Great Bend will hold a public hearing on its STAR Bond project as part of an effort to address water and wastewater problems officials say can’t be postponed. City Administrator Logan Burns linked the proposal to a looming infrastructure crisis involving aging water lines, contamination, and a wastewater treatment plant built in 1954 with major upgrades last completed in 1997.
The city’s next major milestone is scheduled for July 6 during the regular Great Bend City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall. Bond counsel Dominic Eck of Gilmore & Bell and financial advisor David Arteberry of Stifel Nicolaus are expected to present. After the hearing, the council would vote on whether to formally adopt the project plan; a two-thirds majority (six of eight councilmembers) is required.
Officials say nearly everything hinges on a proposed three-quarter cent citywide sales tax that would be presented to voters in November. The tax would be split into three equal parts: a quarter cent for wastewater treatment plant improvements, a quarter cent for property tax relief, and a quarter cent tied to the STAR Bond project. Burns said the STAR Bond allocation is intended as a financial safety net for a $1.3 million annual GO bond payment if dragstrip and sports complex operating revenue doesn’t cover it, with a best-case scenario allowing that allocation to be redirected to water and sewer infrastructure.
Great Bend sets July 6 public hearing on STAR Bonds tied to a November sales tax proposal
