What's Happening Around Maize

City of Maize Updates

From the City Administrator - July 2023

CITY BUDGET INFORMATION

The current 2023 budget is within projected guidelines in all areas.  Staff continues to monitor and manage it accordingly with ongoing updates provided to the Governing Body.

City Council and staff are now reviewing the 2024 proposed budget.   As with other businesses, the cost of keeping pace with the ever-increasing demands for city services, along with the accelerated expense for products and materials, requires careful management and long-range planning. The proposed budget includes only those minimal enhancements required for infrastructure maintenance and required operations.  As in years past, the Maize taxing mill-levy will not increase.  As residents, we may still see property taxes fluctuate based on this year’s county assessed valuation or mill-levy increases from other taxing jurisdictions.

CITY GROWTH

Development activities remain consistent in every area. Housing units continue to expand throughout the city and all the while, more are being planned.  A new Redbud Pediatrics Clinic is now under construction.   The Charlette Pipe & Foundry will file their plat for a new manufacturing plant in  July. In addition, staff is in discussions with another manufacturing plant to be located in the Industrial Park.  A preliminary agreement for increasing current City Park land has been completed.  The landscaping on the Academy Street project is complete, some fencing and additional lighting will be in place shortly. Take a “walk-to-the-park” and enjoy the day.

Good things are still happening in Maize!

Richard LaMunyon
City Administrator

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City Administrator Richard LaMunyon to Retire at End of 2023

Public Announcement/News Release
MAIZE, KANSAS
March 21, 2023

Mayor Pat Stivers today announced that Maize City Administrator, Richard LaMunyon, has informed the City Council of his intention to retire from his duties at the end of December 2023, after 23 years of service.

Richard, a long-time resident of Maize, became City Administrator in 2000 when the city employed eight people (half were part-time), had a geographic size of one square mile, and a population of about 1,800 citizens.

Today, Maize is the fastest growing community in the State of Kansas. It now incorporates over ten square miles, employs fifty dedicated workers, and an estimated population of 7,100 residents.

During his tenure, city operations grew to include modern facilities at City Hall and Public Works for enhanced citizen services. Growth and economic developments successes include an industrial park district, commercial outlets, sixteen active housing developments and enhancements for quality-of-life amenities.

Before Richard began his career in Maize, he was a member of the Wichita Police Department for over 28 years, retiring at the rank of Police Chief.

As Wichita Police Chief he founded the "Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics," a charity movement to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympic Athletes. The LETR charity has evolved from 5 Wichita officers in 1981 to over 110,000 officers worldwide. It is the largest grassroots fundraising movement in the history of the Special Olympics. Since its inception, police officers' charitable efforts will surpass the $1 billion mark this year.

Later this year a special event will be scheduled to acknowledge Richard and his contributions to our City of Maize.

The City Council will proceed to establish criteria for a suitable replacement. A formal search process and timeline to identify a successor will be announced. The Governing Body will consider both internal and external candidates.

Mayor Pat Stivers
City of Maize, Kansas

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The Budget & Property Taxes in Maize

Have you ever wondered about the property taxes you pay in Maize and how the Mill Levy effects them? We have created a page to show you where the property taxes you pay go and how changes to the Mill Levy effects them. While no one likes paying taxes, property taxes are the primary source of funding of government entities such as the city, county, fire district, school district and others.  These funds are ultimately reinvested back into the community to provide infrastructure improvements and the service you expect.

Visit our Property Taxes in Maize and how the Mill Levy effects them page to learn more.

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State partners with Maize for Pedestrian Safety on Maize Road

In the fall of 2020, the City of Maize applied for a highly competitive grant through KDOT’s Cost Share Program for the purposes of installing a crosswalk with pedestrian activated caution lights on Maize Road just north of Academy Avenue. With letters of support from Commissioner Lacey Cruise, Councilwoman Karen Fitzmier and USD 266; the project was one of a few selected for funding from the entire State.

The KDOT Cost Share Program provides financial assistance to local entities for transportation projects that improve safety, support job retention and growth, improve access or mobility, relieve congestion and help areas across the state improve the transportation system. The City of Maize was able to leverage taxpayer funds by matching local funds to the $45,000 gift from the State.

This summer, Wildcat Construction constructed the project. This project will compliment the 2022 Academy Avenue project which will feature wide bicycle and pedestrian paths on both sides of the street (stay tuned for an interactive website!).

 

The City is developing a plan, Maize in Motion, to make bicycling and walking in Maize easier and safer. 

It will identify a future city-wide pedestrian and bicycle network, along with other improvements (parking, signage, and lighting). Maize in Motion will also suggest linkages to surrounding communities for regional connectivity. During the effort, the City, WAMPO, and Core Team will reach out to community members for feedback on issues, opportunities, recommendations, and priorities.

Visit the following links to learn more about Maize in Motion and to provide your opinions on what you would like in a city-wide pedestrian and bicycle network.

• About Maize in Motion
• Project Updates

Academy Arts District Master Plan

The City of Maize is developing a Master Plan to create a safe and walkable core in the community, a place of identity that lets people know they are in Maize. Academy Avenue and Park Avenue were identified as destination points for reimagining this  experience in Maize. The first step is to identify a cohesive community vision for the future of the district - whether you live, work, visit, or just travel through Maize, we want to hear from you!

More Information >