City News

The large recycling bin behind City Hall will be taken in for a makeover sometime in the coming weeks.  Waste Connections Inc. is converting the bin into a single stream recycling receptacle.  This means you will not have to sort your recyclables.

Recyclable items include: glass jars and bottles, aluminum cans, tin, steel, or aerosol cans, plastic tubs, jars and trays, plastics #1-#7, food boxes, books, junk mail, flattened cardboard boxes, magazines and newspapers, office paper and filing folders and paper bags.

Please, NO: Styrofoam, electronics, ceramics or dishes, food waste, plastic grocery bags, motor oil containers, household hazardous waste, light bulbs, window glass or mirrors, yard waste or trash.

For more information please contact Waste Connections Inc. at 316-838-6664 or City Hall at 744-9287.

Here are the results of the survey that was mailed out at the end of 2012.

http://kechiks.com/images/stories/October2012Survey.pdf

The Park and Tree Board has an opening for one Board Member.  If you are interested in becoming a Board member for the Kechi Park and Tree Board, please contact City Hall at 744-9287.

Please click on the following link to learn more about LIEAP.

 http://www.kechiks.com/images/stories/LIEAP.pdf

Kechi/Bel Aire Community Collaboration Plan Review

A draft of the Kechi/Bel Aire joint plan for community collaboration is available for review by anyone interested at: 

http://kbjointplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/KB-Joint-Plan_Draft_LoRes.pdf

This plan was funded in part by a grant with the Kansas Department of Commerce. Professional Engineering Consultants served as the planning consultants. 

Natural Gas Public Awareness

Residents and businesses who have water, sewer and gas service with the City of Kechi should have received information in their latest utility bill regarding Kechi’s Natural Gas System. Please take the time to read over this important information and share it with your family. Included is a survey with questions you should be able to easily answer after reading the informational brochure. If you return the completed survey along with your payment by 5 p.m. Jan. 10, you will be entered into a drawing for $100 off your future utility bill.  Drawing for the winner will be during the Jan. 10 council meeting. Even if you don’t have natural gas service at your home, there could be a natural gas pipeline near your home in an easement or neighbor’s yard. All Gas, Water and Sewer utility customers are eligible for the drawing with the exception of city officials and staff. Providing you with safe and dependable service is our #1 goal.

New Home Buyer Incentives

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the City of Kechi need to offer incentives to new homeowners?

As much as we hate to admit it, Kechi competes with other cities to attract new home buyers.  Besides the quiet, safe neighborhoods we all enjoy, Kechi has fewer amenities than some other cities.  As a result, we need to make an offer that appeals to those who might consider locating here.

But why is the City giving away my tax dollars to support a new resident?

The 10-year incentive is paid for a proportional part (between 40% and 100%) of what the new home-owner pays in property taxes.  Only the individual home-owner’s taxes are involved in the incentive payment.  The home-owner is paid when they provide proof of property tax payment.

If Kechi does not collect property taxes, how will they gain revenue?

No one wants higher taxes, but we still need to pay for roads, public safety and other services.  However, revenue can also be generated by raising the value of all of the combined city property.  So we all should understand that City revenues are increased by two principal means: 1) raising taxes or 2) increasing the total assessed valuation (TAV) of the City.  Increasing the total assessed valuation is achieved by building new homes in the City.  The presence of a building increases the value of the individual lot, thereby increasing the total valuation of the City.

So yes, revenues are reduced by not collecting property taxes, but if the TAV is raised by new homes being built, then Kechi receives additional tax dollars based on its increased TAV.  Let’s not forget, the new home owners will begin paying property taxes beginning in year four of the incentive plan, increasing to 100% by year eleven.

Aren’t the property taxes and special assessments already being paid by the developer?

                Yes.  And that is a problem for a few reasons.  The more money a developer has tied up paying property taxes and special assessments, the greater the loss on their investment.  Selling vacant property shifts these tax burdens to the new owner, allowing the developer to expand or build new developments.  Plus a new home generates more value (and, yes, tax dollars) than an empty lot – so it helps the entire community.

Aren’t new home buyers getting free services without paying taxes, while the rest of the residents are paying?

                No.  Every property owner is responsible for their own utilities.  Other services, such as public safety, road maintenance, etc. is provided to a lot whether there is a structure there or not.  Typically, there would be little, if any, increase or decrease in the need for City services based on the presence of a structure on that lot.  So, a vacant lot (which brings in very little tax revenue) receives the same services as it would if it contained a structure (which would bring in tax revenue after the first three years).

Please come claim your items from the Lost and Found in City Hall.  If you have misplaced something, it may have found its way to our drawer of unclaimed items.  The most recent item added was a pair of blue bifocal glasses.  Please stop by City Hall, located at 220 Kechi Rd., or call us at 744-9287.