In a decisive move to uphold the will of Greeley County voters, Kansas legislators have prefiled a bill aimed at releasing $4.6 million in school bond funds previously withheld due to a legal technicality. The funds, approved by voters in May 2024, were intended for essential upgrades and renovations within the Greeley County school district.
Background: The Withheld Funds
Greeley County, the smallest in Kansas with a population just under 1,200, faced an unexpected hurdle when the Kansas Attorney General’s Office blocked the release of the voter-approved bond funds. The reason cited was non-compliance with a state law requiring public notice of bond elections to be posted on an official county elections website three weeks in advance, in addition to traditional newspaper notices. Greeley County lacks a government-run elections website, leading to the Attorney General’s decision to withhold the funds.
Legislative Action: Prefiled Bill Details
In response to this predicament, Sen.-elect William Clifford of Garden City and Sen.-elect Tory Marie Blew of Great Bend have co-sponsored a bill to rectify the situation. The proposed legislation seeks to:
- Validate the May 2024 Bond Election: Officially recognize the election results despite the procedural oversight.
- Authorize Fund Release: Permit the immediate disbursement of the $4.6 million for the planned school district improvements.
Sen.-elect Clifford emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “We should’ve already had bids and been building important facilities in Greeley County, so times a-wastin’.”
Implications for Greeley County
The withheld funds have delayed critical infrastructure projects within the Greeley County school district, impacting educational facilities and resources. The prefiled bill aims to:
- Resume Planned Upgrades: Enable the district to proceed with renovations and enhancements to school facilities.
- Support Educational Development: Provide students and educators with improved learning environments.
- Honor Voter Intent: Ensure that the democratic decision of Greeley County residents is respected and implemented.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Bill Sponsors | Sen.-elect William Clifford and Sen.-elect Tory Marie Blew |
| Affected Funds | $4.6 million in voter-approved school bonds |
| Original Election Date | May 2024 |
| Reason for Withholding | Non-compliance with public notice requirements on a county elections website |
| Proposed Solution | Validate election results and authorize immediate fund release |
The prefiled bill represents a significant effort by Kansas legislators to address the unforeseen challenges faced by Greeley County in accessing voter-approved school bond funds.
By seeking to validate the election results and authorize the release of funds, the bill underscores the importance of adhering to voter intent and supporting educational development in even the smallest communities.
As the legislative session commences, the progress of this bill will be closely monitored by stakeholders across the state.
FAQs
Why were the school bond funds withheld in Greeley County?
The funds were withheld because the county did not comply with a state law requiring public notice of the bond election to be posted on an official county elections website three weeks in advance. Greeley County lacks such a government-run website.
What does the prefiled bill propose?
The bill seeks to validate the May 2024 bond election results and authorize the immediate release of the $4.6 million in funds for the Greeley County school district’s planned upgrades and renovations.
Who are the sponsors of the bill?
The bill is co-sponsored by Sen.-elect William Clifford of Garden City and Sen.-elect Tory Marie Blew of Great Bend.
