Liberal City Commission Summary
Week of August 27, 2026
City moves forward with Phase 1 environmental study for potential water rights purchase
Water line replacement project sees $15,900 change order
Western Avenue mill and overlay project cost increases by nearly $500,000
City approves design-build agreement for new water park
Commission authorizes surveys for McCray dog park, Third Street parking lot
Oktoberfest fundraising event receives temporary liquor permit
Liberal Animal Shelter highlights facility improvements, no-kill status
Commission approves resolution to exceed revenue neutral rate
City moves forward with Phase 1 environmental study for potential water rights purchase
LIBERAL, Kan. — The Liberal City Commission approved a motion to fund a Phase 1 environmental assessment on a potential water rights purchase from Swalar, LLC, contingent upon the sale of surface rights to a third-party buyer. The city is considering purchasing two senior water rights totaling 702 acre-feet for $613,776, decoupled from the surface land. While the city currently uses only about a third of its available water, city staff noted the purchase would be a proactive measure to secure senior water rights against potential future state-mandated reductions. The city will cover the cost of the environmental study, estimated at $3,500 from the Water Fund, before drafting a formal purchase contract.
Water line replacement project sees $15,900 change order
LIBERAL, Kan. — A change order for the water line replacement project was approved to fund $15,900 in fire hydrant extensions, alongside a seven-day timeline extension to the contract. Middlecreek Corporation discovered the water main lines were deeper than anticipated, requiring varying lengths of pipe extensions to reach the surface. City staff indicated the contractor has required a timeline extension to complete the work, and the city may review the final voucher regarding any potential liquidated damages for the delays.
Western Avenue mill and overlay project cost increases by nearly $500,000
LIBERAL, Kan. — The Liberal City Commission unanimously approved a $496,125 change order for the ongoing Western Avenue mill and overlay project. After milling began, crews discovered deep, consistent transverse cracks in the asphalt, necessitating a 3-inch mill and fabric patch over the cracks instead of the originally planned 2-inch overlay. Despite the cost increase pushing the project to roughly $1.5 million, city staff noted the total price tag remains substantially cheaper than a complete $6 million street reconstruction.
City approves design-build agreement for new water park
LIBERAL, Kan. — The Liberal City Commission unanimously approved a base design-build agreement with Hutton Construction for the city's new water park redevelopment project. The contract establishes the terms, conditions and design fees, while the final guaranteed maximum construction price will be set in a future amendment once designs are finalized. Hutton is targeting a completion date of July 30, 2027, for the splash pad, with the remainder of the aquatic facility finishing in early 2028.
Commission authorizes surveys for McCray dog park, Third Street parking lot
LIBERAL, Kan. — The commission approved a $20,000 work order with Professional Engineering Consultants to survey the sites of the future McCray dog park and the Third Street parking lot. Funding will come from the community development portion of the 1-cent sales tax. City staff noted the parking lot improvements, expected in 2027 or 2028, will significantly aid downtown revitalization by maximizing available parking spaces for local businesses.
Oktoberfest fundraising event receives temporary liquor permit
LIBERAL, Kan. — Downtown Liberal will host the Seward County United Way's Oktoberfest fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, following the Liberal City Commission's approval of a temporary event permit. The ordinance allows for alcoholic liquor beverage sales and consumption within the downtown common consumption area. The community event will feature vendor booths, food trucks, live music and family activities.
Liberal Animal Shelter highlights facility improvements, no-kill status
LIBERAL, Kan. — Staff from the Liberal Animal Shelter presented several facility upgrades to the Liberal City Commission, including a secure Conex building for indoor animal intake, a play yard shade cover and an indoor family meet-and-greet room featuring wooden church pews and hand-painted murals. Shelter staff also announced the facility has achieved no-kill status for 2025 and all of its animal control officers are now fully certified.
Commission approves resolution to exceed revenue neutral rate
LIBERAL, Kan. — Following a public hearing that drew no citizen comments, the Liberal City Commission approved a resolution allowing the city to levy property taxes exceeding the revenue neutral rate. City staff anticipates the final mill levy will land between the revenue neutral rate of 47.139 mills and a proposed maximum of 53.392 mills once the 2027 final budget is completed in September. The roll call vote passed 5-0.
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