ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The Liberal City Commission will have a full agenda on its hands for its next meeting this evening starting at 5:30. This evening’s meeting will be in the commission chambers at the Liberal Recreation Center at 950 S. Grant Ave.
Up first for the commission will be discussion of the budget, beginning with a public hearing.
“The City's 2027 Notice of Budget Hearing was published in the High Plains Daily Leader and Times Sept. 3, and contains a proposed total budget amount of $69,366,550, a mill levy dollar amount of $9,270,919, and an estimated mill levy of 53.392 mills, based upon the July 1, 2026 estimated valuation,” the agenda information noted. “On Nov. 1, the final assessed valuation will be determined, for which the number of mills necessary to fund our dollar request is subject to change; however, the levied dollars will not change. The City of Liberal will exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate for 2027. As always, we wish to express our appreciation to the Liberal City Commission and all city staff, from employees to department heads, who are to be commended for their continual efforts to maintain the quality and level of services that they provide to our citizens at the lowest possible cost.”
Up next on the agenda will be discussion of Resolution No. 2463 concerning the authorization of a Kansas Tourism Grant application.
“The Kansas Tourism Department’s Attraction Development Grant provides financial assistance for the enhancement of sustainable, market-driven travel experiences in Kansas with the goal of attracting new visitors, influencing travel decisions, and generating economic benefits through new jobs, capital investment, increased revenue, and higher visitation,” the agenda information noted. “Our proposed project, if awarded, would establish an open-access ‘Aviation Playground’ outside the Mid-America Air Museum. The proposed project includes a large airplane-themed playground set, playground turf, pole-mounted solar lighting, fencing, and benches. Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2463, authorizing application submission for the Kansas Tourism Department’s Attraction Development Grant and allowing the mayor, city manager, and grant administrator to execute grant documents.”
The commission will also be discussing Resolution No. 2465 concerning a Kansas Water Office Grant application.
“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,” the agenda information noted. “The 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. Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 2465, supporting the application of a Kansas Water Office Grant, and allowing the mayor, city manager, and grant director to execute grant documents.”
The Liberal Fire Department will also be on hand with a request for the purchase of new protective equipment.
“The Liberal Fire Department is seeking approval to purchase five sets of turnout coats and bunker pants. This is a regular budgeted item in our equipment replacement program,” the agenda information noted. “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 & emergency response, or other unforeseen circumstances. 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. City staff requests consideration to purchase five sets of protective clothing from MES in the amount of $16,664.85, with funding coming from the Protective Gear & Equipment line item within the fire department's general budget.”
The commission will also hear a request from the Convention & Tourism Bureau.
“The 2026 Budget included replacing all the current flooring in the Tourist Information Center with vinyl tile. The flooring is currently carpet in the gift shop and offices, with linoleum in the bathrooms,” the agenda information noted. “This will create a more cohesive look with the same flooring throughout the building, as well as replacing flooring over 15 years old. We received bids from Brown's Furniture, Flooring America & Furniture Outlet, and Scantlin's. Staff recommends accepting the bid from Brown's Furniture in an amount not to exceed $12,750.00 funded from the Convention & Tourism Budget.”
The Recreation Department will also be on hand to discuss the replacement of the scoreboard at the National Beef Family Sports Complex.
“City staff has experienced ongoing issues with the scoreboards at the National Beef Sports Complex over the past several years, including unreliable wireless connections, aging equipment, and costly controller replacements,” the agenda information noted. “In some instances, the cost of replacing a controller is comparable to the cost of purchasing a new scoreboard. Continuing to invest in repairs to aging equipment is therefore becoming increasingly costly and less practical. To address these ongoing issues, Staff recommends replacing the four existing scoreboards with new equipment. Replacing the scoreboards would provide a more reliable, cost-effective long-term solution while reducing the likelihood of ongoing maintenance expenses and equipment failures. Staff recommends purchasing four Nevco Model 1650 scoreboards at a total cost of $15,194.09, with funding to come from the Recreation Department Gifts and Donations Fund.”
To close the meeting, the commission will be discussing an amendment to its renewal with Placer.ai and City Connecting Link agreements with the Kansas Department of Transportation.
