MORAN Moran is going in a new direction to purchase electricity next year.
City Council members voted Monday to send a notice to Westar that the city will not renew its wholesale energy contract with the utility giant after it expires next May.
Thats because of a recent agreement between the city and the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, which can offer the electricity at a significantly lower rate.
In an unrelated matter, Westar crews will be on hand overnight Thursday to handle repairs to the Marmaton substation south of town. Residents have been warned to expect a power outage for up to six hours from 11 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday while the substation is repaired.
COUNCIL members unanimously approved the citys 2020 spending plan, supported in part with an ad valorem tax levy of about 38.3 mills, nearly identical to what taxpayers are paying this year. That means the owner of a $75,000 home will spend about $330 in property taxes, or about $2 more than for the 2019 budget. That figure does not account for taxes spent to support USD 256, Allen County or Allen Community Colleges 2020 budgets.
Rick Murcko, who operates a fireworks stand at the north edge of town in the days leading up to July 4, introduced himself to Council members Monday in an effort to expand his public presence.
As an overture of his intent, Murcko offered to create a vinyl sign another service he offers free of charge, for a new city museum that will occupy the old Back 40 antiques store along U.S. 59.
