Liberal local news summary
Week of December 20 2025
Commission approves raise for city manager
City seeks experts for downtown redevelopment master plan
Commissioners debate potential downtown lane reductions
City secures $1.1 million IRS credit for solar project
New FEMA flood plain maps expected this month
Three commissioners resign, leaving board without quorum
Departing officials cite recall efforts and toxic political climate
Commission divided on property and casualty insurance renewal
Tax sale proceeds fund created amid earmarking debate
Treasurer questioned over 'illegal mill levy' protest labels
Treasurer explains delay in tax statement mailings
Board approves sale of fire station interest to city of Liberal
Architects hired for 18th Street fire station remodel
Commission approves raise for city manager
LIBERAL, Kan. - The Liberal City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to increase City Manager Scarlette Diseker's annual salary from $165,000 to $180,000, effective for the 2026 fiscal year. Following a 15-minute executive session to discuss the performance of non-elected personnel, Vice Mayor Matt Landry made the motion for the pay adjustment, which was seconded by Commissioner Janeth Vazquez. The commission approved the measure 5-0 without further public discussion.
City seeks experts for downtown redevelopment master plan
LIBERAL, Kan. - The commission voted 5-0 to issue a request for qualifications to hire planning and design firms for a new Downtown Liberal Master Plan. The scope of work includes analyzing economic data, improving streetscapes, and addressing parking and mobility issues. The chosen firm will be tasked with creating a phased implementation strategy and visual designs to revitalize the district, with the process open through the end of January.
Commissioners debate potential downtown lane reductions
LIBERAL, Kan. - During discussions regarding the Downtown Liberal Master Plan, concerns were raised about potential changes to traffic flow on Kansas Avenue. One commissioner noted that public opinion is divided regarding proposals to condense the downtown street from four lanes to two lanes. City staff confirmed that the master plan process will include traffic studies, stakeholder meetings and town halls to gather extensive public input before any permanent infrastructure changes are made.
City secures $1.1 million IRS credit for solar project
LIBERAL, Kan. - City Manager Scarlette Diseker reported receiving official notification from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the approval of a solar energy tax credit. The city expects to receive approximately $1.1 million within four weeks, which will be applied against the temporary note currently funding the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant solar project. Once the credit is applied, the city plans to bond the remaining balance of the project to stabilize long-term financing.
New FEMA flood plain maps expected this month
LIBERAL, Kan. - City staff announced that the Kansas Department of Agriculture is scheduled to release preliminary flood plain maps on Dec. 12. These documents will update the city's flood risk data, though the final Federal Emergency Management Agency plan is not expected to be adopted until December 2026. The release of the preliminary data will be followed by public meetings to explain the findings to property owners and insurers.
Three commissioners resign, leaving board without quorum
LIBERAL, Kan. — In a stunning conclusion to Monday's meeting, Commissioners Presephoni Fuller, Scott Carr and Tammy Sutherland-Abbott announced their resignations from the Seward County Board of County Commissioners. Fuller's resignation was effective immediately, while Carr and Sutherland-Abbott stated their resignations would be effective the following morning. The departures leave the five-member board with only two remaining members, Vice Chair Steve Helm and Commissioner Todd Stanton. County Administrator April Warden confirmed that the county will be unable to conduct official business until Gov. Laura Kelly appoints replacements, as the board now lacks the four-member quorum required by Charter Resolution 96-01.
Greg Loving
Departing officials cite recall efforts and toxic political climate
LIBERAL, Kan. — While Commissioner Presephoni Fuller attributed her resignation to a planned relocation to Florida, Commissioners Scott Carr and Tammy Sutherland-Abbott delivered emotional statements citing a hostile political environment and ongoing recall efforts as primary drivers for their departures. Carr, representing District 3, referenced a petition regarding the recall and expressed frustration with the community's reaction to commission votes. Sutherland-Abbott, representing District 4, criticized the "ridicule" and "mockery" faced by the board, stating that her family had been targeted and that serving had become detrimental to her well-being.
Commission divided on property and casualty insurance renewal
LIBERAL, Kan. — The board voted 3-2 to accept a property and casualty insurance proposal from the Kansas County Association Multi-Line Pool (KCAMP), with Commissioners Steve Helm and Todd Stanton opposing the measure. The decision followed a previous tabling of the item due to concerns over rising premiums, which Stanton noted were approaching double previous costs. The board also unanimously approved a workers' compensation policy with the Kansas Workers Risk Cooperative for Counties (KWORCC).
Tax sale proceeds fund created amid earmarking debate
LIBERAL, Kan. — The commission voted to create a specific fund for tax sale proceeds, though a push to earmark the money strictly for the "Arkalon repayment" failed to gain traction in the final motion. Commissioner Steve Helm initially moved to dedicate the county's portion of delinquent tax collections specifically to the legal fund regarding the Arkalon Energy valuation dispute. However, following guidance from legal counsel and staff regarding statutory distribution requirements, the board ultimately voted 5-0 to create a "Tax Sale Proceeds" fund to track the money, with a stipulation added by Helm that no funds be spent from the account without further commission action.
Treasurer questioned over 'illegal mill levy' protest labels
LIBERAL, Kan. — Tension erupted between the commission and County Treasurer Mary Rose regarding payment-under-protest forms distributed by her office. Commissioners questioned why the treasurer was providing labels to taxpayers pre-printed with the phrase "Illegal Mill Levy." Rose defended the practice, stating she consulted with the Kansas Board of Tax Appeals and was simply providing resources requested by constituents regarding the county's disputed budget. Commissioner Tammy Sutherland-Abbott criticized the move, suggesting the treasurer was "insinuating" a legal conclusion rather than remaining neutral while litigation is pending.
Treasurer explains delay in tax statement mailings
LIBERAL, Kan. — County Treasurer Mary Rose addressed public concerns regarding the late arrival of tax statements, attributing the delay to software glitches and severe weather. Rose explained that a software error caused double-printing on real estate statements, requiring a manual workaround that slowed the process. She noted that her office worked through the weekend of Nov. 22, though a storm prevented work on that Sunday. Rose assured the board that all statements were mailed by Nov. 25, meeting statutory requirements.
Board approves sale of fire station interest to city of Liberal
LIBERAL, Kan. — Following a public hearing, the commission voted 5-0 to approve Resolution 2025-9, authorizing the sale of Seward County's interest in the fire station located at 110 W. 15th St. to the city of Liberal. The city offered $500,000 to become the sole occupant of the facility. The resolution stipulates that all proceeds from the sale must be used for remodeling and expanding the county fire station at 120 E. 18th St., with any remaining funds applied to the lease-purchase obligation on that building.
Architects hired for 18th Street fire station remodel
LIBERAL, Kan. — Immediately following the decision to sell the 15th Street station interest, the board voted unanimously to authorize Fire Chief Andrew Barkley to engage GMCN Architects for remodeling plans at the 18th Street station. Barkley reported that the firm provided a verbal estimate of $40,000 to produce engineering plans, mechanical and plumbing designs and a bid packet for the expansion. The commission placed a $40,000 cap on the expenditure.
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