New council member appointed to fill council vacancy

Council adopts new compensation plan to address wage compression

City manager warns of potential revenue loss from state legislation

City writes off $83,000 in uncollected utility debt

Emergency declaration issued amid avian flu concerns

Board to review IT director salary amid staffing challenges

County receives $8,800 insurance rebate

Board unanimously approves tax abatement orders

New council member appointed to fill council vacancy

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The Wellington City Council appointed Jerry Elmore Jr. to the governing body Tuesday following a unanimous 5-0 vote to fill the seat vacated by Michael Soetaert. Elmore, selected from a pool of two applicants that also included Joseph Grant Hobbs, was immediately sworn in and took his seat at the dais to participate in the remainder of the meeting. The new council member joined his colleagues in approving a revised compensation plan for city employees and issuing a local emergency declaration regarding avian influenza.

Council adopts new compensation plan to address wage compression

WELLINGTON, Kan. — Seeking to improve employee retention and correct pay disparities, the City Council voted unanimously to implement "Option A" of a wage study conducted by The Arnold Group. The plan, which carries an estimated price tag of $450,000, provides a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment and restructures pay scales to mitigate wage compression issues. City Manager Jeff Porter told the council that the 2026 budget already accounts for the increase, allocating approximately 4 percent of the total payroll for these adjustments to avoid an immediate tax hike.

City manager warns of potential revenue loss from state legislation

WELLINGTON, Kan. — City officials are raising alarms over House Bill 2575, pending state legislation that would eliminate property taxes on personal use motor vehicles. City Manager Jeff Porter warned the council during a study session that the bill's passage could slash municipal revenue by nearly $200,000 annually, equivalent to a loss of four to five mills in property tax funding. Porter advised the governing body to closely track the bill, noting that such a shortfall would significantly affect the general fund as well as budgets for the public library and public safety departments.

City writes off $83,000 in uncollected utility debt

WELLINGTON, Kan. — The City Council authorized the write-off of $83,520.81 in uncollected utility accounts from 2024 following a recommendation from the city auditor. City Clerk Heidi Theurer reported that while the figure represents only 0.77 percent of the more than $10.8 million billed last year, clearing the debt from current accounts receivable ensures financial statements remain accurate. Theurer noted that writing off the debt does not forgive it, and any former customers attempting to reconnect service must first pay their outstanding balances in full.

Emergency declaration issued amid avian flu concerns

WELLINGTON, Kan. — In response to potential avian influenza risks, the council adopted Resolution 6423 to declare a local state of emergency. City Manager Jeff Porter stated that the declaration allows the city to request state assistance and expertise, which is critical given the municipality's lack of a staff epidemiologist. The move aligns with the recent closure of Woods Park, a measure taken to limit the spread of the virus among waterfowl and reduce the risk of transmission to residents and pets.

Board to review IT director salary amid staffing challenges

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. — Information Technology Director Joe Buresh provided the Sumner County Board of County Commissioners with departmental updates, noting ongoing challenges regarding staffing levels. Following a discussion on the department's status, the Board decided to review the salary of the director.

County receives $8,800 insurance rebate

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. — Dave Hickman of the Health Insurance Cooperative Agency presented the Sumner County Board of County Commissioners with a check for $8,804.62. The funds serve as a ScriptSourcing rebate for the county's health insurance program.

Board unanimously approves tax abatement orders

SUMNER COUNTY, Kan. — The Sumner County Board of County Commissioners reviewed and unanimously approved current-year tax abatement orders totaling $8,799.30. Abatement orders generally address corrections to the tax roll, such as overpayments or adjustments to property valuations.

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