County updates: early voting, utility credit availability and progress on major road projects

County officials used administrative communications at the Oct. 27 meeting to remind residents about election deadlines, to announce limited remaining utility credit funds managed by the Community Resources Council, and to update the commission on major road projects in the city and county.

Elections: Jake Fisher of the Shawnee County Elections Office said early voting is in its second week, with hours 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Friday for the current week and a statutory stop of early voting at noon on the Monday before the election. He also said the last day to request a mail ballot is tomorrow, with requests accepted through 11:59 p.m.

Utility credit program: Mary Thomas of the Community Resources Council said limited funds remain in three assistance programs that include a utility credit: a $100 credit on electric and gas and a $150 credit on water. She noted the program is for city residents and that qualifying criteria include income thresholds; she said some water-specific credit funds are intended to help working households that face rising water rates. A follow-up question clarified that customers served by city water (even if living outside city limits, such as Monterra) may qualify if they meet program rules.

Road and bridge projects: Commissioners asked for an update on the 40 Sixth Street project and Auburn Road work. Courtney House, director of Public Works, said rain has affected contractor progress on asphalt placement but reported the pedestrian bridge is installed and bridge work except for the north rail is complete. House said phase 2 of the 40 Sixth Street work was scheduled to be complete in mid-November and that the contractor may be slightly behind schedule but indicated the contractor (Bettis) plans to assign resources to meet the contract. On Auburn Road and the adjacent 20 Ninth Street roundabout, House said the roundabout should be open before Thanksgiving and that subsequent phases will continue next year with work expected to finish before July 1.

Why it matters: The election reminders include actionable deadlines for voters; remaining utility credit funds may be available to qualifying residents; and construction progress affects travel and detour routes for residents near the projects.

Source: Administrative communications at the Oct. 27 Shawnee County Board of County Commissioners meeting.