Pittsburg City Commission Summary
Week of June 24, 2026
City recoups more than 97 percent of funds in $1.76 million bank fraud case
County officials present property valuation process ahead of budget season
Commission approves grants and contracts for airport runway rehabilitation
Airport layout plan update approved to explore future expansion
Contract awarded for US-69 mill and overlay project
City approves land sale for downtown business expansion
Inaugural '620 Day' draws thousands to Pritchett Pavilion
City plans downtown events as Little Balkans scales back
Amended tree replacement resolution passes after funding concerns
City recoups more than 97 percent of funds in $1.76 million bank fraud case
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The city commission amended its previous meeting minutes to clarify the financial aftermath of a recent bank fraud incident that targeted the city. While the original minutes stated the city recovered all funds, officials clarified that unidentified individuals initially stole $1.76 million. Through the swift response of city staff and police freezing accounts, $1.49 million was directly recovered. An insurance policy covered the remaining $264,000 gap, minus a final deductible of $35,495. Ultimately, the city successfully recouped more than 97 percent of the stolen taxpayer money.
County officials present property valuation process ahead of budget season
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Kan. — Crawford County Clerk Lisa Lusker and County Appraiser Zach Edwards briefed the city commission on the property valuation process and revenue-neutral rates as the city prepares to build its upcoming budget. Edwards noted that local assessed property valuations saw an average, market-driven increase of 3 percent this year. Lusker confirmed that a $15 million valuation for Ascension Via Christi was backed out of the county's calculations to prevent budget skewing, as the facility is currently undergoing the state process to become officially tax-exempt.
Commission approves grants and contracts for airport runway rehabilitation
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The city commission approved applications for a Federal Aviation Administration grant and subsequent contracts to rehabilitate Runway 17/35 and a turnaround at Atkinson Municipal Airport. The $655,500 grant will cover 95 percent of the project costs, including a $498,486 construction contract awarded to an undisclosed contractor. Construction will require shutting down the primary runway for nearly a month, though officials noted that work will not begin until next summer, allowing ample time to notify local jet operators.
Airport layout plan update approved to explore future expansion
PITTSBURG, Kan. — In a separate airport-related action, the city commission authorized a $90,000 work order with engineering firm Olsson Inc. to update the Atkinson Municipal Airport layout plan. Funded 90 percent by a Kansas Department of Transportation grant, the study will explore potential long-term development — including future hangars and required infrastructure — on a plot of land west of the crosswind runway. The project will also include an environmental and archaeological assessment to clear hurdles for future federal funding opportunities.
Contract awarded for US-69 mill and overlay project
PITTSBURG, Kan. — The city commission awarded a $490,777 contract to Emery Sapp and Sons for a mill and overlay repaving project on U.S. Route 69. Funded primarily by a $400,000 Kansas Department of Transportation City Connecting Link Improvement Program grant, the project will repave sections of the highway from Fourth to 20th streets, as well as north of Atkinson Municipal Airport to the city limits. Construction is anticipated to begin in September.
City approves land sale for downtown business expansion
PITTSBURG, Kan. — Furthering downtown revitalization efforts, the city commission approved the sale of a city-owned parcel at 2nd Street and North Elm for $17,000 to CDL Electric. The property will be paved and converted into an employee parking lot for an adjacent manufacturing expansion. A project representative noted the company's expansion has already brought more than 100 jobs to the headquarters, and the new lot will significantly improve a currently vacant, unpaved area.
Inaugural '620 Day' draws thousands to Pritchett Pavilion
PITTSBURG, Kan. — City leaders touted the success of the inaugural "620 Day" celebration held over the weekend at Pritchett Pavilion. According to city staff, the event drew an estimated crowd of well over 3,000 people and featured more than 60 vendors, live music from country band Eastern Heights, and coordination across multiple city departments including police, fire and parks. Officials noted the community response was overwhelmingly positive, establishing a strong foundation for future city celebrations.
City plans downtown events as Little Balkans scales back
PITTSBURG, Kan. — During the 620 Day recap, city officials addressed community concerns regarding the scaling back of the traditional Little Balkans Days festival. To ensure residents still have an opportunity to celebrate, the city announced plans to host a downtown street dance featuring a DJ on the Friday night of Little Balkans weekend. Additional events, including a golf tournament and pickleball activities hosted by the city parks and recreation department, are also in the works.
Amended tree replacement resolution passes after funding concerns
PITTSBURG, Kan. — After substantial debate over potential taxpayer burdens, the city commission passed an amended resolution supporting the replacement of trees removed by the city. Originally drafted by the Sustainability Advisory Committee to mandate replacement within 12 months, the city commission softened the language to state the city "supports" replacement to avoid an unfunded financial mandate. Committee members noted the resolution is a step toward regaining Pittsburg's "Tree City" status and proposed establishing a city-owned tree farm at Four Oaks Golf Course to minimize future costs.
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