Fort Scott, KS

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a public hearing on a resolution to direct repair or removal of an allegedly unsafe structure at 1403 E. Oak. They will also consider several consent agenda items, including a $2.74 million appropriation ordinance and payments for the Davis Lift Station project, plus revisit contractor licensing and code amendments. Appearances include a wildlife parks grant, walk-in hunting contracts, and a solar proposal.

• Appropriation Ordinance 1414-A: $2,739,846.79 for expenses July 29-Aug 12, 2026
• Payment to Earles Engineering & Inspection, LLC: $16,491.64 for Davis Lift Station
• Payment to Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc.: $159,305.50 for Davis Lift Station
• Public hearing on Resolution 32-2026 for unsafe structure at 1403 E. Oak
• Consideration to accept donation of land

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a public hearing on a resolution to repair or remove an unsafe structure at 1403 E. Oak, consider accepting a land donation, and revisit contractor licensing and liquor code amendments from the August 4 meeting. The consent agenda includes $2.74 million in appropriations and payments for the Davis Lift Station project. The meeting also includes presentations on a wildlife parks grant, walk-in hunting contracts, and a solar proposal.

• Public hearing on Resolution No. 32-2026 for unsafe structure at 1403 E. Oak
• Consent agenda: $2,739,846.79 appropriation ordinance and $175,797.14 in Davis Lift Station payments
• Revisit contractor license requirement and Municipal Code Chapter 5.08 amendment
• Consider accepting donation of land
• Executive session on housing development

ITEMS NOT IN AGENDA PACKET

The Fort Scott City Commission is reviewing final reports from seven businesses that received Small Business Grants in 2025. The reports document how grant funds were spent and describe results such as increased visibility, patient visits, and property improvements. This is a review of completed projects, not a new funding decision.

• Clifton Chiropractic received $3,000 for a new exterior sign; reports 13.9% April and 9.8% May patient visit increases
• Hercules Hobby received $5,000 for technology, showcases, arcade game, and inventory; owner asks about applying again
• H. Witt Fabrication received $5,000 for a welding table
• Whitetail Resurrection received $5,000 for taxidermy equipment and supplies
• Sawyer Automotive received $10,000 for garage door and roof repairs on Wall Street; sold 25 vehicles generating nearly $60,000 gross sales

ITEMS NOT IN AGENDA PACKET

This agenda item is a presentation by Care to Share, a local 501c3 charity, to the Fort Scott city body. It reports on the organization's 2026 activities, including over $72,000 paid out in assistance, 125+ cancer fighters helped, and over 17,000 miles driven. The presentation also highlights the organization's community impact, such as the Sharing Bucket program and use of the Community Stage.

• Over $72,000 paid in assistance from Jan 1 - Jun 30, 2026, averaging $12,000/month, up 50%
• 125+ cancer fighters helped in 2026, including 90 in Bourbon County, 23 in Crawford, 12 in Linn
• Over $15,000 in Bourbon County sales tax paid in the last 3 years
• FortFest25 had over 2,500 distinct visitors, average stay 151 minutes
• Over 20 Community Stage uses since 2025, mostly no-charge to small charities; $70,000 asset

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a regular meeting on August 4, 2026, addressing a range of items including a tabled electric franchise ordinance for Evergy, approval of consent agenda items, and discussions on alcohol code amendments, contractor licensing, and a land bank ordinance. The meeting also includes public comment, an executive session, and several financial approvals.

• Ordinance No. 3800 granting Evergy Kansas South an electric franchise (tabled from July 7)
• Appropriation Ordinance 1413-A: $860,430.86 for payments July 15-28, 2026
• Tabled consent agenda includes $442,389.03 appropriation and multiple invoices (Earles Engineering, Stifel)
• Discussion to amend Municipal Code chapters on alcoholic liquor, cereal malt beverages, and beer gardens
• Consideration of bids for $2,000,000 CD investment for 12 months

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will consider several tabled items, including an electric franchise ordinance for Evergy Kansas South, approval of the July 7 consent agenda with $442,389.03 in expenses, and a $2,000,000 certificate of deposit investment. They will also discuss amending alcohol-related municipal codes, contractor licensing, and a land bank ordinance. Public comment and presentations on a child services center proposal and small business grant update are scheduled.

• Ordinance No. 3800 granting Evergy Kansas South an electric franchise
• Approve consent agenda of July 7, 2026 including $442,389.03 in expenses
• Consider bids for $2,000,000 12-month certificate of deposit investment
• Discussion to amend Municipal Code Chapters 5.08, 5.12, 5.14 (alcohol, cereal malt beverages, beer gardens)
• Request to pay Gilmore Bell $11,500 for Davis Lift Station services

Agendas

The City of Fort Scott is developing its 2027 budget, with work sessions scheduled for July 21 and August 18, and a public hearing and adoption on September 15. The proposed budget maintains the current 35.023 mill levy, uses $500,000 from lake lot sales to reduce debt, and holds two police and one fire position vacant to balance the General Fund. It also includes a 3% wage adjustment and absorbs a 15% health insurance increase.

