Commissioners approve lease for new airport restaurant

City hires consultant for KDOT bypass study

Reclamite treatment approved for road preservation

Electric utility faces supply chain and revenue challenges

City electric utility to serve newly annexed areas

Economic indicators show stable growth

Commissioners to tour state theater ahead of future deliberations

Volunteers praised for warming shelter operations

County EMS reports full staffing and increased call volume

Commissioners approve $1.86 million plan for hail damage repairs

Architectural contract expanded to include law enforcement center remodel

Local firm selected for jail project engineering and surveying

County hires technical representation for KDOT bypass study

Public works crews battled equipment failures during storm

EMS reports full staffing and increased call volume

Library successfully serves as emergency warming shelter

County attorney highlights diversion fund reinvestment

Commissioners warn of financial strain from state mandates

Chair to testify on riverbed legislation in Topeka

Commissioners approve lease for new airport restaurant

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The city commission approved a lease agreement with a local restaurant operator to run the Flight Deck Restaurant space at the Garden City Regional Airport terminal. The new establishment is expected to open in early March, offering lunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The monthly rent for the facility is set at $1,100, and airport officials indicated the operator hopes to expand hours as the customer base grows.

City hires consultant for KDOT bypass study

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Commissioners approved a $47,826 task order with Wilson and Company Inc. to provide technical representation for the city and county during the Kansas Department of Transportation's U.S. 50/83/400 bypass study. The study, set to begin April 1, will evaluate traffic safety and conceptual designs for the bypass. The cost will be covered by the Joint Economic Development Incentive Fund following a recommendation from the Finney County Commission.

Reclamite treatment approved for road preservation

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The commission authorized a $72,642 contract with ProSeal Inc. to apply Reclamite, an asphalt rejuvenation product, to approximately 3.11 miles of city streets. Staff stated that this preventative maintenance is designed for newer streets and is significantly cheaper than chip sealing, which was estimated to cost nearly double for the same distance. The treatment is expected to extend the life of the pavement by five to seven years.

Electric utility faces supply chain and revenue challenges

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — While the commission passed a resolution declaring that no financial emergency exists for the city, staff highlighted significant headwinds facing the electric utility. Public Utilities Director Mike Muirhead reported that electric revenues fell below budget due to delays in industrial customers coming online and a two-month outage at the Dogwood Energy facility, which supplies nearly a third of the city's power. Despite increased costs for wholesale power and materials, the utility maintained a cash balance of $683,342 at the end of 2025.

City electric utility to serve newly annexed areas

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The governing body voted to select Garden City Public Utilities as the retail electric supplier for recently annexed land at the Mary Street tract and the Lewis Substation tract. Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., which held the territory rights, declined to apply for a franchise to serve the areas. Because there is no existing electrical infrastructure on the empty tracts, the city is not required to pay compensation to the cooperative.

Economic indicators show stable growth

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — During a review of the city's financial health triggers, Finance Director Colleen Drees reported that the local economy remains stable with no indication of a slowdown among major employers. Sales tax collections increased by 1.7 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. While the unemployment rate for December 2025 rose slightly to 2.5 percent, staff determined that property values and population numbers are holding steady.

Commissioners to tour state theater ahead of future deliberations

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Following a morning workshop discussion regarding the future of the downtown State Theatre, City Manager Matt Allen announced that the commission will tour the facility on Feb. 17. The walkthrough will allow commissioners to inspect the interior condition of the building before making decisions regarding the facility's future later this year. The tour will take place between the pre-meeting workshop and the regular session.

Volunteers praised for warming shelter operations

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — One commissioner commended the community effort to operate a 24-hour warming shelter during recent extreme cold weather. A team of 32 volunteers staffed the shelter at the Finney County Public Library from Friday through Tuesday, ensuring coverage was never interrupted. Following the success of the temporary measure, officials are now drafting a formal policy to standardize staffing and locations for future inclement weather events.

County EMS reports full staffing and increased call volume

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Finney County Emergency Medical Services Director Kenny Smith presented the department's 2025 annual report, announcing that all seven vacant positions, including the assistant director role, have been filled. The department responded to 4,184 calls in 2025, an increase of approximately 260 calls from the previous year. Smith noted that the new Station 3 handled over 1,100 of those calls, and co-location with the fire department has significantly improved response times.

