Liberal local news summary

Commission amends 2025 budget following public hearing

City transfers $650,000 for water infrastructure

Sales tax funds to roll over $5 million

Over $93,000 in delinquent accounts reclassified

Utility delinquency rates remain low

Commission amends 2025 budget following public hearing

LIBERAL, Kan. - The Liberal City Commission voted 4-0 to adopt Ordinance 4642, which amends the fiscal year 2025 budget. The vote followed a public hearing where City Manager Scarlett Diseker testified that three specific funds required adjustments based on the city's activity throughout the year. No members of the public offered testimony during the hearing, and the amendments were passed without debate.

City transfers $650,000 for water infrastructure

LIBERAL, Kan. - A significant portion of the approved transfers included a $650,000 allocation for water infrastructure projects. City Manager Scarlett Diseker noted this transfer fulfills a cash dedication commitment made by the city for two consecutive years in conjunction with a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) loan to fund essential water system upgrades.

Sales tax funds to roll over $5 million

LIBERAL, Kan. - During a review of year-end transfers, City Manager Scarlett Diseker reported that the city intends to roll over approximately $5 million across all five 1-cent sales tax funds into the new year. Diseker described the cash balances as "very healthy" and attributed the surplus to responsible growth management.

Over $93,000 in delinquent accounts reclassified

LIBERAL, Kan. - The Liberal City Commission voted 4-0 to reclassify $93,346.71 in accounts receivable and utility account delinquencies that are over 120 days past due. While the debt is being reclassified for accounting purposes, city staff confirmed that collection efforts will continue on these accounts.

Utility delinquency rates remain low

LIBERAL, Kan. - Despite the reclassification of bad debt, staff reported that the total utility sales delinquency reclassification percentage is currently 0.53 percent. The breakdown of the unpaid bills includes $21,632.76 in water delinquencies, $29,356.67 in sewer charges, and delinquencies in Solid Waste services, indicating a high collection rate overall for municipal services.

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