• Maintains 35.023 mill levy
• Applies $500,000 lake lot sale proceeds to debt reduction
• Holds 2 Police and 1 Fire position vacant
• Funds 3% wage adjustment and absorbs 15% health insurance increase
• General Fund improves from $231K deficit to $40K surplus

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission is holding its regular meeting on July 21, 2026. The agenda includes approval of a consent agenda with appropriations totaling over $1.1 million, and new business items such as a franchise ordinance for Evergy, a $2 million certificate of deposit investment, and a mower purchase for the golf course.

• Appropriation Ordinance 1412-A: $1,112,893.00 in expenses
• Ordinance No. 3800: granting Evergy Kansas South an electric franchise
• Bids for $2,000,000.00 12-month CD investment
• Purchase Ventrac Mower for Golf Course - $31,000.00
• Letter of interest to fill Library Board vacancy

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will meet to consider an amended agenda including a consent agenda with a $1,112,893 expense report, a franchise agreement with Evergy, a $2,000,000 investment in certificates of deposit, a request for a new mower, and a discussion about the rodeo. The meeting also includes public comment and reports.

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission is holding its regular meeting to consider several action items, including a new electric franchise ordinance for Evergy Kansas South, a resolution for an issue at 118 E. Wall, and a discussion of the rodeo arena. The consent agenda includes approval of a $1,112,893 appropriation ordinance and several payments for engineering and financial services. The meeting also includes public comment and reports.

• Appropriation Ordinance 1412-A for $1,112,893.00
• Payment to Earles Engineering for Davis Lift Station ($6,799.35)
• Payment to Earles Engineering for E. National Phase I design ($13,800.00)
• Payment to Stifel for financial advisory on Davis Lift Street Project ($16,250.00)
• Consideration of bids for $2,000,000 CD investment for 12 months

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold its regular meeting on July 21, 2026, at 6:00 PM at City Hall, 123 S. Main Street. The Commission will consider approving an expense report totaling $1,122,335.35, including payments to Earles Engineering and Evergy-related items, and will discuss a proposed franchise agreement with Evergy Kansas South for electric utility services. The agenda also includes a discussion to resolve issues related to a property at 118 E. Wall, a request to fill a vacancy on the Library Board, and a report on the city's financial position.

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission is holding a special meeting that begins with a tour at 810 S. Burke before reconvening at City Hall. They will consider a Continuum of Care Grant and the purchase of a 2018 Rammer Hammer 1655 for $18,500.

• Tour of 810 S. Burke
• Consideration of Continuum of Care Grant
• Purchase of 2018 Rammer Hammer 1655 for $18,500.00

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a special meeting on July 13, 2026, beginning with a tour at 810 S. Main Street. The commission will consider authorizing submission of a FY2026 Continuum of Care grant application for the BridgePoint Community project, which requests approximately $1.575 million in federal funding to renovate a building into a transitional housing facility. The commission will also consider the purchase of a 2018 Rammer 1655 attachment for $18,500.00.

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold its regular meeting on July 7, 2026, addressing a property tax levy resolution, an electric franchise ordinance for Evergy, and multiple public hearings on unsafe structures. The agenda also includes consent items, a request for assistance from a local business, and a proposal for a boat dock.

• Resolution No. 30-2026 to levy property tax rate exceeding revenue neutral rate
• Ordinance No. 3800 granting Evergy Kansas South an electric franchise
• Public hearings on unsafe structures at 1701 E. Wall, 723 W. 5th, 123 S. Wilson, 414 W. 4th
• Payment application No. 5 to Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking for $9,000 (Davis Lift Station)
• Proposal for enclosed boat dock for Lake Patrol

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will meet to consider a property tax rate resolution (No. 30-2026), an electric franchise agreement with Evergy, and public hearings on four unsafe structures. The agenda also includes a request from a local business (Holmes/Holty LLC) and a report from the Kansas Department of Transportation engineer. The commission will also approve an appropriation ordinance totaling $830,574.94 for expenses paid between June 10 and June 30, 2026.

ITEMS NOT IN AGENDA PACKET

The City Commission is being asked to authorize submission of a FY2026 Continuum of Care grant application to HUD for approximately $1,575,000 to fund BridgePoint Community, a proposed transitional housing and supportive services initiative at 23rd Street in Fort Scott. The project would renovate an existing building to provide temporary housing and case management for homeless individuals and families. Approval of the application does not commit the city to accepting funds; any future grant award would require separate Commission review.

• Authorization to submit FY2026 CoC grant application for $1,575,000
• Proposed transitional housing at 23rd Street, Fort Scott
• Estimated local match of $393,750 (25%)
• Match sources include $200,000 donated building equity, $30,000 donated furniture, $150,000 in-kind salary
• Full application due July 17, 2026; award announcement expected December 2026

ITEMS NOT IN AGENDA PACKET

The Fort Scott City Commission is discussing a proposed 9-day fireworks discharge window. The agenda includes an economic impact analysis showing no consistent increase in local sales tax revenue during fireworks months, and a public health analysis detailing risks to air quality, hearing, veterans, infants, and pets. The commission will weigh these findings in deciding whether to adopt the extended window.