Commissioners approve $1.86 million plan for hail damage repairs

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The Finney County Commission voted unanimously to proceed with a $1.86 million insurance claim and repair plan for 11 county buildings damaged during a July 2025 hail storm. Maintenance Director Nolan Thill recommended the plan, which addresses most damaged facilities but notably excludes the Law Enforcement Center. Thill explained that repairing the LEC roof now would be fiscally irresponsible, as the roof will require significant modifications during the upcoming voter-approved jail and LEC remodel project.

Architectural contract expanded to include law enforcement center remodel

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Commissioners approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with HMN Architects, authorizing the firm to design the remodel of the existing Law Enforcement Center. While HMN was originally contracted for the new detention facility, County Administrator Derek Ramos noted that managing the two interconnected projects under one firm reduces risk and improves coordination. HMN agreed to reduce their professional fee from 9 percent to 7 percent for this portion of the project, which will be funded entirely by the voter-approved 0.5 percent sales tax.

Local firm selected for jail project engineering and surveying

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The commission selected Kaw Valley Engineering to provide civil engineering and surveying services for the new Finney County Detention Center project. The board approved a contract not to exceed $60,000, favoring the firm's coordinated approach to site design, drainage and utilities over a competing proposal from SMH Consultants.

County hires technical representation for KDOT bypass study

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — To ensure local interests are protected during the Kansas Department of Transportation study of the U.S. 83/50 bypass, commissioners authorized a $47,826 task order with Wilson and Company. The firm will provide technical representation and advocacy for both Finney County and Garden City. The commission voted to pay the fees using Joint Economic Development Incentive funds, pending city approval.

Public works crews battled equipment failures during storm

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Finney County Interim Road and Bridge Director Larry Brungardt reported that crews ran 12-hour shifts around the clock to clear roads during the recent winter storm. Despite the successful clearing of blacktop and asphalt roads, the department faced mechanical setbacks, including a broken snowplow frame and a failed gearbox. Brungardt noted the department is exploring outfitting heavy-duty pickup trucks with plows to clear subdivisions more efficiently, freeing up large graders for main county roads.

EMS reports full staffing and increased call volume

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — In his 2025 year-end report, Finney County Emergency Medical Services Director Kenny Smith announced that the department has successfully filled all open positions, a significant turnaround from starting the year down seven staff members. Smith reported that EMS responded to 4,184 calls in 2025, an increase of roughly 260 calls over the previous year. The department has also implemented new security measures for medications and is utilizing the new Station 3 to better distribute call loads.

Library successfully serves as emergency warming shelter

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — Finney County United Way and Finney County Library officials reported on the successful operation of a warming shelter during recent freezing temperatures. The shelter, hosted at the library, was staffed by 32 volunteers across 40 shifts and provided a safe space for multiple residents and a family whose home lacked heat. Library Director Pam Toller noted that the library was an ideal location because it serves as a barrier-free community hub, and officials are now refining policies to prepare for future weather events.

County attorney highlights diversion fund reinvestment

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — County Attorney Susan Richmeier presented an annual update, noting that the office handled 1,470 cases in the past year while operating with limited staff. The office redistributed approximately $111,000 in diversion funds to local nonprofits and $17,000 to law enforcement agencies for equipment not covered by their budgets, including body cameras, drug test kits and a police K-9. Diversion funds are fees paid by offenders who complete alternative programs in lieu of prosecution on minor charges.

Commissioners warn of financial strain from state mandates

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — During commissioner reports, the board discussed the financial pressure placed on the county by the state legislature. The commission noted that approximately 13 state-mandated programs require county funding without providing state financial support, consuming roughly half of the county's annual budget. The board expressed concern that these mandates limit the local government's ability to lower property taxes while maintaining essential services.

Chair to testify on riverbed legislation in Topeka

GARDEN CITY, Kan. — The commission chair confirmed plans to travel to Topeka to provide testimony before a legislative committee regarding House Bill 2495. The bill addresses issues surrounding riverbeds, a topic of significant concern for local landowners and county planning efforts.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us