Lindsborg local news summary
Week of October 7 2025
Voters to decide on county-wide half-cent sales tax for EMS
Council approves switch to police and fire retirement system
City to eliminate police hiring bonus following retirement plan change
Council adopts updated downtown tree policy
Current downtown trees under review for policy compliance
Lindsborg prepares for Hyllningsfest, Swedish ambassador expected to visit
Voters to decide on county-wide half-cent sales tax for EMS
LINDSBORG, Kan. – Lindsborg residents will join McPherson County voters in November to decide on a proposed half-cent sales tax to fund Emergency Medical Services, the city council learned on Oct. 6. City Administrator Tanner Faust presented an overview of the county-led initiative, explaining that if the measure passes, it would provide a new funding stream for the city’s ambulance service. This would allow Lindsborg to reduce its property tax mill levy, offering potential savings to homeowners. The proposed tax, which would bring Lindsborg’s combined sales tax from 9.5 percent to roughly 10.0 percent and includes a five-year sunset, would take effect April 1, 2026, if approved. The city plans to release informational materials to educate residents before the election.
Council approves switch to police and fire retirement system
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Lindsborg City Council unanimously approved a resolution to transition its police officers from the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System to the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, effective Jan. 1, 2026. Interim Chief of Police Terry Reed presented the resolution at the Oct. 6 meeting, stating the change is part of an effort to improve officer recruitment and retention. The move to the state's police and fire retirement system, which offers benefits tailored to first responders, has been budgeted for the upcoming year and the council’s approval allows the public employees system to begin the administrative transfer process.
City to eliminate police hiring bonus following retirement plan change
LINDSBORG, Kan. – With the approval of a more competitive retirement plan for its police force, the city of Lindsborg plans to eliminate its $5,000 signing bonus for new officer recruits. Interim Chief of Police Terry Reed confirmed during the Oct. 6 council meeting that the bonus would be discontinued once the department’s transition to the Kansas Police and Firemen’s Retirement System is finalized. The retirement system change is intended to make employment with the department more attractive, thereby reducing the need for a separate financial incentive.
Council adopts updated downtown tree policy
LINDSBORG, Kan. – The Lindsborg City Council adopted a revised Downtown Tree Policy, updating guidelines for the first time since 2002. Presented by Parks Director Noah Flores, the updated policy includes additions that require new trees to be from a pre-approved list and establishes clearer criteria for removal, such as a tree growing too large for its location or posing a risk to infrastructure. The policy also states that all pruning must adhere to A300 standards, a national benchmark for tree care. The changes were recommended by the city’s Tree Board to ensure the health and safety of the downtown streetscape.
Current downtown trees under review for policy compliance
LINDSBORG, Kan. – Following the adoption of a revised tree policy, city staff will review existing downtown trees to address instances where they do not meet the new standards. During the Oct. 6 council meeting, Councilman Corey Peterson noted several trees are already taller than adjacent buildings or are planted too close to them, in violation of the policy. Parks staff acknowledged the issue and stated that a plan is in place to prune trees that can be reached from the ground and to assess others that are oversized and may need replacement. The pruning is expected to be prioritized before holiday lights are installed.
Lindsborg prepares for Hyllningsfest, Swedish ambassador expected to visit
LINDSBORG, Kan. – Final preparations are underway for Hyllningsfest, Lindsborg’s biennial celebration of its Swedish heritage, scheduled for Oct. 17-18. Mayor Clark Shultz announced during the city council meeting that the Swedish ambassador to the United States is expected to attend the festival. The mayor thanked the event coordinators and the numerous community volunteers for their year-long efforts in organizing the city’s signature event.
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