• Economic analysis: June and July sales tax receipts fell below May in 8 of 12 years (2014–2025), with the city retaining only 1.5 cents per taxable dollar.
• Public health analysis: 9 consecutive nights of fireworks would create sustained PM2.5 spikes, noise above 150 dB, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations.
• Veterans and PTSD: VA guidance warns against fireworks discharge on days surrounding the holiday; a 2025 PTSD UK survey found over 90% of respondents affected.
• Animal welfare: July 5 is the single busiest shelter intake day nationally, with a 30–60% spike in lost pets July 4–6.
• Injury data: CPSC reports 9,700 ED visits from fireworks, 66% occurring June 16–July 16, with 76% caused by legal consumer devices.

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will consider approving a $795,782.34 appropriation ordinance, award the sale of Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes, and vote on several ordinances including zoning changes for accessory structures and shipping containers, and Gunn Park camping regulations. They will also consider small business grants, liquor license amendments, and various payment requests.

• Appropriation Ordinance 1410-A: $795,782.34 for expenses May 28–June 9, 2026
• Award sale of Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes and approve Note Resolution No. 25-2026
• Ordinance No. 3797: amend zoning regulations for accessory structures and intermodal shipping containers
• Ordinance No. 3799: further define Gunn Park camping regulations regarding 14-day permit
• 2nd Quarter Small Business Grants to K & K Properties (113 S. National) and M&K Carwash (723 E. Wall)

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will consider approving a $795,782.34 expense report, awarding the sale of Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes, and amending zoning regulations for accessory structures and shipping containers. They will also discuss a franchise fee update from Evergy, a film initiative, and several payment requests for construction projects.

• Approve Appropriation Ordinance 1410-A for $795,782.34 in expenses
• Award sale of Series 2026-1 Temporary Notes and approve Note Resolution No. 25-2026
• Consider Ordinance No. 3797 amending zoning for accessory structures and intermodal shipping containers
• Consider Ordinance No. 3799 to further define Gunn Park camping regulations (14-day permit)
• Award 2nd Quarter Small Business Grants to K & K Properties and M&K Carwash

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will consider awarding a bid for the airport runway lighting system replacement and approve a letter agreement for the project. The commission will also consider resolutions regarding unsafe structures at four properties and discuss camping regulations in Gunn Park. The consent agenda includes a $13,000 payment to JCM Restoration for retaining wall repairs and a $1,040 payment to Bourbon County Jail for prisoner housing.

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will consider awarding a bid for replacing the taxiway edge lighting system at the municipal airport, along with related design agreement amendments. They will also take up resolutions for hearings on several allegedly unsafe structures and discuss camping regulations at Gunn Park. The agenda includes consent items such as an appropriation ordinance and various licenses.

• Appropriation Ordinance 1409-A for $487,980.60 covering payments from May 14-27, 2026
• Bid award for FSK taxiway edge lighting replacement (KAIP Project AV-2026-16)
• Resolutions for unsafe structure hearings at 1701 E. Wall, 723 W. 5th, 123 S. Wilson, 414 W. 4th, and 18 S. Holbrook
• Resolution No. 6-2026 on unsafe structure at 1403 E. Oak (tabled since Nov. 2025)
• Gunn Park camping regulations regarding 14-day permit in Ordinance No. 3606

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission will hold a regular meeting on May 19, 2026, at City Hall. The commission will consider approving a $15,000+ expense report, a liquor license renewal, and a public hearing to vacate a portion of an alley. Action items include purchasing a sewer repair part, a new police evidence software contract, and bids for new police vehicles.

ITEMS NOT IN AGENDA PACKET

This agenda item is a report from the Public Works Department, not a decision or public hearing. It highlights that the department is at full staff and outlines upcoming street, water, parks, and airport projects, including concrete work prioritized over asphalt due to oil prices.

• National/Wall Intersection concrete work
• Westbury Lane road repairs (concrete)
• 9th Street between Main and State Street concrete work
• Cape Seal Program 2026 with contractor start projected July to August
• 7th Street water line replacement

Agendas

The Fort Scott City Commission is holding a regular meeting with a consent agenda, an executive session on IT, public comment, and several action items. New business includes a public hearing on vacating a portion of an alley and decisions on purchasing a sewer repair system, expanding police evidence software, leasing police vehicles, and paying a contractor for the Davis Lift Station.

• Public hearing: vacate portion of alley, petitioner Dennis Shawn Daugherty/Daugherty Enterprises LLC
• Purchase Quick Lock Point Repair System for sanitary sewer from Key Equipment - $15,023.64
• Expand agreement with Omnigo Qtel Digital Evidence and Case Management Module - $39,364.00
• Bids for lease-to-purchase of 6 police vehicles
• Pay application No. 3 to Jeff Asbell Excavating & Trucking, Inc. for Davis Lift Station - $187,166.14