Warrensburg council hears funding requests from local nonprofits seeking restored or expanded support

Representatives of local nonprofits presented fiscal-year funding requests and program summaries to the Warrensburg City Council, asking the city to restore or increase support for ongoing services.

The presentations began with Tyler Habagher, speaking for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Johnson County, who requested that the city continue providing space at the Barnett House at Shepherd Park and resume financial support “in the amount of $2,000 quarterly.” Habagher said the agency has 39 active mentor–mentee matches and 12 children waiting to be matched.

Max Ridenour, representing the Depot Renovation, Preservation and Maintenance Corporation, asked the council to restore annual funding to pre-COVID levels and requested $5,000 for the 2025–26 fiscal year to support stonework restoration on the 134-year-old Warrensburg Train Depot. Ridenour described the depot as both a historic landmark and an active passenger terminal for Amtrak and Greyhound.

Dawn Esherst, operations manager for OATS, Inc., described local ridership and service volume: 2,685 one-way trips within Warrensburg in the past 12 months, more than 21,000 miles and roughly 1,500 service hours, with program costs she said total about $80,000. OATS asked the city to increase its annual contribution from $15,000 to $16,000 to sustain the local route.

Christopher Hess, of the Pioneer Trails Regional Planning Commission, reviewed the RPC’s regional role and asked the council to continue its membership dues that serve as local match for federal and state grants the commission helps bring to the region.

Tegan Plummer, a board member with the organization identified in the packet as Bridal House (also referenced in the meeting as Survival House), described shelter and advocacy services for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Plummer said the agency’s annual budget exceeds $1 million, that 2025 bed nights at the Warrensburg shelter have reached 2,087 so far, and she requested $5,000 to help cover staffing, rental and utility assistance, court advocacy and transportation.

Warrensburg Main Street board members outlined events and downtown metrics and requested the city restore annual funding to $40,000 (it has been $22,250 since 2022). Treasurer Max Wright said the organization previously received up to $41,000 and that local public funding helps maintain state and national accreditation and unlocks additional grant opportunities.

Two Whiteman-related organizations asked for continued city support. Greg Franken, president of the Whiteman Area Leadership Council, summarized the group’s mission to sustain Whiteman Air Force Base and requested $5,000. The Whiteman Base Community Council, which focuses on hands-on assistance for airmen and families, requested $3,000 to continue programs such as Operation Warm Heart and educational scholarships.

Speakers emphasized volunteer contributions, local partnerships, and metrics that they said demonstrate service demand and economic benefit. Council members asked clarifying questions about program scope and how city funds would be used; presenters responded with program-specific details about bed nights, trip counts, volunteer hours and planned capital or operational needs.

The presentations were informational; no council funding decisions were made at the meeting. Several presenters said they would return with formal proposals or additional documentation for council consideration.