Major improvements are in the works for the Lyon County Fairgrounds.
The improvements include a new electronic sign, a new awning for the Anderson Building, a walking trail and the construction of an RV park. The improvements were one of the talking points for Lyon County and Emporia City Commissioners during their first joint meeting of the year Wednesday.
According to Lyon County Controller Dan Williams, the improvements are being sought in order to make the fairgrounds more inviting to county residents.
The Lyon County Fair Board is covering the cost of the new sign, while the Lyons Club will be covering costs for the awning estimated at $400,000. The walking trail has already received $65,000 in funding from Healthier Lyon County and the county is currently searching for other partners to help cover additional costs of construction.
Williams says the RV park is still in the concept stage, however, estimates between $400,000 to $500,000 have been mentioned but not confirmed at this time.
Additionally, Lyon County Emergency Management Director Jarrod Fell updated the ongoing city/county joint radio project. According to Fell roughly 90 percent of the needed equipment has been shipped and the antennas and cables for the towers have been ordered and are expected to arrive within the next six to eight weeks.
The joint commission meeting followed the Emporia City Commission’s regular study session during which time city treasurer Janet Harrouff delivered the city’s year-end review. According to the report, the city finished 2019 with a general fund ending cash balance of $3.4 million, which was $110 higher than original expectations.
Harrouff says all but one fund ended the year with a 20 percent reserve level. The only exclusion was the city’s water fund which fell below the 20 percent line to 18 percent in order to accommodate a decrease in utility rate increases proposed by city commissioners back in October of last year.
Harrouff reiterates a statement from last year calling the decision a double-edged sword as it keeps rates lower but leaves less cash on hand for unplanned emergencies.
In other business, commissioners discussed the potential replacement of downtown Christmas decorations for the city of Emporia. City commissioners will hold an action session next Wednesday at 1:30 pm inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
