City commission approves electric rate increases

Commission approves passenger facility charge for airport taxiway project

Faster delivery prompts city to bypass lowest bid for public works trucks

City to seek federal grant for intersection improvements

Garden City population estimate jumps to over 35,000

City approves $48,000 comprehensive employee compensation study

Finney County jail project secures construction manager

Alcohol sales approved for Beef Empire Days event at Stevens Park

City commission approves electric rate increases

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The Garden City Commission unanimously approved a pair of 5 percent retail electric rate increases to combat rising wholesale power supply and transmission costs. The first increase takes effect May 1, 2026, with the second following on Jan. 1, 2027. According to city staff, the average residential customer will see their monthly bill increase by $5 in 2026 and an additional $5 in 2027. The adjustments are projected to generate approximately $3.6 million in total additional revenue for the electric fund by the end of 2027 to help offset nationwide supply chain bottlenecks and rising distribution equipment costs.

Commission approves passenger facility charge for airport taxiway project

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Travelers flying out of Garden City Regional Airport will continue to see a $4.50 Passenger Facility Charge attached to their airline tickets following a unanimous vote by the Garden City Commission. The city approved the fee application to generate about $260,947, which will be used to cover the city's 5 percent local match for an upcoming federally funded taxiway construction project. Under the program, airlines retain 11 cents of the fee for administrative costs, remitting the remaining amount back to the city to fund airport infrastructure.

Faster delivery prompts city to bypass lowest bid for public works trucks

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — In a move to avoid severe supply chain delays, the Garden City Commission voted to accept a slightly higher bid for two 2026 Class 6 hook lift trucks for the street and airport departments. The city will purchase the vehicles from Quality Truck Equipment for $146,127 each. While the accepted bid is roughly $3,100 higher than the lowest offer received, it guarantees an eight-week delivery timeline compared to a 25-week wait required by the alternative, prioritizing operational readiness over the lowest cost.

City to seek federal grant for intersection improvements

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Commissioners authorized an application to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets for All grant program to fund major safety improvements at a city intersection. The intersection, which saw a fatal crash in October 2025 and six injury crashes between 2018 and 2022, requires realignment and new turn lanes to accommodate increased traffic from The Refinery, a recently opened indoor sports and event complex. If approved, the $3.1 million federal grant and state matching funds would leave the city responsible for just 5 percent of the estimated $3.87 million project cost.

Garden City population estimate jumps to over 35,000

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Garden City's official estimated population has surged from 30,120 in 2024 to 35,222 for 2025, following a formula change by the U.S. Census Bureau. Assistant Director of Neighborhood and Development Services Aleecya Charles explained that the jump is not due to sudden growth, but rather a correction in the average household size multiplier for the city, which rose from 2.73 to 3.35 persons per household. City officials noted the new figure more accurately reflects the city's actual population — which has long been suspected of being undercounted — and will be used for future municipal planning.

City approves $48,000 comprehensive employee compensation study

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — To remain competitive in the labor market, the city will undergo a comprehensive employee compensation study conducted by McGrath Human Resources Group, a consulting firm. The Garden City Commission unanimously approved the $48,250 study, which could begin as early as May 4. The city's last full study was completed in 2020, and city staff noted that recent 3 percent annual scale adjustments have struggled to keep pace with an evolving market. The evaluation will require all city employees to complete position questionnaires and will take up to six months to complete, guiding future municipal budgets.

Finney County jail project secures construction manager

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Finney County Administrator Derek Ramos updated the Garden City Commission on the Finney County Jail project, announcing that McCownGordon Construction has been selected as the construction manager at risk. The selection committee, which included city and county representatives, chose the firm based on overall value and experience, targeting a mid-2028 completion date. Meanwhile, Deputy City Manager Danielle Burke reported that renovations to the temporary Law Enforcement Center at 1210 Fleming Street are progressing well, with substantial completion expected by mid-December to allow police and sheriff's personnel to relocate during the larger facility remodel.

Alcohol sales approved for Beef Empire Days event at Stevens Park

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The Garden City Commission approved a request from the Parks and Recreation Department to temporarily lift a city ordinance, allowing alcohol sales and consumption at Stevens Park during the upcoming Beef Empire Days. The "Tailgate in the Park" event, scheduled for June 7, will feature a grilling competition, a hamburger feed and live music. Hidden Trails Brewing will utilize its own liquor license to sell cereal malt beverages and alcoholic liquor within a specially designated, roped-off beer garden.

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