Shawnee County commissioners approve bonds, construction contracts and service agreements in unanimous votes

The Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on a slate of resolutions, contracts and routine items at its May 19 meeting, approving industrial revenue bonds, road and parking-lot construction contracts, facility and service agreements, and several county administrative requests.

The commission approved two resolutions of intent to issue taxable industrial revenue bonds: Resolution No. 2025-34 for the 220 Southeast Sixth LLC project, an estimated $6.7 million phase 2 authorization to complete first-floor abatement, elevator work and electrical/HVAC improvements to create an innovation laboratory; and Resolution No. 2025-35 amending earlier approvals for Seal, Sim & Sons Incorporated to authorize an estimated $3,000,000 aggregate principal amount for facility improvements. Bond counsel described the 220 Southeast Sixth project as work on the former AT&T building; the Seal, Sim & Sons increase reflects higher-than-expected project costs and an allowance for additional improvements.

On facilities and events, commissioners approved a five-year license agreement (contract C188-2025) renewing a Kansas Kids Wrestling event at the Stormont Vail Events Center beginning March 2026. Kellen Seitz of the venue said the center can now host up to 22 mats, making it uniquely able in the state to hold the tournament under one roof.

Public-works and construction contracts awarded to Bettis Asphalt & Construction Co. included a…