Liberal City Commission Summary
Week of July 15, 2026
City commission issues notice of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate
City approves $30,000 cybersecurity training program for employees
Enterprise Fleet Management program shows reduced costs, newer vehicles
OXY USA, Inc. property officially annexed into city limits
Special use permit approved for mixed-use development on South Clay Avenue
Commission approves new Bluetooth school zone flashers
City advances downtown ADA accessibility and street projects
Liberal to host annual State of the City address
City begins design phase for new splash park
City launches summer movie series at Light Park
City commission issues notice of intent to exceed revenue neutral rate
LIBERAL, Kan. — The Liberal City Commission unanimously approved a resolution indicating its intent to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the upcoming fiscal year. City staff noted that pending tax appeals, specifically regarding the National Beef wastewater plant's tax abatement, could temporarily remove millions of dollars from the city's assessment value, significantly impacting the mill levy. Officials emphasized that passing the resolution is a procedural move to allow the city additional time to finalize the budget before the required public hearing on Aug. 25.
City approves $30,000 cybersecurity training program for employees
LIBERAL, Kan. — To combat growing digital threats, the commission approved a three-year, $30,165 contract with KnowBe4 for a municipal security awareness training program. The software will test and educate approximately 250 city employees and commissioners on identifying phishing schemes and cyberattacks. The program, which replaces a previous free service that ended last October, will be funded through the crime prevention portion of the city's 1 percent sales tax.
Enterprise Fleet Management program shows reduced costs, newer vehicles
LIBERAL, Kan. — A presentation by Enterprise Fleet Management revealed that Liberal's vehicle replacement partnership is successfully modernizing the city's motor pool. Since the partnership began in 2024, the program has lowered the average age of the city's fleet from more than 14 years to 6.3 years. While lease payments have increased capital expenditures, city staff noted that reductions in maintenance, vehicle downtime and fuel costs have resulted in an overall net positive for taxpayers.
OXY USA, Inc. property officially annexed into city limits
LIBERAL, Kan. — Following a brief public hearing that drew no community opposition, the commission unanimously approved an ordinance to formally annex property owned by OXY USA, Inc. into the city of Liberal. City staff confirmed that all legal requirements, including certified mailings to the company's land attorney and public newspaper notices, were fulfilled. The city currently has plans on file to extend municipal services to the newly annexed property, which is entirely surrounded by city limits near the cemetery expansion area.
Special use permit approved for mixed-use development on South Clay Avenue
LIBERAL, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a special use permit for the property at 302 S. Clay Ave., clearing the way for a mixed-use commercial and residential development in a former commercial building. The property, currently zoned for light industrial use, was recently purchased by a new owner who plans to establish commercial spaces, such as a nail salon, alongside residential units. The project previously received unanimous approval from the Liberal Planning and Zoning Board and will be required to meet updated building codes, including the installation of a sprinkler system.
Commission approves new Bluetooth school zone flashers
LIBERAL, Kan. — Outdated school zone warning lights near Sunflower Elementary School and the Bright Start Pre-K Center will soon be replaced following the commission's unanimous approval of a purchase not to exceed $21,000. The new equipment will utilize Bluetooth technology, allowing traffic control staff to program the flashers via smartphones rather than relying on discontinued cables. Funding for the project will come from the traffic control portion of the general fund.
City advances downtown ADA accessibility and street projects
LIBERAL, Kan. — Several major infrastructure projects are moving forward across the city, including new downtown accessibility improvements. Public works crews have completed an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant block south of the local bank and will soon begin work on the block to the north to improve public pedestrian access. Additionally, despite some weather and material testing delays, work continues on the Middle Creek street project, the Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport taxiway and a new municipal bus facility.
Liberal to host annual State of the City address
LIBERAL, Kan. — City officials announced that the annual State of the City address will be held at noon on Wednesday, July 15, at the Randall Girl Scout Building in Light Park. The lunchtime event will feature catering from local vendors and updates on municipal progress for an expected crowd of 75 attendees. For residents unable to attend the midday event, the city plans to record the presentation and post it online to ensure the public remains informed about local government activities.
City begins design phase for new splash park
LIBERAL, Kan. — Liberal is taking its first official steps toward bringing a new water attraction to the community, with city management announcing a preliminary visionary meeting with Hutton Corporation, in partnership with Water's Edge Aquatic Design. The meeting will include key city staff and select commissioners to discuss design concepts for a future splash park. The project aims to provide residents with a family-friendly water amenity during the summer months.
City launches summer movie series at Light Park
LIBERAL, Kan. — In an effort to boost community engagement, the city is launching a free summer movie series, beginning with a showing of Disney's "Encanto" on July 25 at Light Park. The event will utilize newly tested outdoor audiovisual equipment and feature local food and beverage vendors. City Manager Scarlette Diseker said that the event was organized to provide family-friendly entertainment during a summer when the city is currently without a functional public water or splash park.
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