Winfield local news summary
Week of January 10 2025
Commission approves addendum to city manager's contract
2025 budget amended following public hearing
City authorizes use of American Rescue Plan funds
Electrical upgrades authorized for steam power plant
Engineering firm hired for gas turbine noise reduction
Agreement approved for KDOT road resurfacing projects
Wilt appointed to Strother Field Commission amidst oversight concerns
Commissioners to oppose new Evergy transmission line
County renews tax foreclosure legal contract
Board debates bringing road striping services in-house
Federal grant denied for Dexter intersection realignment
County approves $78,000 environmental study for bridge projects
Extension agent highlights prison garden program success
Commission approves addendum to city manager's contract
WINFIELD, Kan. - Following an executive session regarding nonelected personnel, the Winfield City Commission voted unanimously to approve Addendum No. 5 to City Manager Taggart Wall's employment contract. The commission entered into the executive session for an initial period and extended it by five minutes to invite Wall into the discussion. The terms of the addendum were not detailed in the meeting minutes, but the motion was made by Commissioner Gregory Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Brenda Butters.
2025 budget amended following public hearing
WINFIELD, Kan. - The commission adopted an ordinance amending the annual budget for the City of Winfield for the year ending Dec. 31, 2025. Mayor Ronald E. Hutto opened a public hearing regarding the amendments, where City Manager Taggart Wall provided comments. With no members of the public present to speak on the matter, the hearing was closed and the commission voted unanimously to adopt the new budget figures.
City authorizes use of American Rescue Plan funds
WINFIELD, Kan. - Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing an amendment to the Capital Improvement Program to utilize Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. City Manager Taggart Wall explained that the measure allows for the allocation of funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. The move formally integrates these federal relief funds into the city's capital planning.
Electrical upgrades authorized for steam power plant
WINFIELD, Kan. - The commission approved an agreement with Young Electric, Inc. of Wichita for the installation of electrical transformer equipment at the East 12th Avenue Power Plant. City Manager Taggart Wall noted that the resolution authorizes the necessary installation work at the facility. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Engineering firm hired for gas turbine noise reduction
WINFIELD, Kan. - Commissioners voted to sign an agreement with Burns & McDonnell of Kansas City, Missouri, for professional services related to the West 14th Avenue gas turbine. The agreement covers an engineering review for exhaust and silencer upgrades at the power generation facility. City Manager Taggart Wall explained that the project addresses necessary upgrades to the turbine infrastructure.
Agreement approved for KDOT road resurfacing projects
WINFIELD, Kan. - The commission voted to execute a supplemental agreement with the Kansas Department of Transportation for the Connecting Links Improvement Program resurfacing project. Director of Public Improvements Patrick Steward explained that the measure combines two projects on U.S. 77 and U.S. 160 into a single effort with associated planning and funding. The resolution was adopted unanimously.
Wilt appointed to Strother Field Commission amidst oversight concerns
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioner Wayne Wilt was reappointed to the Strother Field Commission for a one-year term following a debate regarding the county's lack of influence over the industrial park's budget and operations. Wilt initially expressed reluctance to serve again, citing frustration that the county provides financial support but has little voice compared to the cities of Arkansas City and Winfield. He ultimately agreed to the appointment with the intent of working with new board members to improve county representation and oversight.
Commissioners to oppose new Evergy transmission line
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - The Cowley County Commission agreed to draft a letter of opposition regarding a proposed Buffalo Flats-Delaware 345 kV transmission line by Evergy Kansas Central Inc. Administrator Lucas Goff informed the board that while the county lacks legal authority to supersede the Kansas Corporation Commission on the matter, they can submit public comments. Commissioners and residents expressed concerns regarding the line's lack of tax benefit to the county, potential interference with hospital equipment and airport runways, and the use of private land rights. The board plans to submit the letter and intervene in the KCC docket prior to an upcoming meeting.
County renews tax foreclosure legal contract
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - The board approved a contract with Kelly Law LLC to handle the 2026 tax foreclosure sales. The agreement includes new provisions regarding timeline expectations to ensure the process moves efficiently. During the discussion, commissioners and Administrator Lucas Goff explored potential policy changes to prevent delinquent taxpayers from paying only the most recent taxes to avoid foreclosure while leaving older debts unpaid. Staff will research the legality of requiring taxpayers to pay the oldest delinquent taxes first.
Board debates bringing road striping services in-house
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - Commissioners directed county staff to investigate the cost of refurbishing county-owned equipment to resume painting pavement markings in-house rather than using private contractors. Vice Chairman Jim Maxwell and Commissioner Alan Groom expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of recent contract work, citing lines painted off-center. The board discussed lowering the traffic threshold for striping to roads with 200 average daily traffic to ensure more rural roads are marked. Staff will present a cost analysis for equipment upgrades versus contracting services later this quarter.
Federal grant denied for Dexter intersection realignment
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - County Administrator Lucas Goff informed the board that the U.S. Department of Transportation denied the county's application for a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant. The funding was intended to realign the "Dexter Y" intersection involving Kansas Highway 15 and 162nd Road, which officials identified as a high-risk area due to increased commercial traffic. Goff stated the county would retain the traffic study data and continue seeking funding sources to address safety concerns at the intersection.
County approves $78,000 environmental study for bridge projects
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - The commission voted 3-0 to approve a contract addendum with Kirkham Michael for a National Environmental Policy Act study required for the Bridge Investment Program. The study, which includes archaeological reviews for 15 bridges, will cost $5,200 per bridge, totaling $78,000. This addition brings the total project cost to $908,200. While commissioners expressed frustration with the federal requirements and added expense, they acknowledged the study is a mandatory prerequisite for receiving federal grant funding for the infrastructure improvements.
Extension agent highlights prison garden program success
COWLEY COUNTY, Kan. - Becky Bedwell of the K-State Research and Extension office reported on the success of the Master Gardener program at the Winfield Correctional Facility. Approximately 25 inmates are currently participating in a garden club and educational training, growing produce that is donated to the Winfield Food Pantry and community meals. The program, supported by a Hunger-Free Kansas grant, has recently added a greenhouse and hydroponic equipment to provide vocational skills to participants.
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