#FinneyCounty
LightNews LightNews
bcwildfirewkly.bsky.social
“Firefighters Injured As Crews Battle Wildfires In Oklahoma, Kansas And Texas” weather.com/news/weather... - The Weather Channel

#8BallFire #BeaverCounty #FinneyCounty #GardenCityFire #KSFire #KSWx #OKFire #OKWx #RangerRoadFire #SewardCounty #TexasCounty #TXFire #TXWx #Wildfires #WoodwardCounty
Fierce Winds Fuel Wildfires In Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas | Weather.com
Wildfire warnings remain in effect in the Plains as multiple fires have raced across parts of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Here's the latest.
weather.com
February 18, 2026 at 12:53 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County is gearing up for an exciting showcase on April 2, where local students can connect with career opportunities and educational resources—don’t miss this chance to shape your future!

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #EducationResources #InfrastructureDevelopment
Finney County plans April 2 showcase for education and job opportunities
Finney County schedules showcase to connect students with local job and education resources
citizenportal.ai
March 4, 2025 at 6:48 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has officially adopted a controversial $80.7 million budget after intense debates on staffing and community needs, keeping the mill levy close to 48.124.

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicFinance #FinneyCountyBudget #CommunityAccountability
Finney County adopts 2027 budget after marathon debate, holds mill levy near 48.124 mills
After hours of public comment and internal debate over staffing freezes and the McGrath pay study, the Finney County Board of Commissioners approved a $80.7 million operating budget with an approximate mill levy of 48.124 by roll call.
citizenportal.ai
September 11, 2026 at 4:40 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has officially certified the results of the Aug. 4 primary election after a thorough audit confirmed accuracy and provisional ballots were reviewed!

Get the details!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CivicParticipation #CitizenPortal #ElectionTransparency #VotingAccuracy #FinneyCountyElections
Finney County certifies Aug. 4 primary election results after audit and provisional review
Following a post‑election audit that matched machine totals and review of provisional ballots, the board certified results for the Aug. 4, 2026 primary election, adding accepted provisional and late‑processed mail ballots to the official totals.
citizenportal.ai
August 20, 2026 at 1:06 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
The Finney County board has just approved a groundbreaking $51.49 million plan for a new detention center, paving the way for local contractors to secure up to $15 million in work!

Read the full story

#FinneyCounty #KS #LocalContracting #CitizenPortal #CommunityParticipation #PublicInvestment
Board approves $51.49 million guaranteed maximum price for new Finney County detention center
The board approved Amendment No. 1 to the construction manager at risk agreement with Macau and Gordon Construction, establishing a base GMP of $51,282,510 and a $26,130 four‑year security‑service alternate for a total GMP of $51,488,613; staff highlighted substantial local contractor participation during bidding.
citizenportal.ai
August 20, 2026 at 12:54 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has taken a significant step, approving a $5.739 million reimbursement to Garden City for essential renovations and relocations of law enforcement as a new jail facility is on the way.

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CommunityReform #CitizenPortal #FinneyCountyPolice
Finney County OKs $5.739 million reimbursement to Garden City for temporary police/sheriff relocations
The board approved a reimbursement agreement directing a single county payment of $5,739,246 to Garden City to cover renovations and relocation costs for temporary law‑enforcement facilities while a new county jail is built; the agreement requires final reconciliation and oversight by the joint sales‑tax committee.
citizenportal.ai
August 20, 2026 at 12:56 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has greenlit a 20% tax abatement for American Implement’s $3.7 million expansion, promising job creation and a boost to the local economy!

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #LocalBusinessSupport #CitizenPortal #JobCreation #FinneyCountyEconomicDevelopment #TaxAbatement
Board approves 20% EDX tax abatement for American Implement’s $3.7M expansion
Finney County adopted Resolution 27‑2026 approving American Implement’s economic development (EDX) application — a $3.7 million expansion projected to create about 10 direct jobs and yield a county share of approximately $124,610 in abated taxes over 10 years, per a revised cost‑benefit analysis.
citizenportal.ai
August 11, 2026 at 3:49 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
A Garden City resident raises serious concerns that a proposed hyperscale data center could disrupt local energy needs and infringe on property rights.

Get the details!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #EminentDomainConcerns #FinneyCountyCommunity #EnergyInfrastructure #LandUseIssues
Resident warns commissioners a proposed hyperscale data center could overwhelm local grid and require transmission easements
Therese Hartnett told the Finney County Board she is concerned energy companies and planning changes signal an advanced stage for a hyperscale data center that could need up to 500 megawatts of power — roughly 10 times Garden City’s current load — and that new transmission lines could trigger eminent‑domain impacts for landowners along US‑83.
citizenportal.ai
August 11, 2026 at 3:48 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County is set to benefit from a groundbreaking $400 million investment by Empirical Foods, projected to create 270 jobs and generate nearly $28 million in fiscal gains over the next 15 years.

