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Minutes for SB7 - Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics
Short Title
Increasing the statutory limits on bonds issued by a township based on township population and purpose of the bond issuance.
Minutes Content for Tue, Jan 28, 2025
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on SB7. Charles Reimer, staff revisor, presented a briefing on the bill. (Attachment 6)
Senator Titus testified in support of SB7, noting his written testimony is jointly submitted with Representative Kyle McNorton who also represents Soldier Township in North Shawnee County. Senator Titus indicated Soldier Township is the largest township in the state and has provided fire services since 1937 as a township. Senator Titus noted Soldier Township is looking at a new fire department; they already own the land, but they're capped by statute at bonds of $2.1 million. Senator Titus indicated he and Representative McNorton structured the bill with tiered limits that are linked to population, assessed valuation, and would also require a vote of the public. (Attachment 7)
Senator Titus addressed questions from the Committee.
Representative McNorton spoke in support of SB7. Representative McNorton expressed the importance of their community to be able to get a new fire station. He further indicated it would be up to the citizens of Soldier Township to vote on it. No written testimony was provided.
Audree Guzman testified in support of SB7. Ms. Guzman noted Soldier Township is the largest township in Kansas by population and by assessed valuation. Ms. Guzman spoke about the tiered system indicating Kansas isn't a one-size fits all. Ms. Guzman indicated the township is outgrowing itself and needs something to help them to be able to serve the needs of the township. (Attachment 8)
Ms. Guzman and Representative McNorton addressed questions from the Committee.
Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on SB7.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:18 a.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for January 29, 2025.
