Shawnee County approves $6.7M bond for AT&T building innovation lab

The Shawnee County Commission convened on May 19, 2025, to address several key agenda items, primarily focusing on infrastructure improvements and financial resolutions for local projects.

The meeting commenced with the approval of vouchers totaling $182,239.40 for MFA Incorporated, which provides chemicals for the wheat department. Additional expenditures included $262,373.15 to Betus Asphalt Construction for a road improvement project on Northwest 46th Street, $93,896.24 to Consolidated Rural Water District No. 1 for water line relocations, and $153,709.51 to King Construction Company for further road improvements. The commission also approved $76,100 for professional engineering services from Finney Turnipseed Transportation Civil Engineering LLC. The motion to approve these vouchers passed unanimously, 3-0.

Next, the commission moved to consider correction orders, which were also approved without opposition, maintaining the 3-0 vote.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a public hearing regarding the issuance of taxable industrial revenue bonds. The commission discussed Resolution No. 2025-34, which expresses the intent to issue $6,700,000 in bonds for the 220 Southeast Sixth LLC project, aimed at renovating the old AT&T building. This funding will facilitate improvements on the first floor, including the establishment of an innovation laboratory. After a brief public hearing with no comments from attendees, the resolution was approved, again passing 3-0.

The commission then addressed Resolution No. 2025-35, which amends previous resolutions to authorize the issuance of $3,000,000 in taxable industrial revenue bonds for the Seal, Sim, and Sons Incorporated project. This amendment reflects increased project costs and aims to support the construction of a new warehouse and office facility closer to Topeka. The motion to approve this resolution also passed unanimously.

The final item discussed was a contract renewal for the Kansas Kids Wrestling event at the Stormont Vail Event Center. The commission considered a five-year license agreement with USA Wrestling, which is set to begin in March 2026.

In summary, the Shawnee County Commission meeting on May 19, 2025, effectively addressed critical infrastructure funding and project approvals, demonstrating a commitment to local development and community services. All motions presented during the meeting were approved with unanimous support from the commissioners.