Pittsburg City Commission Summary
Week of February 25, 2026
Commission transfers historic downtown property to land bank
New roof planned for stabilized downtown building
City manager defends tax abatements as economic tool
City authorizes engineering study for aging water treatment plant
Engineering firm selected for East Fourth Street restoration
Commission transfers historic downtown property to land bank
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Pittsburg City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to transfer the property at 616 N. Broadway, historically known as the "Home Place" or Ramsay's department store, to the Pittsburg Land Bank. The city has invested approximately $139,000 to stabilize the structure following its donation by previous owner Shellie Robertson, and officials noted that the transfer will statutorily clear roughly $40,000 in back taxes. Community Development and Housing Director Kim Froman told commissioners the building has been cleared of debris and is registered with the Kansas Department of Commerce to attract potential developers for a mixed-use project.
New roof planned for stabilized downtown building
PITTSBURG, Kan. — As part of the discussion regarding the 616 N. Broadway property, city staff announced plans to present a bid for roof replacement to the commission in March. While the building has been stabilized, officials warned that a new roof is necessary before spring rains to prevent further interior deterioration. The estimated cost for the roof is expected to bring the city's total investment in saving the historic structure to approximately $300,000 before it is marketed to private developers.
City manager defends tax abatements as economic tool
PITTSBURG, Kan. — During a review of the consent agenda, City Manager Daron Hall and commissioners addressed public questions regarding the renewal of tax abatements for local businesses, including Atkinson Industries, Muth Properties and Miller's, Inc. Hall explained that the abatements are utilized as a "but for" incentive, implying the developments likely would not occur without the financial relief. He noted that all abatements are vetted by the Economic Development Advisory Committee and are subject to cost-benefit analysis to ensure they incentivize legitimate, long-term business investments in the community.
City authorizes engineering study for aging water treatment plant
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Commissioners approved an agreement with Earles Engineering & Inspection, Inc. to conduct a preliminary engineering report for the city's water treatment plant, originally constructed in 1973. Public Utilities Director Matt Bacon explained that while the plant underwent updates in 2010, the facility is approaching the 20-year mark since its last major renovation, and critical components like aeration towers are showing wear. The study, expected to take six to nine months, will evaluate long-term options, including a potential shift away from chemical-heavy processes involving lime.
Engineering firm selected for East Fourth Street restoration
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The commission awarded an engineering and project management contract to OWN, Inc. for the East Fourth Street restoration project. The project involves a full-depth replacement of the asphalt base between Canterbury and Victorian streets, where the subsurface material has deteriorated significantly due to heavy traffic. Staff noted that the city has previously attempted surface repairs, but the underlying damage requires a more comprehensive reconstruction funded in part by the Kansas Department of Transportation.
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