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Neighborhood safety programs, fair board and Stormont Vail outline modest requests and logistics needs
Summary
Community organizations and county-related venues asked commissioners for modest operating support and capital adjustments: neighborhood Block Talks expansion, fair table logistics and Stormont Vail Event Center capital updates to boost revenue.
Several community-focused presenters used the budget hearing to request support or clarify operational needs. Olivia Herman, executive director of Prevention and Resiliency Services, described the Safe Streets "Block Talks" neighborhood program, which now operates in 11 core neighborhoods and seeks continued county support to expand to two more neighborhoods and broaden partnerships.
The Shawnee County Fair Association asked the commission to consider a budget increase driven by a shortage of tables at the Stormont Vail Event Center (the fair rents space there) and possible annual plug-in fees for vendors; Fair Board President Ashley Mengarelli said renting needed tables could cost the fair roughly $4,000 for a single year, prompting discussion about purchasing and storing tables for recurring use.
Casey Haney, general manager of the Stormont Vail Event Center, presented a 2027 capital request of $400,000 to modernize premium boxes and build a party platform to increase premium revenues at Landon Arena. Haney framed the request as a strategic business investment to diversify premium offerings and strengthen the venue’s competitive position in the regional market.
Ending: Commissioners thanked presenters and asked staff to fold modest community requests into the overall budget review; presenters were encouraged to follow up with specific cost backup and sponsorship plans where applicable.
