Commission approves contested de-annexation in split vote

Commissioners clash over procurement policies during retreat vote

Commission approves 6 percent COLA and new city positions

Potential sale of VA building sparks debate on road repairs

Water treatment plant improvements near completion

City authorizes $85,000 for cameras following park vandalism

Casey's General Store confirmed for Washington and 18th

Charitable foundation reports $653,000 Match Day success

Commission approves contested de-annexation in split vote

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Junction City commissioners voted 3-1 to approve Ordinance S-3323, de-annexing the Dunbar property despite city staff warnings that creating a pocket of unincorporated land could complicate zoning and code enforcement. While staff advised against the move, the commission majority cited the city's failure to provide water and sewer services for 70 years and the prohibitive $500,000 cost for the landowner to extend infrastructure as justification for the decision. Vice Mayor Al Gordon, Commissioner Richard Pinaire and Commissioner Ricardo Gutierrez voted in favor, with Commissioner Ronna Larson opposing.

Commissioners clash over procurement policies during retreat vote

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The commission voted to schedule an annual orientation retreat for early 2026, during which a discussion regarding adherence to city acquisition policies emerged. A commissioner inquired about the purchase process for the Drug Task Force building and whether a request for proposals was properly utilized, prompting City Manager Kim Zimmerman to agree to research the matter and present findings in January.

Commission approves 6 percent COLA and new city positions

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Commissioners adopted Resolution R-3122 to implement a 6 percent cost of living adjustment for staff and add airport manager and landscape technician positions to the city salary schedule. City Manager Kim Zimmerman stated the airport manager role addresses recent Federal Aviation Administration inspection findings regarding violations and infrastructure, while the landscape technician will manage mowing contracts and beautification efforts.

Potential sale of VA building sparks debate on road repairs

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — A future discussion regarding the allocation of potential proceeds from the pending $3 million sale of the former VA building was requested during the meeting. While a suggestion was made to direct funds toward Jackson Avenue repairs, City Manager Kim Zimmerman noted that full reconstruction would cost nearly $7 million and advised against budgeting the revenue before the sale is finalized.

Water treatment plant improvements near completion

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — The commission approved a $451,238 change order for the second phase of water treatment plant improvements, which covers pump replacements and necessary adjustments. Public works staff reported the project is approximately 95 percent complete, with a final timeline set for mid-2026.

City authorizes $85,000 for cameras following park vandalism

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — In response to break-ins at Rathert Stadium and graffiti at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the commission unanimously authorized the $84,918 purchase of 27 security cameras from INA Alert. Parks and Recreation Director Josh Gray detailed the damages, noting that the new surveillance system funded by state alcohol tax revenue will monitor North Park, South Park, Bramlage and Heritage Park.

Casey's General Store confirmed for Washington and 18th

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Economic Development Director Mickey Fornaro-Dean confirmed plans for a new Casey's General Store at the intersection of Washington Street and 18th Street following a two-year site evaluation process. Fornaro-Dean indicated the company reviewed at least 13 potential locations before selecting the site for the development.

Charitable foundation reports $653,000 Match Day success

JUNCTION CITY, Kan. — Greater Geary Community Foundation Chairman Calvin Pottberg announced that the annual Match Day event raised $653,391 for 60 local nonprofits, surpassing the previous year's total by $48,000. The October event generated nearly $489,000 in public donations, which were supplemented by $165,000 in matching funds from local family foundations.

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