City of Humboldt, Kansas

The City is trying to line up some summer entertainment at Square Park. Scheduled so far:
June 22nd – Del Shields and Friends, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
June 27th – Iola Municipal Band, 7 PM
July and August programs will be announced later.

If you would like to perform or know of someone else who would like to perform at the park this summer, please contact City Hall at (620) 473-3232.

STREET WORK IMPROVEMENTS CONTINUE

The City continues to work on street improvements during the summer. Some of the projects in process include:

• North 8th Street – Work continues to prepare the street to be widened with new asphalt to be laid. The new bridge construction has been completed, but the street from Amos to Franklin will be closed to through traffic through June and part of July. Additional work is to be completed north of Franklin to 9th street and east Franklin from 8th to 9th will also be widened.

• Streets South of Community Field House – Work is to begin soon to prepare 10th Street, Cherokee Street, New York Street and 11th Street west and south of the Community Field House, which will include rework, widening and asphalt overlays. Most of the project will be done during July, so be on the watch for barricades and closed streets.

• Chip and seal maintenance continues on South 8th Street from New York south to Mulberry, 2nd Street north from Bridge to the Historical Museum and the entrance into Mt. Hope cemetery. Allen County is helping with the project and work is to be completed during July.

The City appreciates your patience and cooperation as we complete these street improvements this summer. Be sure to slow down when approaching barricades or work equipment in these areas.

Also, remember to slow down and watch for children during the summer months. If you have any questions, contact City Hall at (620) 473-3232.

CITY OF HUMBOLDT EXPLORES BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM

With the help of the Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University, the City is conducting town forums to obtain input from local and area residents on views concerning development of new businesses in Allen and Neosho Counties.

These meetings will provide information to the City as it explores the possibilities of establishing a business incubator facility in Humboldt. Such a facility would provide space and management support services for startup businesses until they are able to move to a permanent facility located in Humboldt, Allen or Neosho Counties.

Statistics show that 8 out of 10 new businesses fail during the first 18 months. Business incubator programs are designed to support the new business with legal, financial, secretarial, computer and marketing and other services to help them through the critical stages of starting a successful business venture.

Business incubators have been conducted across the country assisting 27,000 successful startups, which now employ more than 100,000 workers and generate over $17 billion in new revenues.

The next town forum is scheduled for July 22nd from 2-4 PM at the Humboldt Library at 916 Bridge Street. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Larry Tucker, City Administrator, (620) 473-3232 or Kathryn Richard, Kansas Small Business Development Center at Pittsburg State University, (620) 235-4920.

HUMBOLDT MUNICIPAL POOL OPENING DATE MAY 26, 2008

In order to benefit the youth of USD #258 and fulfill one of the wishes of the Grace Rourk estate, the Schaneman-Rourk Charitable Account Committee will generously contribute matching funds to the City for season tickets sold for the 2008 Swimming Pool Season to USD #258 Residents only. Therefore, the City will be able to sell its season tickets for the 2008 season at one-half (1/2) their original prices.

The family ticket is sold for the use of ONE HOUSEHOLD FAMILY ONLY. No visitors, relation, household guests or children that you babysit. All tickets will be voided without refund if any misrepresentation is made for their use.

Swim Party Fee will be $50.00 for two hours. Contact the pool manager for dates. (Parties to be scheduled from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. ONLY). No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products are allowed on the premises.

ALL CHILDREN AGES 0-5 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT AT ALL TIMES.

POOL HOURS
1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
(WEATHER PERMITTING)

Season tickets may be purchased at Humboldt City Hall beginning May 19-23 weekdays 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Thereafter, tickets may be purchased at the pool.

Closing date of the pool will be announced at a later date.

FREE “Splash Day” – Monday, May 26th

CODE RED WEATHER ALERT AVAILABLE FOR ALLEN COUNTY CITIZENS

Allen County now has access to Code Red Weather Alert for all citizens that have a local telephone number. And you can even include your cell phone number.

If you would like to have advance warning of any severe storms, flood activity or ice storms in your work or home area, sign up today by going to www.allencounty.org.

Keep your business and family safe. Sign up for Code Red Weather Alert today. For more information, please see attached.

HUMBOLDT PROPERTY TAXES COMPETITIVE IN SE KANSAS
Southeast Kansas Property Taxes Per Household Income

Recent information provided by the Kansas League of Municipalities shows that the City of Humboldt property taxes per household (capita) income are competitive in Southeast Kansas.

