Canton – Week of June 6 2025

Council Approves Funds to Clean Shiloh Manor; Local Business Expresses Interest in Purchase

City Faces IT Crisis as Outdated Technology Halts Progress

City to Charge for Equipment Use on Nuisance Clean-ups

Frustration Mounts Over Lack of Action on Feral Cat Problem

Donated "Story Walk" Project Approved for Everhard Park

1. Council Approves Funds to Clean Shiloh Manor; Local Business Expresses Interest in Purchase

The Canton City Council has approved a significant step forward in dealing with the derelict Shiloh Manor building. The council voted to hire a contractor at a rate of $80 per hour to finish cleaning out the trash and debris from the building's interior, approving a spending cap of $10,000 for the project. During the discussion, it was revealed that the owner of the local business Mid-Kansas Equipment at W. Railroad Ave. is interested in purchasing the property to expand his operation. Proponents of the plan argued that cleaning the building and selling it to a local business that wishes to stay in town would be a "win-win for everybody," allowing the city to recover its costs over time while keeping a tax-paying business in Canton.

Canton City Council

2. City Faces IT Crisis as Outdated Technology Halts Progress

Canton's aging computer and software systems are causing significant operational problems, according to a lengthy council discussion. A recent attempt by a contractor to install new meter-reading software failed because the city’s current software is unsupported and has no IT service to contact for help. This is one of several critical issues; council members learned the city pays $869 annually to maintain a website described as "child's play" , city departments cannot access shared files and must email documents back and forth , and the free version of Microsoft Office used by the city results in full inboxes that prevent staff from receiving important emails. The consensus is that the city is in need of a complete computer system overhaul to continue functioning effectively.

Canton City Council

3. City to Charge for Equipment Use on Nuisance Clean-ups

The City of Canton will begin charging new, steeper fees when its maintenance crews are required to clean up private properties that are in violation of city code. Previously, the city only billed for the employees' labor rate. Under the new policy proposed by council members, the city will now charge hourly rates for any equipment used, such as $50/hr for a riding mower, $110/hr for the skid steer, and $110/hr for the backhoe. Furthermore, a three-hour minimum charge for both labor and equipment will be applied to any such clean-up job. The move is intended to serve as a deterrent and prevent property owners from letting the city mow their yards for a minimal fee.

Canton City Council

4. Frustration Mounts Over Lack of Action on Feral Cat Problem

Citizens and council members alike expressed growing frustration with the city’s handling of the feral cat population. During the public forum, a citizen stated that the problem is worsening with the current mating season and questioned why nothing has been done, despite the council having already allocated funds for the project. A council member replied, "We don't understand either," signaling shared frustration. The delay was attributed to the busy schedule of the individual tasked with the trapping. The council discussed the possibility of appointing someone else with a more open schedule to take over the responsibility of trapping the cats and taking them to a clinic.

Canton City Council

5. Donated "Story Walk" Project Approved for Everhard Park

Everhard Park will soon feature a permanent "Story Walk" exhibit, thanks to a generous donation and the city council's approval. The Canton Township Carnegie Library brought the proposal to the council, explaining their dream of installing permanent posts for displaying children's stories along the park's walkway. The Library Board President announced that Fab Works, a company in Inman, Kansas, felt "God had blessed them" and offered to donate, manufacture, and install all 24 posts for the project free of charge. The project, valued at an estimated $9,000-$10,000, was enthusiastically and unanimously approved by the council as a positive addition to the community.

Canton City Council

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Sources

1. https://youtu.be/CnNFuZBqEnI?si=nObICv5TC0Qr6-mQ
2. https://youtu.be/CnNFuZBqEnI?si=nObICv5TC0Qr6-mQ
3. https://youtu.be/CnNFuZBqEnI?si=nObICv5TC0Qr6-mQ
4. https://youtu.be/CnNFuZBqEnI?si=nObICv5TC0Qr6-mQ
5. https://youtu.be/CnNFuZBqEnI?si=nObICv5TC0Qr6-mQ

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