Junction City – Week of July 6 2025
Drones and Pipeline; Guest Tax Increase; Roundabout Utility Cost; Police Building Purchase; Shelter Funding Request
Residents Confront County Over Drones and “Secret” Gas Pipeline Plans
County Approves Pursuing Transient Guest Tax Increase After Tense, Failed First Vote
Junction City Commission Approves Additional Spending in 3-2 Split Vote Over $483k Roundabout Utility Cost
Police Department Building Purchase Passes 3-2 Amidst Calls for Open Bidding
Homeless Shelter Asks City for Annual Funding
Residents Confront County Over Drones and “Secret” Gas Pipeline Plans
Tensions over a proposed Kansas Gas Service pipeline escalated as residents confronted the County Commission, alleging secretive planning and illegal surveillance. Residents presented a map they obtained from the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) that appeared to show platted land near their properties, which they claimed was proof of development plans the county and residents were not officially told about. The main complaints centered on a survey company using a drone that flew over private, “no trespassing” property from a county road, which residents argued was an illegal attempt to survey the land without permission. Residents appealed to the commission to establish a local ordinance restricting drone use over private property, citing the need to protect landowners from what they feel is an abuse of power by utility companies.
A week later, responding to rising citizen concerns, the Geary County Commission clarified details surrounding the controversial Kansas Gas Service pipeline replacement project. Following calls with the gas company, commissioners stated the project is not for new development but is required to bring an older pipeline into compliance with state Pipeline Safety regulations enforced by the Kansas Corporation Commission’s Pipeline Safety Section by 2028. They stressed that the project is integral to maintaining service for Junction City, Grandview Plaza, and Chapman. The company has reportedly been in contact with property owners since
County Approves Pursuing Transient Guest Tax Increase After Tense, Failed First Vote
After an initial motion lacked a second, commissioners voted 3-0 to order preparation of a charter resolution adding an additional 1 % Transient Guest Tax (TGT), with a two-year sunset and $100 k annual spending cap. The move, intended to raise approximately $100,000 annually for improving existing sports and event facilities, came only after an earlier, identical motion failed to receive the required unanimous support. The initial deadlock prompted further discussion, leading to a new motion that included a two-year review period to assess the financial impact on local hoteliers. The additional 1% will be added to the current 1% already directed to the Sports Complex fund, with the new revenue specifically earmarked for improvements to existing amenities to attract tourism. Final adoption of this tax will require a separate unanimous vote (or referendum) at a future meeting; the tax rate has not changed yet.
Junction City Commission Approves Additional Spending in 3-2 Split Vote Over $483k Roundabout Utility Cost
The Junction City Commission approved a $483,830 bid for utility improvements along McFarland Road, a necessary step for the future roundabout project, but the decision came on a contentious 3-2 vote. Dissenting commissioners expressed frustration, stating the substantial cost should have been presented when the roundabout was first debated, arguing the added expense might have changed their original vote. City staff defended the timing, citing the project's phased nature and a lack of personnel to develop such estimates earlier in the process. The project will relocate water and sewer mains that currently run under the proposed roundabout site to prevent future repairs from damaging the new construction.
Police Department Building Purchase Passes 3-2 Amidst Calls for Open Bidding
A proposal for the Junction City Police Department to purchase a property for $390,000 was approved in a 3-2 split vote. The building is intended to house investigative personnel, an armored vehicle, and evidence storage. The split vote followed a debate in which a commissioner voiced concern that an RFP (Request for Proposal) was not issued, suggesting other properties in the city could have met the department's needs and should have been given a chance to bid. The police department stated the chosen property offers strategic advantages, including being on the opposite side of town from the main station, providing ample room for growth, and including valuable land and equipment like vehicle lifts. An estimated $100,000-$115,000 in renovations will be required, which will be bid on separately.
Homeless Shelter Asks City for Annual Funding
The Fresh Start Emergency Shelter formally requested to be added as a $45,000 annual line item in the City of Junction City's 2026 budget to support its operations. Currently operating as a day shelter, representatives explained that case management services offered during daytime hours are critical to helping individuals get connected with resources, appeal for benefits, and find housing. While the ultimate goal is to return to a 24/7 overnight shelter, doing so would require a budget of over $276,000, more than double their current projected operational cost of around $132,000. The commission appeared supportive, noting the organization's history and planning, and will consider the request during its upcoming budget sessions.
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Sources
- Geary County meeting 06/23/25
- Geary County Meeting #2 06/23/25
- Geary County Meeting 06/30/25
- Geary County meeting 06/30/25 #2
- https://junctioncityks.portal.civicclerk.com
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