Of twenty-six (26) area cities surveyed in Allen and surrounding counties, for the current tax year (2007), Humboldt ranks 11th with a cost per household of $67.03. There are ten other area cities that rank higher than Humboldt with the City of Pittsburg the highest with a cost per household of over $1,100. Other local cities surveyed include Chanute, $520.18 per household, Iola $292.79, Fredonia $109.09 and Yates center $75.50, see attached chart.

Per capita income is the average total income of all members in a household as determined by the United States census bureau.

Rural towns in Kansas can be good choices for new business and property owners when it comes to property taxes. Many of the same services are available, plus school districts offer quality education in smaller communities.

If you have questions, or need more information, contact the Humboldt City Hall at 620-473-3232.

click here for photos and a printable brochure

The Humboldt City Council has approved a special election for local registered voters to vote on a ¼ cent sales tax increase to fund improvements and maintenance of the City swimming pool complex. A mail ballot election will be done, with ballots to be sent out to all registered voters in May and must be returned by June 3rd. The question on the ballot:

“Shall a retailer’s sales tax in the amount of one-fourth of one percent (.25%) (in addition to the city’s current sales tax of one percent (1%) for a total of one and one-fourth percent (1.25%), be levied in the City of Humboldt, Kansas for the purpose of funding improvements and maintenance of the city swimming pool, such tax to take effect on the 1st day of October 2008?”

The proposed swimming pool improvements consist of the following:
• ADA accessible bathroom and shower
• Replacement of existing pump and circulation equipment
• Zero depth entry level pool addition
• Additional pool decking
• New water features.

The estimated cost to complete the improvements will be $437,650. The project is to be funded by grants, donations and an increase in the City sales tax.

A ¼ local sales tax increase will raise about $35,000 per year. This would allow the City to pay off general obligation bonds over the next 15 years plus provide money to continue swimming pool maintenance.

A ¼ cent increase in local sales tax would cost an average household less than 7 cents per day. Also, those living outside of Humboldt would help pay the sales tax as they make retail purchases in the City.

Park improvements are also a part of the project including picnic tables, playground equipment and a sand volleyball court south of the existing pool.

Construction on the project would start after the current pool season is over in September. The new improvements would be completed and ready for the 2009 pool season.

If you have any questions regarding the project, please contact City Hall at (620) 473-3232.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR HOMEBUYERS
IN HUMBOLDT AND ALLEN COUNTY

The State of Kansas is now offering financial assistance to income qualifying homebuyers in Humboldt and Allen County. Called, “Rebuilding Southeast Kansas,” the program provides financial assistance of up to $25,000 for down payments on new or existing homes without have to pay the State of Kansas back. Just live in the house for ten years, and the financial assistance is free.

This program is also available for homes damaged by last year’s floods and includes assistance to those needing to make repairs.

Remember that certain income guidelines are required, but assistance is available even if the area you are looking to buy or build wasn’t affected by the floods. For more information, contact the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation at 1-800-752-4422.

LOANS AVAILABLE THROUGH USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

The USDA Rural Development office has both direct and guaranteed loans available for income qualifying homebuyers in the Humboldt and Allen County area. 100% financing is available with no down payment required.

The USDA Rural development also can guarantee loans made with other lenders and offer 102% of the market value of the home. Again, no down payment is required, income requirements are higher and with the extra loan value, closing costs can also be financed.

The down payment financial assistance program through the State of Kansas is also available with these loans and can substantially reduce your monthly mortgage payments.

For more information, contact the USDA Rural Development office at (620) 275-0211.

Topeka, KS - Kansas Housing Resources Corporation, the state housing agency, has awarded nearly $2 million in Homeowner Rehabilitation (HR) Assistance Awards to 11 Kansas communities. Humboldt will receive $222,222 in the grant. The grants, funded through the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, are distributed to cities and counties to facilitate the renovation, accessibility and weatherization of substandard housing within their communities.

“Unfortunately, many Kansans are still living in homes that are unsafe," said Tricia McAllister, Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Manager. "The grants awarded today will help provide a comfortable and safe environment for 100 families who otherwise can’t afford basic repairs to their homes."

Local municipalities distribute the HR assistance in the form of a deferred loan, allowing homeowners to make repairs, bring their home up to code and eliminate other health and safety hazards. Home improvements may include:

· Repair or replacement of major housing systems and structural components
· Essential energy related repairs or improvements
· Accessibility modifications to allow use by persons with disabilities
· Reduction of lead paint hazards
· Repairs necessary to meet housing quality standards and local building codes

Individuals eligible for HR assistance are those who reside in the home as their principal residence and whose household income is no more than 80 percent of the area median gross annual income. Interested homeowners may apply directly to the local communities receiving HR funding.

