Liberal City Commission Summary
Week of August 12, 2026
City commission approves nearly $1 million Western Avenue paving project, waives bid process
Long-awaited city bus facility nears completion, ribbon cutting planned for September
Local attorney appointed as new municipal court judge
City commission approves nearly $1 million Western Avenue paving project, waives bid process
LIBERAL, Kan. — The Liberal City Commission voted unanimously to waive its purchasing policy and approve a $997,000 contract with J&R Sand for a mill and overlay project on Western Avenue. The project, funded through the 1-cent sales tax, will repair a 1-mile, four-lane stretch of the heavily trafficked road between the railroad tracks and 15th Street. Staff recommended waiving the competitive bid process to lock in current liquid asphalt prices before an expected increase on Oct. 1 and to accommodate the local company's immediate availability. The measure was ultimately approved, deferring payment until the 2027 budget year while allowing construction to begin immediately.
Long-awaited city bus facility nears completion, ribbon cutting planned for September
LIBERAL, Kan. — The city's new bus facility is expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks, concluding a project that has been in development for approximately five years. Staff reported that final touches, including paint colors and countertops, are currently being finalized. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is slated for September, at which the family of former CityBus supervisor Rodney Kapp is expected to be honored.
Local attorney appointed as new municipal court judge
LIBERAL, Kan. — Lane Frymire has officially been introduced as the city's new municipal court judge, filling the vacancy left by Jason Maxwell, who resigned in April to take a position as municipal judge in Salina, Kansas. Frymire, a partner at Yoxall, Antrim, Foreman & Frymire, LLP, previously served as a judge pro tem for the court for nearly five years. Municipal court staff praised local attorneys for covering dockets during the transition and expressed confidence in the permanent appointment.
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