Panel modernizes dissolution process for tiny "third-class" cities, extends time between petition and election

House Bill 27-11, reviewed Feb. 11 by the Committee on Local Government, proposes updates to KSA 15-1-11 governing dissolution of cities of the third class. The bill extends the time between filing a petition (by a majority of legal voters) and the election on whether to dissolve the city from 10 days to 60 days and modernizes antiquated statutory language so the process fits the county-run election system.

Mister Revisor explained the bill does not alter the substantive thresholds: a petition by a majority of registered voters initiates the process, and dissolution requires two-thirds support of voters in the city at the subsequent election; if approved, the city's territory would be absorbed by the surrounding township.

Clay Barker said the change responds to small communities (he cited examples of cities with roughly 15 voters) that encountered an 1872-era process in which cities ran their own elections. "We modernized the language so it now reflects our current terms," Barker said, noting the extension to 60 days accommodates military/overseas ballot timelines and county administration of the election.

Committee members sought clarification about signature and voting thresholds in tiny cities; Barker confirmed the petition and two-thirds voter thresholds remain. No neutral or opponent testimony was recorded. The Vice Chair moved that HB 27-11 be reported favorably under emergency final action; the motion carried, and the committee approved placement on the House consent agenda.

The committee also discussed scheduling and procedural items before adjourning.