Junction City Commission Summary
Week of October 7, 2026
Commission advances review of $11 million pyrolysis plant proposal
More than $119,000 approved for wastewater treatment plant upgrades
Commission approves $49,990 projector for municipal gym in split vote
Neighbors' complaints prompt immediate action on abandoned homes
Bonds and tax exemptions approved for new Veterans Affairs clinic
Police use of Flock license plate cameras prompts contract review
Fire department increases non-transport ambulance fees
City grants $35,000 to Geary County Senior Center to offset budget cuts
Termination of Chamber of Commerce master agreement delayed until 2028
Commission drops agenda item concerning former vice mayor
Commission advances review of $11 million pyrolysis plant proposal
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The Junction City Commission voted 3-2 to continue exploring a proposal from Cirque Renewables to build an $11 million pyrolysis energy plant. The facility would process up to 20,000 tons of wood waste and 4,000 tons of sewage sludge annually, generating electricity and biochar while saving the city an estimated $500,000 a year in sludge disposal costs. While representatives touted the technology's environmental and financial benefits, some commissioners expressed skepticism about the unproven nature of the specific system in Kansas and asked for independent vetting. Despite the concerns, the commission directed city staff to continue investigating the feasibility and financing options for the project.
More than $119,000 approved for wastewater treatment plant upgrades
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The commission approved two change orders totaling nearly $120,000 for critical maintenance and infrastructure adjustments at the city's wastewater treatment plants. The city will spend $92,000 to pump down and clean a wet well at the West Wastewater Treatment Plant to allow for the installation of a new $400,000 bar screen, a project expedited by industrial waste issues from local manufacturing. Additionally, commissioners approved $27,703 for gravel paving at the East Plant to accommodate larger sludge trucks, opting for gravel over concrete to save the city up to $90,000.
Commission approves $49,990 projector for municipal gym in split vote
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A request to purchase a $49,990 audiovisual projector and 27-foot screen for the Municipal Building gym passed in a split vote. City staff argued the upgrade is necessary to support the heavily used venue, which hosts public meetings, police department movie nights and community events relocated due to inclement weather. However, dissenting commissioners questioned the expenditure, arguing that while the equipment would be nice to have, it does not represent a critical need for the city compared to other pressing infrastructure priorities.
Neighbors' complaints prompt immediate action on abandoned homes
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Following impassioned pleas from residents about vagrants and raw sewage at abandoned homes on West Third Street and North Madison Street, the commission directed code enforcement to take immediate action. A resident reported that someone had been living in a detached garage and threatening neighbors. Assistant Codes Administrator Cecil Thrush assured the commission that the legal abatement process is already underway, but commissioners directed staff to bypass lengthy timelines where legally permissible to secure open windows and eliminate immediate public safety hazards.
Bonds and tax exemptions approved for new Veterans Affairs clinic
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved the issuance of taxable industrial revenue bonds for the construction and equipping of a new Veterans Affairs clinic at 623 Southwind Drive in Junction City. The approval includes a 10-year property tax exemption and a sales tax exemption on construction materials and furnishings, which are subject to a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement. The new facility aims to improve health care access for the region's large veteran population, eliminating the need for local veterans to travel long distances for essential medical services.
Police use of Flock license plate cameras prompts contract review
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Following a detailed presentation by the Junction City Police Department and public comment raising privacy concerns, the commission unanimously directed the city attorney and police department to review all current agreements with Flock Safety. Assistant Chief Cory Odell reported that the city's 24 automated license plate readers log roughly 138,000 reads a month, though officers manually search a fraction of a percent for specific criminal investigations. While Odell highlighted several major crimes solved using the technology and emphasized strict 30-day data retention policies, commissioners requested a thorough evaluation of the five-year contract's terms — including potential amendment or termination options — to ensure the protection of citizens' Fourth Amendment rights.
Fire department increases non-transport ambulance fees
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Patients receiving on-scene medical treatment from the Junction City Fire Department without being transported to the hospital will see their fees increase from $200 to $250. The commission unanimously approved the rate hike to align the city's billing with recently increased Medicaid reimbursement rates. City staff noted the adjustment prevents the fire department from falling behind national and regional averages for emergency medical services, which cover on-site treatments such as administering oxygen, glucose and bandages.
City grants $35,000 to Geary County Senior Center to offset budget cuts
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The city commission unanimously approved a one-time $35,000 funding request for the Geary County Senior Center after the organization suffered a 20 percent reduction in its county allocation. Senior center Treasurer Sally Jardine told commissioners the budget shortfall threatened to force the center to close one or two days a week, severely impacting meal deliveries and transportation services for local seniors. While the commission agreed to provide the unbudgeted funds for 2027, members urged the center to seek grants and diversify its fundraising efforts for future years.
Termination of Chamber of Commerce master agreement delayed until 2028
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A recent notice to terminate the master agreement between the city, Geary County and the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce may not take effect until December 2028, extending the timeline for a potential organizational split. Chamber board member Ashley King informed the commission that because the city issued its termination notice in June 2026 — missing a required July 2025 deadline — the current contract automatically renews through 2028. City officials acknowledged the discrepancy, noting the extended timeline provides ample opportunity for the entities to renegotiate the economic development structure, establish stronger accountability measures and determine if the current unified model can be salvaged.
Commission drops agenda item concerning former vice mayor
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — An agenda item related to the potential removal of former Vice Mayor Al Gordon from the Junction City Housing Authority board was abruptly removed from the docket after Gordon challenged the commission's jurisdiction. The Housing Authority had requested Gordon's removal, citing missed meetings and a 2025 arrest tied to a domestic dispute for which charges were later dismissed. Gordon argued that the removal process fell under the purview of the mayor or the county commission, rather than the full city commission, and noted that the matter was currently under appeal. Acknowledging the procedural conflict, the commission voted to strike the item entirely, allowing the mayor to handle the hearing privately at a later date.
Click here for local obituaries
Click here for local jail logs
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
