ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission certainly kept busy at its most recent meeting Tuesday evening.
The meeting began with a pair of proclamations, with the first one being for Constitution Week 2026.
“In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America, July 4, 1776,” Liberal Mayor Jeff Parsons read. “And WHEREAS, Sept. 17, 2026 marks the 239th anniversary of the ratification of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention; and WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper to officially recognize this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary; and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate the occasion; and WHEREAS, Public Law 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating Sept. 17 through 23 as Constitution Week. Therefore, I, Jeff Parsons, Mayor of the City of Liberal, do hereby proclaim Sept. 17 through 23, 2026 to be Constitution Week in Liberal, and ask our citizens to reaffirm the ideals the framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained.”
The next proclamation was to proclaim Direct Support Professional Recognition Week 2026 to recognize those who play a “vital role of direct support professionals in enhancing the lives and protecting the well-being of individuals with disabilities of all ages.”
The commission began the meeting’s new business by approving the 2027 budget and then an application for a Kansas Water Office grant.
“The Kansas Water Office Grant serves to help Kansas entities obtain the up-front technical assistance and the on-the-ground actions needed to address various water quantity and quality needs,” Grants Director Kristyn Reust said. “These funds are generally directed to supporting water-related infrastructure activities. These funds would specifically support our need for a Master Water Plan, which is written into the 2027 Budget.”
The commission also approved the purchase of protective gear for the Liberal Fire Department from MES in the amount of $16,664.85.
“Our intent is to keep our PPE on a seven- to 10-year replacement rotation. The number of sets needed can vary year to year due to staffing levels, damage or wear from training and emergency response, or other unforeseen circumstances,” Liberal Fire Chief Kelly Kirk said. “Lt. Tyler Kulow solicited multiple quotes from equipment vendors. Municipal Emergency Services (MES) bid FireDex brand gear and were the lowest bid. FireDex was the brand purchased last year, and it is beneficial for us to stay in the same brand of gear when possible due to turnover and re-issue of the protective clothing.”
The commission also approved a bid from Brown’s Furniture in an amount not to exceed $12,750 for the replacement of flooring at the Tourism Information Center and the purchase of four Nevco Model 1650 scoreboards at a total cost of $15,194.09 for National Beef Family Sports Complex. To conclude the meeting, the commission approved a Placer.ai amendment through the Seward County Development Corporation, with the City of Liberal paying the annual licensing fee of $19,278.00 as well as the most current City Connecting Link agreements with the Kansas Department of Transportation.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Watch for more details on the 2027 budget.