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #JobCreation
Empirical Foods’ $400M expansion approved for EDX abatement; county projects tens of millions in net fiscal benefit
Finney County adopted Resolution 28‑2026 approving Empirical Foods Inc.'s EDX application for an estimated $400 million capital investment; staff said the revised analysis projects roughly 270 direct jobs, significant wage generation and a county net fiscal benefit of about $27.95 million over 15 years.
citizenportal.ai
August 11, 2026 at 3:47 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Connecting large electrical loads can take years of studies and upgrades—discover the complexities behind bringing big power to Finney County!

Learn more here

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #UtilityStudies #EnergyInfrastructure #FinneyCountyElectric #CommunityOutreach
Sunflower, Wheatland explain how large electrical loads connect, who pays and the timing for upgrades
Sunflower Electric and Wheatland Electric told the Finney County Commission how data centers and other large customers are studied and connected through SPP interconnection and transmission studies, who bears upgrade costs and why some projects can take years to reach full service.
citizenportal.ai
July 22, 2026 at 12:11 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County commissioners are grappling with a contentious decision to exceed the revenue-neutral property tax rate, sparking urgent pleas from seniors fearing cuts to vital services.

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PublicBudgeting #SeniorServices #TaxTransparency
Finney County sets revenue-neutral rate ceiling after heated budget debate and public pleas to protect senior services
Commissioners voted to notify the clerk of intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate (proposed 49.678 mills), prompting debate about tax ceilings, possible cuts and pleas from seniors' advocates who said state funding cuts would compound local reductions.
citizenportal.ai
July 22, 2026 at 12:21 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County's economic development officials reveal that their strategic efforts have not only surpassed job creation targets but also doubled property valuations since 2011!

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #IndustrialDevelopment #WorkforceTraining #CitizenPortal #JobCreation
Economic development leaders tell commissioners local strategy produced jobs, acreage and property valuation gains
Finney County economic development staff reviewed the Fruth plan and told commissioners that local recruitment and industrial projects have increased real property valuations and created thousands of jobs since 2005, while recommending continued investments in industrial-ready acreage and workforce development.
citizenportal.ai
July 22, 2026 at 12:12 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has given the green light to a groundbreaking 400 MW solar project and energy storage facility, but concerns over water use and environmental impact are sparking heated debates.

See what happened!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CommunityEngagement #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal
Finney County approves Sherlock Solar and battery storage special-use permits amid water and revegetation concerns
The Finney County commission approved special-use permits for a 400 MW Sherlock Solar project and an adjacent 400 MW/4-hour battery energy storage system after public comment and staff conditions requiring site plans, vegetation and erosion controls, decommissioning agreements and community benefit and road-use agreements.
citizenportal.ai
June 8, 2026 at 9:17 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County's economic development efforts have nearly doubled property values over the past decade, and now they're asking for your support to keep the momentum going!

Learn more here

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #PropertyValuation #EconomicGrowth #FinneyCountyEconomicDevelopment
Finney County economic development group cites valuation gains, asks county for $325,000
The Finney County Economic Development Corporation told commissioners that real‑property valuation rose from about $247 million in 2011 to $535 million in 2025 and asked Finney County for $325,000 toward its 2027 budget, arguing the county’s investment helped leverage state and federal projects.
citizenportal.ai
May 15, 2026 at 3:37 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County commissioners are faced with crucial funding requests from local nonprofits, including $220,000 for the Historical Society and $325,000 for economic development, as they plan for the 2027 budget—will they meet the community's needs?

Get the details

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal
Finney County hears funding requests from local nonprofits and service providers
Nonprofits and service agencies asked Finney County commissioners for 2027 support, with requests including $220,000 for the historical society, $325,000 for economic development, $166,000 for early-intervention services and roughly $400,000 for senior services; commissioners pressed on capital needs, maintenance contracts and return on investment.
citizenportal.ai
May 15, 2026 at 3:36 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County is set to remodel its Juvenile Detention Center to meet rising demand for secure beds, following a significant bid from Lee Construction that came in under budget!

Get the details!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #YouthCorrections #DetentionReform #CommunitySafety
Finney County awards $149,400 bid to remodel Juvenile Detention Center Pod B as intake demand rises
The board selected Lee Construction, Inc. to remodel Pod B of the juvenile detention center for $149,400, a bid substantially below the architect's estimate. Staff cited rising juvenile intakes and an incoming statutory change (House Bill 2329) expected to increase demand for secure detention beds.
citizenportal.ai
May 13, 2026 at 8:17 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has taken a significant step by adopting new application forms for natural gas and wind energy projects, but a local resident is raising concerns over their connection to a controversial data center.

Get the details!

