Council members for the city of Blue Mound met on Monday, Aug. 1, for their annual budget hearing. Council reviewed the 2023 projected budget and noted changes from the current year, with a rise in utility budget and a cut in street improvement. However, the city will remain revenue neutral. With their being no public comments, the council closed the budget hearing and opened their regular monthly meeting.
It was noted that the audit contract for 2021 had not been signed; after brief discussion, the council voted and approved the signing of the contract.
The council then discussed further the budget as presented at the budget hearing. Mayor Russell Beth stated that the county wants entities to remain revenue neutral. Due to Blue Mound not receiving the same money the county has given them the past several years, numbers changed in different categories, as mentioned above. However, the city will be able to remain revenue neutral. After more discussion, the council voted and approved the budget as presented.
It was noted that there had been recent issues on the generator at the lift station. Beth informed the council he had talked with Federal Surplus, and looked at different models of generators. Council discussed the pros and cons of the different models; approved the potential purchase of a new generator.
In conjunction with the generator, city clerk and head of maintenance, Max Krull, shared with the council the prospect of putting a three-walled carport over the lift station, so that a generator could be left out, and not worry about the elements. He would like to have the carport placed in a way that the structure could be rolled back, if necessary. Council members discussed the idea, and decided to wait until the engineer comes back about other sewer/water projects in the works.
Beth noted the tires on the road grader need replaced. He and council member Christopher Bownes will both check on prices for the tires.
The council discussed utility bills on two homes that have had no electricity hooked up since last year’s wind storm. The owner has paid the minimum fees on both in hopes of hooking power back up soon. Council members agreed to pause service to the individual until he is able to move back into the homes and restore power.
The council approved the following: minutes of the previous meeting; payment of bills in the amount of $39,037.56; and approval of the audit for the current budget.
MEETINGS
LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 23, 2023

The Linn County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 23, and began their weekly meeting with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting followed by the approval of claims in the amount of $272,818.97. Linn County Rural Fire Chief Randy Hegwald presented... [More]
LA CYGNE CITY COUNCIL - Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Among actions at the regular La Cygne council meeting last Wednesday, Oct. 18, was a split vote in which the city accepts a draft agreement for title search and warranty deed preparation of seven lots at 402 S. Broadway in exchange for absorbing a $16,400 house demolition bill.... [More]
LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 23, 2023

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 23, 2023, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding and all council members present. Following approval of the October 9th and October 14th meeting minutes, Mayor Smith opened the floor... [More]
More Meetings
- USD 362 SCHOOL BOARD - Tuesday, October 17, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, October 2, 2023
- PLEASANTON CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- BLUE MOUND CITY COUNCIL - Monday, October 2, 2023
- LINN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS - Monday, August 28, 2023
- LINN VALLEY CITY COUNCIL - Monday, August 28, 2023
- USD 344 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
- USD 346 SCHOOL BOARD - Monday, August 14, 2023
NEWS
Commissioners discuss effects of city disbandment of fire department

During the Public Works report at the May 5 meeting Linn County Commissioners heard a brief report on mutual aid agreements for the Linn County Rural Fire Department and what effect the possible disbandment of the Pleasanton Fire Department will have on the county. District... [More]
Blue Mound discusses financing options for water tower project

Members of the Blue Mound City Council heard from Tom Fingers of Midwest Assistance Program and Joey McLiney from McLiney and Company concerning options for financing the water tower on Monday, May 5, for their regular monthly meeting. The city has received a grant... [More]
La Cygne leaders contemplate sales tax adjustment

After bond defeasance, election would be required to alter stated fund focus By all appearances, La Cygne voters may not be far away from seeing a ballot proposal to alter the stated focus for one of its two 1-cent city sales taxes. Information at the two regular... [More]
More News
- Fire department public hearing nets crowd
- County counselor issues statement on Tanglewood roads
- Linn Valley City Council ends discussion with SEKMHC on building
- SPECIAL: Legislative Update
- 16 criminal cases from Tanglewood Lake incident dismissed
- Tanglewood seeks clarification, aid from county
- Commission workshop hears of justification for SEKMHC CEO $600,000 salary
- La Cygne police get automatic plate readers
SPORTS
Prairie View track has a great day as they host home invitational

The Prairie View track team hosted their home invitational on May 1. The Buffalos did very well as the girls won the meet with a score of 142 and the boys placed second with a score of 92. Central Heights won the meet for the boys with a score of 103. Once again, the Buffalos... [More]
Jayhawk track places top three at Prairie View

The Jayhawk Linn track team traveled to Prairie View on May 1 to compete in the Prairie View Invitational. The Hawks did well at the event as the girls placed second overall with 124 points while the boys placed third overall with 89 points. Here are the individual... [More]
More Sports
- Jayhawk hosts home track invitational
- Prairie View track competes at Jayhawk Invitational
- Pleasanton baseball sweeps St. Paul and falls to Uniontown
- Jayhawk track wins the Pleasanton Invitational
- Pleasanton track places in top three at home invitational
- Prairie View track has multiple gold winners at Anderson County, top athletes compete at KU Relays
- Jayhawk baseball earns first victories of the season
- Pleasanton boys’ and girls’ track teams win Oswego Invitational