Junction City – Week of July 20 2025
Grant Avenue Plan; Guest Tax Increase; Community Cleanup Initiative; Students Advocate Funding; County Budget Challenge
Junction City Approves Grant Avenue Revitalization Plan
Geary County to Increase Transient Guest Tax for Sports and Recreation
Joint City-County Cleanup Initiative Scheduled for August
Junction City High School Students Advocate for Homeless-Services Funding
Geary County Faces Challenging Budget Year with Potential Tax Increase
1. Junction City Approves Grant Avenue Revitalization Plan
JUNCTION CITY - The Junction City Commission heard a presentation on the Grant Avenue Small Area Plan, a roadmap for revitalizing the corridor from Washington Street to the Republican River. The plan, developed with community input, proposes creating mixed-use commercial and residential areas, enhancing green spaces, and improving river access. Key focus areas include the “West Grant” area near the now-closed Trooper Gate and a flood-prone site envisioned for recreational fields, as well as the east gateway by the boat launch. The plan aims to capitalize on increased traffic from the recently reopened Grant Gate entrance to Fort Riley and transform the historically significant thoroughfare into a vibrant community asset. While commissioners expressed enthusiasm for the vision, they emphasized the city’s need to improve current maintenance along the avenue to encourage private investment.
2. Geary County to Increase Transient Guest Tax for Sports and Recreation
GEARY COUNTY - The Geary County Commission has approved a charter resolution to raise the transient guest tax by an additional 1%. The new revenue will be dedicated to improving, renovating, and maintaining existing sports and recreation facilities and programs. The commission may spend up to $100,000 annually from this fund, with input from the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the community. The 1% increase will run for two years, after which it is subject to renewal. Commissioners also voted to place a portion of existing transient-guest-tax proceeds into a certificate of deposit to generate higher interest.
3. Joint City-County Cleanup Initiative Scheduled for August
JUNCTION CITY - Junction City and Geary County are teaming up for a community-wide cleanup event from August 4–10, 2025. Eight roll-off dumpsters will be placed at strategic locations in town and two rural sites, and city residents will have additional containers for appliances and tires at Public Works. The city and county will split the project budget evenly. Officials say the collaboration will beautify neighborhoods and ease disposal burdens for all county residents.
4. Junction City High School Students Advocate for Homeless-Services Funding
JUNCTION CITY - Students from Junction City High School’s government class delivered a compelling presentation to the City Commission, urging increased funding to address homelessness. They cited 189 unhoused students in the district and the financial struggles of the city’s only homeless shelter, Fresh Start Emergency Shelter. The students proposed reallocating city funds—pointing to the Rolling Meadows Golf Course budget as a potential source. A city official noted that a significant portion of the course’s budget is offset by user fees, but the presentation sparked discussion about forming a council that would unite city, county, school-board, and nonprofit efforts to combat homelessness and food insecurity.
5. Geary County Faces Challenging Budget Year with Potential Tax Increase
GEARY COUNTY - Geary County is bracing for a difficult budget season, with preliminary figures indicating the county will need to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, potentially leading to a tax increase. Finance Director Tammy Robinson told commissioners a rare 27th pay period in the upcoming fiscal year—an event that occurs roughly every 11 years—will cost nearly $600,000. Commissioners began reviewing possible cuts, starting with outside-agency appropriations before considering reductions to core services. Additional work sessions are scheduled before the October 1 deadline.
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