#FinneyCounty #KS #EnvironmentalReview #FinneyCountyEnergy
Finney County adopts special-use application forms for natural gas and commercial wind; public commenter links proposals to data center
The commission approved supplemental special-use permit application forms for natural gas systems and commercial wind energy conversion systems to implement Article 36. A public commenter urged a moratorium and said he believes proposed green-energy projects are tied to a data center; staff clarified the board only approved application forms, not any project.
citizenportal.ai
May 13, 2026 at 6:33 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County is taking a major step forward in youth mental health care by approving a grant that will enhance evaluations and support for detained youth at the Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

Learn more here

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #YouthMentalHealth
Board approves state behavioral-health grant application and MOA for Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center
Finney County commissioners voted to approve submission of the state fiscal year 2027 behavioral-health grant application and to authorize the chair to sign the memorandum of agreement with Compass Behavioral Health. The grant supports GAINS assessments, behavioral-health evaluations and post-release care coordination for detained youth.
citizenportal.ai
April 28, 2026 at 1:59 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has chosen McCownGordon Construction for a groundbreaking $55 million jail and detention center project that promises to reshape local law enforcement facilities.

Learn more here

#FinneyCounty #KS #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety #CriminalJustice
Finney County selects McCownGordon as construction manager at risk for new detention center
The board authorized staff to negotiate a preconstruction services agreement with McCownGordon Construction after a multi‑firm procurement for a proposed $55 million Finney County detention center. Commissioners praised the selection process and noted funding via voter‑approved sales tax bonds.
citizenportal.ai
April 28, 2026 at 1:58 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County is taking a significant step towards transparency in data center approvals, but residents are raising critical concerns about water use and environmental impacts.

Get the details!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicSafety
Finney County adopts data-center special-use application form amid public concern about water and transparency
The Finney County Board of Commissioners adopted a supplemental special-use permit application for data centers and amendments to the base special-use form to implement Article 36, prompting sustained public comment about water use, emergency planning, wildlife impacts and perceived secrecy. The board approved the standardized forms to require detailed project disclosures before any approval.
citizenportal.ai
April 28, 2026 at 1:57 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has just approved a major $87.5 million bond to transform its law enforcement center and jail, securing strong investor interest and a project contingency premium!

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #FinneyCountyLawEnforcement #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #PublicSafety
Finney County approves $87.5 million sales‑tax bonds to finance law enforcement center and jail
The Finney County Commission authorized sale of up to $87.5 million in sales‑tax‑backed general obligation bonds (series 2026A) to fund renovations and temporary relocation for the county’s law enforcement center and jail; underwriter Stifel reported strong market demand and a project contingency premium of about $4.94 million.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 12:27 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County has taken a bold step by approving a $47,826 task order to ensure local interests are represented in the crucial KDOT bypass study.

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CommunityAdvocacy #CitizenPortal #FinneyCountyCity #EconomicDevelopment #TransportationInnovation
Finney County approves $47,826 task order with Wilson & Company to represent local interests in KDOT bypass study
The board authorized a $47,826 task order with Wilson and Company to provide technical representation to the City of Garden City and Finney County for the Kansas Department of Transportation US-83/5400 bypass study, with staff recommending payment from joint economic development incentive funds or a 50/50 split if the city does not concur.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 2:17 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County is set to save money on the Law Enforcement Center remodel by reducing architectural fees while ensuring all costs are covered by a voter-approved sales tax!

Click to read more!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety
Commissioners authorize HMN amendment for LEC remodel and award civil engineering work to Kaw Valley for detention center project
The board approved an amendment to add Law Enforcement Center (LEC) remodel design services to the architects' contract, reducing the fee from 9% to 7% and funding work from the voter-approved half-cent sales tax; commissioners also selected Kaw Valley Engineering for civil engineering and survey services for the Finney County Detention Center project at a not-to-exceed $60,000.
citizenportal.ai
February 8, 2026 at 2:05 AM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County just secured over $10 million to revamp its sewer system, but who's footing the extra costs?

Get the details!

#FinneyCounty #KS #CommunityDevelopment #PublicHealth #FinneyCountySewer #WaterInfrastructure #CitizenPortal
Board approves expanded scope and added engineering services for SD‑1 water project
Finney County was awarded $10.765 million in technical assistance for Sewer District 1 design; the board approved a contract scope change that increases the consultant contract from $140,000 to $146,500 to add electrical engineering (subconsultant $6,500). County responsible for any costs above the state award are to be borne by affected property owners.
citizenportal.ai
January 7, 2026 at 7:14 PM
citizenptnewsks.bsky.social
Finney County is taking bold steps towards financial reform by adopting a 2026 legislative agenda and exploring whether tax-funded health care could be billed at Medicare rates, potentially easing the burden on taxpayers.

Learn more here

#FinneyCounty #KS #TaxationReform
Commission adopts 2026 legislative agenda and asks staff to study Medicare‑rate billing for tax‑funded employee care
The board adopted Finney County’s first formal 2026 legislative agenda to guide state and federal advocacy; a commissioner proposed studying whether health care paid for with tax dollars could be billed at Medicare rates (similar to prior inmate care adjustments) and staff agreed to research implications and stakeholders.
citizenportal.ai
January 7, 2026 at 7:13 PM