Commission rejects over-budget park mowing bid

County reclaims in-house mowing for local parks

Board approves state-bid purchase of new park mower

Parks department to hire seasonal mowing staff

Harbin Fish Farm secures park stocking contract

County reports first-quarter sales tax growth

Harvey County completes county facility remodel

Commission rejects over-budget park mowing bid

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Board of Commissioners unanimously rejected the sole bid for 2026 mowing and trimming services at county parks after the proposal exceeded the county's budget by roughly $4,400. AWA Lawn and Land Management of Wichita submitted a bid of $56,400 for 12 mowing cycles across county parks. The county's previous contractor opted not to submit a proposal this year after 12 years of service, citing potential retirement.

County reclaims in-house mowing for local parks

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Following the rejection of a private mowing contract, Harvey County will resume in-house mowing operations for its public parks. Parks staff estimated that operating internally will cost $51,471 for the season, saving taxpayers nearly $600 compared to the original budgeted amount. The change will provide the county with more control over mowing schedules, allowing staff to handle facility maintenance without adhering to a rigid, contractor-mandated timeline.

Board approves state-bid purchase of new park mower

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — To support the transition to in-house park maintenance, the Harvey County Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of one new commercial mower for approximately $14,500. The parks department will utilize a Sourcewell state bid, which provides a 22% discount off retail prices. The county opted to purchase only one new mower this year instead of two and will supplement operations by utilizing older, existing equipment to finish out the season.

Parks department to hire seasonal mowing staff

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County will hire two seasonal employees to handle mowing and trimming operations at county parks this summer. The Harvey County Board of Commissioners authorized the new hires to work roughly 32 hours per week at an estimated pay rate of $17 per hour. The seasonal staff will operate as a team, transporting county-owned equipment between sites to complete the required maintenance cycles.

Harbin Fish Farm secures park stocking contract

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Board of Commissioners approved a $28,223 contract with Harbin Fish Farm to stock county park lakes for the 2026 fishing season. The Anthony, Kansas-based farm submitted the only bid, which came in roughly $600 under the county's budget. The fish will be released on the Fridays preceding Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day to ensure peak stock for holiday crowds.

County reports first-quarter sales tax growth

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County's second-cent sales tax collections saw a 5.45% increase in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the previous year. The collections generated roughly $1.7 million, representing an $88,407 boost over early 2025 figures. Additionally, the county's portion of general sales and compensating use taxes grew by 4.58%, bringing in $846,153 for the quarter and reflecting steady economic activity within the region.

Harvey County completes county facility remodel

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — All Harvey County departments designated for the newly remodeled Harvey County Courthouse have officially moved in and are fully operational following a lengthy remodeling project. County Administrator Kevin Frymire announced the completion of the transition during the March 31 meeting, marking the end of a phased relocation process that required moving various departments in stages.

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

Contact Us