City recovers $1.76 million after major bank fraud incident

Pittsburg selects GN Bank as new municipal banking provider

Structural damage spikes downtown building roof costs by $169,000

Commission approves $35,000 for PSU economic research amid debate

Municipal court costs increased to $100

Neighborhood Advisory Council highlights cleanup efforts in annual report

City recovers $1.76 million after major bank fraud incident

PITTSBURG, Kan. — City officials revealed that Pittsburg was recently the victim of a sophisticated phishing scheme resulting in a $1,760,490 fraudulent automated clearing house (ACH) transfer. The funds, intended for Crossland Construction for a wastewater treatment plant project, were intercepted when fraudulent actors posed as the vendor via email. City Manager Daron Hall and Finance Director Missy Scott reported that through swift action alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), banking institutions and the city's insurance, 97 percent of the funds were frozen and recouped, with insurance covering the remainder to prevent any taxpayer loss. In response, the city has halted all ACH transfers over $100,000 and is implementing new "positive pay" banking verification software to prevent future fraud.

Pittsburg selects GN Bank as new municipal banking provider

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The city is officially transitioning its banking services to the locally owned GN Bank following operational adjustments in the local market by BMO Harris Bank. Staff issued a request for proposals and received five local bids, ultimately narrowing the choices to GN Bank, Commerce Bank and Community National Bank & Trust. GN Bank was awarded the contract because it agreed to waive all banking fees, regularly offers competitive certificate of deposit (CD) rates and maintains its treasury management services locally in Crawford County rather than in a larger metropolitan area.

Structural damage spikes downtown building roof costs by $169,000

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The city commission approved a $169,720 change order for the roof replacement at the city-owned property at 616 N. Broadway, bringing the total roofing contract to $296,784. City staff explained that after Ridgeline Roofing stripped the old roof, they discovered significant sagging and deterioration in the 100-year-old building's trusses, requiring a complete demolition and replacement of the structural supports. The city's total investment in the property now sits at roughly $645,996, which includes a $210,000 private donation. Officials hope to sell the structurally sound, 25,000-square-foot space for at least $435,000 to recoup the remaining taxpayer investment and return the historic building to the tax rolls.

Commission approves $35,000 for PSU economic research amid debate

PITTSBURG, Kan. — In a split decision, the commission voted to maintain its partnership with Pittsburg State University's Kelce College of Business, allocating $35,000 to fund a quarterly economic research profile. The motion faced pushback from one commissioner who surveyed approximately 35 local businesses and found many did not utilize the quarterly reports, suggesting a shift to biannual publications to save taxpayer money. However, Mayor Stu Hite and city staff strongly defended the publication as a vital marketing and recruitment tool that provides high-level data to prospective manufacturers and banks. Officials claimed the data-driven approach has been a key factor in drawing nearly $1 billion in local economic development over the past decade.

Municipal court costs increased to $100

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The cost of doing business in Pittsburg's municipal court is going up following the commission's unanimous approval of a revised ordinance. The measure increases standard municipal court costs from approximately $75 to a flat $100. According to city staff, the roughly 35 percent increase was recommended by former City Prosecutor John G. Mazurek after a review of surrounding communities revealed that Pittsburg's fees had not been adjusted in decades and were lagging behind other cities with similar caseloads.

Neighborhood Advisory Council highlights cleanup efforts in annual report

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Marnie Schipper, chairperson of the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC), presented the group's annual report, detailing a busy year of community revitalization and cleanup projects. Established in 2023, the volunteer board highlighted its coordination with Pittsburg State University's "The Big Event" to assist 12 homes, as well as partnerships with local churches and codes enforcement to help residents with yard maintenance. Schipper announced the upcoming launch of a reservable NAC tool trailer to assist neighborhoods with future cleanups and noted that the board is currently seeking volunteers to fill two vacancies in the city's northwest and southwest quadrants.

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