Partnerships and planning were among the main highlights of a special Talk of Emporia last week dealing with city-county operations.
Both Emporia Mayor Danny Giefer and Lyon County Commission Chair Rollie Martin say they are grateful for ongoing collaborations, including one finalized late last year for a new phone system for both government levels and Newman Regional Health. Giefer says an overall atmosphere of collaboration has worked out well and the city is looking forward to future discussions.
Martin says the current attitude has really helped joint operations.
Separately, work continues on improving the city and county quality of life. Giefer says part of that approach is evident as the city added new park equipment this summer — including the splash pad at Peter Pan Park. He says the city has made good use of proceeds from the sale of Lake Kahola several years ago when it comes to parks improvements.
From the county perspective, one major quality of life component is public transportation, and recently KVOE News ran stories about a rebranding coming for LCAT. Martin says the county wants to make sure people know LCAT is not just for certain segments of the county population.
Martin says LCAT buses will take on a new look soon, and he said there could be new or reconfigured routes coming as well.
Separately, work is resuming on the city-comprehensive plan, also known as Plan ELC, with this round of discussions leading to more detail in the zoning and subdivision regulations. Stakeholders are meeting with staff now in advance of a public workshop Oct. 29-Nov. 1 to help the planning process. Martin said this round of discussions was to add more detail to the overall plan.
Giefer agreed.
Two areas of concern are, to a degree, related — labor and housing. Martin says Lyon County employs over 250 people, and the county has had to make some adjustments due to the tight labor market.
Returning to the quality of life talking point, Giefer said it is a big driver in bringing people to town.
Related: City, county leaders discuss budgets, infrastructure and food policy
