Lyons council adopts resolution allowing local financial emergency declaration for extreme winter energy crisis

The Lyons City Council voted 7-0 on Feb. 22, 2021 to approve a resolution that allows the city to declare a local state of financial emergency in the event of an energy crisis caused by extreme winter weather. Councilman Marshall Christmann moved to approve "A Resolution of the City of Lyons, Kansas Declaring a Local State of Financial Emergency," and Councilman Rocky Gaines seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The resolution motion, as recorded in the meeting minutes, is intended to give the city an emergency financial posture if extreme winter weather creates an energy crisis affecting operations or residents. The council did not record debate, amendments, or specific fiscal figures tied to the resolution in the minutes. The vote was recorded as 7-0 in favor, with Councilwoman Leanna Payne absent from the meeting.

The council’s action was taken during a special meeting called to order by Mayor Dustin Schultz at 4:30 p.m. City Administrator Chad Buckley, City Counselor Mark Tremaine and City Clerk Jeanelle Simpson were listed as present alongside the seven voting councilmembers. The minutes do not specify any immediate operational steps, timelines, or triggers beyond the resolution’s stated purpose. The next regular council meeting was set for March 1, 2021.

The resolution is recorded in the meeting minutes; the council did not attach or read a full ordinance text in the minutes beyond the resolution title. Any use of the declaration would be subject to the city’s subsequent administrative procedures and any applicable state guidance regarding emergency financial measures.