On Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 the Liberal City Commission addressed the following items:
The meeting opened with a special staff recognition for the City of Liberal’s Employee of the Quarter award. Two staff members were awarded this quarter’s spotlight on Leadership Excellence - Marie Wyer, CityBus Transit Supervisor, and Bruce Young, Parks Director. Both Wyer and Young were recognized for making significant positive impacts on their departments and working in collaboration with other departments to contribute to the growth and success of the City of Liberal’s services.
Consent Agenda items (cereal malt beverage applications) were approved by the Commission.
Staff provided an informational presentation on grant activities for the 2025 calendar year. The report highlighted eight applications awarded for a total amount of $1.2 million dollars. Funding sources included private donors, local foundations, federal agencies, and state departments. Staff also recognized efforts in recouping more than $1 million dollars for federal green energy credits.
The Commission voted to approve a budgeted replacement of a 29-year-old heating and air conditioning system for the Tourist Information Center building. Commissioner Lara abstained from the vote. Funding for the replacement will be made from the Convention and Tourism Fund, which is supported by transient guest taxes.
Commissioners also voted to approve the purchase of a decorative bench for the Tourism Information Center grounds to enhance the visitor experience. This project is also funded by transient guest taxes, which can only be used for tourism and convention related attractions and promotions per Kansas State Statute. Transient Guest Tax funds (which are paid on hotel stays, not through property taxes) are restricted funds that are unable to be used for general municipal uses within the city’s normal operating budget.
Staff provided a presentation on the underground void analysis conducted at the Adventure Bay Family Water Park site. The report highlighted multiple areas for concern where voids of unknown depths are present. Following discussion, consensus was provided by the Commission for staff to contact professionals in boring and underground imaging services to examine the magnitude of the void spaces.
The next regularly scheduled Liberal City Commission meeting will take place February 10th, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.