A complete list of communities receiving homeowner rehab awards may be found online at http://www.kshousingcorp.org/display/files/HR/HR_2007_Alloc.pdf. Priority is given to communities that target elderly homeowners, persons with disabilities, and families with school-age children. For more information about the Homeowner Rehabilitation program, please contact Tricia McAllister of KHRC at 785-296-6836. Certain restrictions apply. Applicants should consult KHRC’s website for details.

Homeowner Rehabilitation grants advance KHRC’s primary goal of enhancing Kansas communities with housing opportunities using a variety of strategies and approaches, including increasing homeownership opportunities, promoting energy efficiency improvements for owner-occupied and rental housing and providing affordable housing through rent assistance to low-income families and senior citizens.

To encourage housing and building improvements in Humboldt, the City has adopted a Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. The Plan provides for tax refunds to any property owner who makes at least $3,000 in improvements to residential housing, or at least $5,000 in improvements to commercial or industrial buildings, which are located in the designated eligible areas of the City.

How Does the Plan Work?
Any eligible property owner who wishes to make improvements must first obtain an approved building permit from City Hall. When the improvements have been completed, the building permit is submitted to the County Appraiser for appraisal of the improvements made. If the appraisal of the improvements is at least $3,000 (residential) or $5,000 (commercial/industrial), the County will set aside money to refund future taxes paid by the property owner on the value of the new improvements.

How Long Will The Property Tax Refunds Last?
The Plan provides for a 100% tax refund if the additional tax paid on the value of the new improvements during the first six years and a limited refund for the next four years. The amount of the refund will be determined by how many other taxing districts in addition to the city agree to participate in the plan (i.e. USD 258, Allen County and Allen County Community College.)

What Areas of Humboldt Have Been Designated for Improvements?
To be eligible for the tax refund, the improved property must be located either in the Central Business District defined as between Neosho and Cherokee streets and between 6th and 10th treets (highlighted in blue), or located South of Bridge Street to the City limits (highlighted in green). See map below.

When Can I Expect My Tax refund?
For improvements that are completed before January 1, 2009, the County will issue refunds beginning in December, 2009, or 30 days after the 2008 property taxes are paid. For any improvements completed after January 1, 2009, the refunds will be issued similarly in 2010.

How Can I Find Out More Information?
If you would like more information about the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, please contact City Hall at (620) 473-3232, or write:
City of Humboldt
P O Box 228
Humboldt KS 66748

"Start and support new things." "Grow by building on our assets." "Engage non-involved citizens - especially young adults." "Build future opportunities for youth to return."

These were some of the hopes shared by members of Humboldt's newly formed Public Square Steering Committee at their first meeting last Thursday. Present were Kay Bolt, Melissa Hunber, Paul Finney, Jeremy Weilert, Pam Maloney, Walter Wulf, Jr., Mayor Robert Sharp and Cole Herder. Also joining the discussion were Vada Aikens and Janice McCullough who reported on the recent Kansas Communities Conference in Salina. "Leaders of 13 other communities were there, and some of them are starting from the bottom - like Greensburg. It was inspiring to feel their excitement, and it made me appreciate how much we already have going for us," Aikens told the group.

Kansas Communities LLC, represented by Terry Woodbury and Rick Behrens, will facilitate the Public Square process which will begin interviewing over 70 citizens in January. Woodbury, President of Kansas Communities LLC, said his mission is to "rebuild the Public Square in Kansas, one community at a time." The Public Square refers to building cooperation among all four sectors -- Business, Education, Health & Human Service, and Government.

After the interviews, a Community Conversation will generate a wide range of improvement ideas for the Humboldt area encompassing the school district. Then, a Vision Retreat of some 40 leaders will produce goals and set Action Teams in motion to work on those goals.

"It's all about citizens working together for the common good," Woodbury said, "and staying focused on taking what's already working, then making it better." Woodbury urged people to go on his website, www.kscomm.net, and see what other communities are accomplishing.

The Steering Committee is raising $3,500 of seed money to get the process started. The City and School District have pledged $1,500 and Steering Committee members are inviting businesses, organizations and individuals to match the city and school district to raise the remaining $2,000 to get started. "It's important for the seed money to come from all sectors," explained Woodbury. "This involves the entire community: healthcare, schools, churches, businesses - everybody."

Contact any member of the Steering Committee or City Hall at 473-3232 to make a contribution and to learn more about this exciting new venture.

	Full-price	One-Half
Child (Ages 6-13)	$35.00	$17.50
Adult (Age 14 +)	45.00	22.50
Seniors (55 & over)	35.00	17.50
Family	75.00	37.50

Pre-school (Age 0-5)	Free Admission
Child (Age 6-13)	$1.25
Adult (Age 14+)	$1.50
Seniors (55 & over)	$1.25