Commissioners pledge to lower 2027 mill rate following budget error

Termite damage forces demolition of J.J. Richards Band Dome shell

County appraiser clarifies tax models for proposed solar farm

Commission scrutinizes tax status of crypto mining facility

Explanation offered for property valuation spikes following sales

Debate continues over trash cleanup on Highway 69

County road crews praised following winter storm

Commission approves purchase of new 911 dispatch consoles

Commissioners pledge to lower 2027 mill rate following budget error

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The Pittsburg City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to signal its intent to reduce the 2027 mill rate by 1.152 mills as a corrective measure for a calculation error in the 2026 budget process that City Manager Daron Hall stated cost taxpayers an additional $207,000 this year. While the vote is a nonbinding signal of intent until the formal budget hearings later this year, the commission agreed the reduction is necessary to return the excess tax revenue collected due to the valuation discrepancy.

Termite damage forces demolition of J.J. Richards Band Dome shell

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The J.J. Richards Band Dome at Lincoln Park will undergo a significant scope change after contractors discovered extensive termite damage in the facility's supporting arches, prompting the commission to approve a request from Public Works Director Matt Bacon to demolish the dome's shell and roof while preserving and weatherproofing the brick end-caps and stage area. The adjusted plan keeps the project within the original $243,700 budget funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and aims to have the stage functional for summer events.

County appraiser clarifies tax models for proposed solar farm

PITTSBURG, Kan. — County Appraiser Zach Edwards clarified tax valuation models for the proposed Shasta Power solar energy project, explaining that while he utilized equipment cost figures provided by the developer, local land models were applied to determine final valuations. Edwards noted that under current Kansas statutes, solar panels receive a 10-year tax exemption while battery storage units remain taxable, though he cautioned commissioners that legislative changes could alter these statuses before the project is completed.

Commission scrutinizes tax status of crypto mining facility

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Commissioners scrutinized the tax status of a cryptocurrency mining operation located at Atkinson Municipal Airport, specifically questioning Appraiser Zach Edwards about the shipping containers housing computer equipment. Edwards confirmed that while the computer equipment is tax-exempt, the shipping containers are currently treated as personal property and have not been added to the tax rolls, though his office is reviewing plans to reclassify the city-owned land beneath the facility to commercial status for the 2026 tax year.

Explanation offered for property valuation spikes following sales

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Addressing concerns about sharp increases in property valuations, Appraiser Zach Edwards explained that sales prices often trigger validation processes that reveal previously unknown improvements. Edwards noted that mass appraisal models do not automatically set values based on a single sale price, but rather the sales process frequently exposes unpermitted interior remodels which, once verified, upgrade the property's physical condition rating and result in a higher tax valuation.

Debate continues over trash cleanup on Highway 69

PITTSBURG, Kan. — Commissioners expressed frustration regarding persistent litter issues along Highway 69 near the county landfill, debating whether the cleanup should be the responsibility of the state or landfill operators rather than county taxpayers. Despite the disagreement over jurisdictional responsibility, the commission directed staff to monitor auctions for specialized equipment that could assist with the cleanup efforts.

County road crews praised following winter storm

PITTSBURG, Kan. — County road crews received praise for successfully maintaining roadways during the recent winter storm, with staff reporting no significant equipment failures or accidents despite sub-freezing temperatures. Department officials noted that salt supplies remain adequate and operations have returned to normal following the inclement weather, which resulted in only minor mechanical issues rather than expensive breakdowns.

Commission approves purchase of new 911 dispatch consoles

PITTSBURG, Kan. — The commission unanimously approved a lease-purchase agreement with Clayton Holdings for new communication and dispatch consoles at the Pittsburg Public Safety Center, securing a 3.86 percent interest rate over a 36-month term for a total of $132,179. Officials noted the purchase will be funded entirely through the 911 telephone tax fund rather than ad valorem property taxes, allowing for necessary software updates and better integration with emergency services.

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