Development News for Lenexa, Kansas

City Council Reviews Strong 2025 Financial Report and Audit Findings; Quarterly Financials Show Revenue Growth and Stable Reserves

The City Council reviewed the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFRA) and the audit results presented by Chester Moyer of Reuben Brown. The audit is expected to result in an unmodified/clean opinion on the financial statements, with no significant changes anticipated. There were no new accounting policies implemented this year, but one will be implemented next year. Significant estimates related to pensions and other post-employment benefits were deemed reasonable. Two significant disclosures were highlighted: deposits and investments, and long-term debt. There were no adjustments made during the audit, no omitted disclosures, and no disagreements with management. The federal funds audit, including the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Highway Planning and Construction Program, also resulted in no compliance or control findings. Similarly, there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal control identified, and no matters to report from the Firefighters Relief Association audit. The report highlighted strong financial management, with the general fund's unassigned fund balance remaining above $40 million since 2020 and a consistent increase in the net position reflecting the city's investments. The quarterly financial report (unaudited, cash basis) indicated a 3% increase in total revenues ($1.2 million) over the previous year. Property taxes increased by 2%, city sales tax by 9%, county sales tax by 3%, and use taxes by 2%. Franchise fees for electricity increased by 2%, while gas franchise fees decreased by 19%, attributed to mild weather. Stormwater service charges increased by 2%. Operating expenditures in the general fund increased by 11% and in the stormwater fund by 16%, primarily due to personnel costs. The debt service fund expenditures decreased due to no new debt issuance in 2025. World Cup expenditures to date are under $1.5 million, funded by the tourism fund. Reserves remain strong, with the general fund at 35% and the debt service fund at 116%. The stormwater and rec center funds are projected to decrease slightly due to capital projects and debt service payments. The tourism fund balance has decreased from 275% to 100%. Investment income is strong, with most short-term portfolios beating benchmarks. Building permit categories are tracking behind the five-year average, but revenues from building permits are up.

Mixed-Use Development 'The RISE' Plan Withdrawn by Applicant

The final plan for a mixed-use development known as the RISE, Lenexa City Center, East Village, located at the southeast corner of 87th and Renner, was withdrawn by the applicant. No new business was presented to the council.

City Council Authorizes Issuance of Up to $32 Million in Bonds and $15.8 Million in Notes for City Projects

The City Council considered and approved the issuance of General Obligation Bonds Series 2026A and General Obligation Temporary Notes Series 2026B to fund city projects. Ordinance 7A authorizes the city to issue up to $32 million in General Obligation Bonds Series 2026A. Resolution 7B authorizes the sale and delivery of these bonds. Resolution 7C authorizes the sale and delivery of General Obligation Temporary Notes Series 2026B, not to exceed $15.8 million. Nate, from the Finance Department, explained that the higher principal amount ceilings provide flexibility for market fluctuations on the sale date. He referenced the Justice Center bonds issued in 2021, where the final principal amount came in below both the estimate and the parameters, and the actual interest rate was lower than estimated, resulting in a premium. The council approved the ordinance and both resolutions with unanimous 'aye' votes.

Lenexa Proclaims June as LGBTQ Pride Month, Barbecue Month, and Secure Storage Awareness Month, and Designates June 5th as Gun Violence Awareness Day

The City Council acknowledged and celebrated several monthly and daily observances. These included LGBTQ Pride Month, proclaimed for June, with Taryn Jones of Equality Kansas and Jay Moyer of the Johnson County DEI Coalition present. Barbecue Month was also proclaimed for June, with Gary Ewing accepting the proclamation, highlighting the history and success of the Lenexa Barbecue Battle. Secure Storage Awareness Month was proclaimed for June, with Carla Oppenheimer present, emphasizing firearm safety. Finally, Gun Violence Awareness Day was proclaimed for June 5th, 2026, with Katie Mengelsdorf representing Moms Demand, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention efforts.