fund.

Senior center faces critical public transportation cuts

FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. — During commissioner reports, it was announced that the Senior Center of Finney County is facing a 17 percent cut from the Kansas Department of Transportation to its transportation grant. Concerns were raised during the meeting over how the facility will continue to meet the current level of service, noting that the public transportation program is a critical lifeline for isolated seniors who rely on it for grocery shopping and medical appointments.

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