Commission splits vote on subdivision street development waiver

City officials advocate for STAR bonds during Topeka visit

Water infrastructure project falls behind schedule

New bus facility construction remains on track

Airport reports passenger growth and new marketing push

Golf course to acquire new equipment following maintenance issues

Parks department purchases new mower with beautification funds

Commission schedules work session to review city pool

Homeless shelter renovations complete; March reopening planned

Board scrambles to automate signatures for 26,000 refund checks

Reserve funds adjusted for looming tax protest judgment

Commissioners target $730,000 in cuts during budget work session

Debate continues over assistant administrator position

County sets $18 starting wage for critical departments

Commission splits vote on subdivision street development waiver

LIBERAL, Kan. — The city commission voted 4-1 Tuesday to waive subdivision regulations for a property owner on Lorraine Street, allowing the development of residential lots without the installation of a full street. The waiver applies to the first four parcels off a nearby arterial street and requires that all mail delivery and trash collection remain on that existing street rather than the unimproved road. One commissioner opposed the measure, following a lengthy debate regarding the precedent of waiving infrastructure requirements for private developments.

City officials advocate for STAR bonds during Topeka visit

LIBERAL, Kan. — City commissioners and staff recently traveled to Topeka to meet with state representatives and senators regarding local commerce and economic tools. One commissioner noted that the delegation focused on advocating for the extension of STAR bonds, a major incentive program for development. State legislators reportedly indicated a willingness to consider a one- to two-year extension of the program.

Water infrastructure project falls behind schedule

LIBERAL, Kan. — The city's ongoing water infrastructure project is currently behind schedule, according to a report from City Manager Scarlette Diseker. While the quality of the work was described as good, administration cited a need for more manpower on the job site to meet deadlines. Commissioners were advised that the contract might require a discussion regarding a timeline extension in the near future.

New bus facility construction remains on track

LIBERAL, Kan. — Construction on the city's new bus facility is progressing on schedule, according to city staff. The foundation floor has been poured, and the general contractor, Seaton Construction Group, was praised for maintaining a professional and clean job site. City bus ridership remained strong in January, exceeding 2,000 riders.

Airport reports passenger growth and new marketing push

LIBERAL, Kan. — Mid-America Regional Airport reported a 16 percent increase in round-trip enplanements over the prior year, with outbound numbers reaching 9,409. An update provided by the city's aviation consulting firm, ArkStar Group, highlighted that fares are currently 23 percent lower than Garden City and 11 percent lower than Wichita. The airport has launched a digital marketing campaign targeting travelers within the region, which has already generated nearly 240,000 impressions as the city aims for 10,000 enplanements in 2026.

Golf course to acquire new equipment following maintenance issues

LIBERAL, Kan. — The commission approved the purchase of two new rough mowers for the city-owned golf course from Keating Tractor and Equipment for a total not to exceed $41,000. Staff reported that the course's 2011 mower had suffered a third engine failure and the 2016 model was experiencing significant electrical issues. Commissioner Jeff Parsons abstained from the vote, which passed 4-0.

Parks department purchases new mower with beautification funds

LIBERAL, Kan. — Commissioners authorized the purchase of a Hustler Super 104 mower for the parks department from Keating Tractor and Equipment for $28,000. The new equipment will replace a 10-year-old unit currently in use at the ball complex. The purchase will be funded through the beautification portion of the one-cent sales tax. Commissioner Jeff Parsons abstained from the vote.

Commission schedules work session to review city pool

LIBERAL, Kan. — The commission agreed to hold a special work session on Friday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. to tour Adventure Bay Family Water Park and discuss its condition. Following the tour, the commissioners will convene at the Girl Scout building for a meeting. This session is part of an ongoing effort by the city to assess major recreational infrastructure needs.

Homeless shelter renovations complete; March reopening planned

LIBERAL, Kan. — Construction at the Stepping Stone Shelter is complete, with a reopening scheduled for March, according to City Manager Scarlette Diseker. The project, funded by approximately $600,000 in state budget allocations, included renovations to the soup kitchen, upstairs bathrooms and housing areas. City administration noted that the workmanship on the upgrades is of high quality.

Board scrambles to automate signatures for 26,000 refund checks

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. - Facing the prospect of hand-signing nearly 27,000 tax refund checks, the commission directed staff to urgently investigate automated signature options through the county's software provider, Computer Information Concepts. During the discussion on the Revenue Neutral Rate refunds, County Treasurer Mary Rose noted that standard procedure requires a second signature from outside her office, potentially requiring commissioners to sign thousands of checks in shifts. The manual process was described as "insane" during the meeting, and the board reached a consensus to implement digital signatures similar to those used for general accounts payable.

Reserve funds adjusted for looming tax protest judgment

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. - The commission debated how much funding to set aside in the "Reserve for Claims" regarding the ongoing "Arkalon" tax protest involving Conestoga Energy Partners' Arkalon Ethanol plant. While previous budget discussions suggested setting aside $1.5 million, the board reached a tentative consensus to reduce the specific set-aside for the tax protest to $500,000 or $750,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, pending legal clarification. The county is awaiting a ruling from the Board of Tax Appeals, which could result in significant refund liabilities.

Commissioners target $730,000 in cuts during budget work session

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. - During a budget work session following the regular meeting, the commission analyzed the 2026 budget, identifying a gap of approximately $730,000 between projected general fund expenses and revenues. To balance the budget while maintaining necessary cash carryovers, the board discussed a potential 3 percent across-the-board cut to department expenses. The commissioners also reviewed specific line items, agreeing to maintain conservative revenue estimates regarding interest income due to unpredictable interest rates.

Debate continues over assistant administrator position

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. - During the budget review, commissioners discussed the future of the assistant county administrator position, currently held by Brock Theiner. While one commissioner previously supported the role for succession planning, discussions during the work session centered on potentially eliminating the position to save costs, which would likely result in Theiner returning to his previous role at the landfill. No formal vote was taken Monday night, but the position remains a focal point of the budget balancing strategy.

County sets $18 starting wage for critical departments

SEWARD COUNTY, Kan. - To combat employee turnover, the commission voted unanimously to set the starting wage at $18 per hour for equipment operators in the Road and Bridge, Landfill and Waste Haul departments. County Administrator April Warden informed the board that the county is currently short four employees at the landfill and has lost recent applicants to other employers due to wage uncertainty. The wage hike is effective immediately, pending the final approval of the 2026 salary resolution.

Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:

Contact Us