City secures $23.99 million grant for infrastructure

City manager promises publication of delinquent taxpayer list

Commissioner pushes to drop mill levy below revenue neutral rate

Planning progresses for new 46,000-square-foot VA clinic

Proposed Public Works relocation sparks opposition

City hires additional contractors to address storm debris

City partners with state agencies for flood mitigation

KBI to investigate heat-related death of police K-9

1. City secures $23.99 million grant for infrastructure

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — City officials celebrated the awarding of a $23.99 million federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant for Grant Avenue, an initiative hailed as one of the largest grants in Junction City's history. City Manager Kim Zimmerman praised city staff for their extensive work in securing the funds, and the city commission gave a standing ovation to the team responsible for the application. The grant will bring substantial infrastructure and revitalization funding to the community.

2. City manager promises publication of delinquent taxpayer list

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — In an effort to address high local property taxes, City Manager Kim Zimmerman announced plans to release a public list of residents and businesses alleged by the city to have unpaid taxes. Zimmerman noted that millions of dollars reportedly remain uncollected by the city and Geary County, which actively contributes to the tax burden on paying citizens. The city commission also discussed utilizing this forthcoming public document to vet future applicants for the Economic Development Commission.

3. Commissioner pushes to drop mill levy below revenue neutral rate

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — An unidentified commissioner clarified a recent vote against a revenue neutral rate motion, stating a desire to see the city's property tax mill rate drop significantly below the revenue neutral mark. Citing a reported 6 percent increase in Geary County property valuations, the commissioner said the goal is to lower the mill rate by three to six mills. The commissioner plans to meet with the city's finance director to analyze the budget data before finalizing a target number.

4. Planning progresses for new 46,000-square-foot VA clinic

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — City officials continue to finalize details for a proposed 46,000-square-foot Veterans Affairs clinic in Junction City. City Manager Kim Zimmerman reported meeting with representatives from U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran's office to discuss construction estimates and the medical specialties the new facility will offer. The project's contractor is scheduled to present a formal request to the city commission on Aug. 4.

5. Proposed Public Works relocation sparks opposition

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A recent memo suggesting the city acquire a Grant Avenue property to house the Public Works Department drew sharp criticism from an unidentified commissioner. The commissioner argued that moving the department to a retail site on Grant Avenue would be a "huge mistake," stating that Public Works should remain "out of sight, out of mind" rather than occupying a prominent main drag that recently received grant funding for improvements. The commissioner urged community members to voice their opposition to the relocation.

6. City hires additional contractors to address storm debris

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Following a severe storm that caused an estimated $1.5 million in damage, the city has hired four contractors to assist with ongoing tree limb removal. City Manager Kim Zimmerman and an unidentified commissioner addressed resident complaints regarding uncollected debris, urging able-bodied citizens to dispose of their own branches at the Geary County landfill for free. Zimmerman emphasized that while the city will eventually clear the limbs, Public Works has faced competing priorities, including recent flood mitigation and holiday event logistics.

7. City partners with state agencies for flood mitigation

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Junction City is partnering with Kansas Division of Emergency Management officials and local engineers to address widespread flooding issues caused by recent heavy rains. City Manager Kim Zimmerman noted that drainage problems near railroad tracks and other private properties are a primary focus. The city is currently gathering data and photographs from residents to develop a comprehensive plan and secure support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

8. KBI to investigate heat-related death of police K-9

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Police Department has requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation conduct an independent inquiry following the heat-related death of a police service dog. Assistant Chief Cory Odell announced that K-9 Vethos was found unresponsive in a K-9-equipped patrol vehicle Monday morning, and preliminary findings indicate heat exposure as the cause of death. The department has activated its peer support team and is preparing a critical incident debrief for affected officers as the KBI investigates the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

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