Council Recognizes Employees, and Approves Major Employee Benefit Enhancements
by Derek White
November 21, 2025
The Colby City Council worked through a full agenda on Tuesday, November 18, covering topics from walking-trail regulations to rezoning requests. But the meeting’s sharpest focus was on the city’s employees—both in celebrating years of service and approving policies intended to help Colby attract and keep a strong municipal workforce.
Honoring Years of Service
The evening began with a presentation of the League of Kansas Municipalities’ Longevity Recognition Awards. Nine employees were honored:
City staff noted that these awards often run a year behind the milestone date, making this recognition a meaningful opportunity to publicly thank those who have devoted significant portions of their careers to serving Colby residents.
Walking-Trail Skateboard Ordinance Approved
After revisiting minutes dating back to 2012, the council approved Ordinance 1701, which officially bans skateboards on the designated walking trails around the Poolside Park, the Event Center, the CCC campus connector trail, and the Villa High trail. Safety concerns—specifically the risk of boards getting away from users—were repeatedly cited by both previous and current city leadership.
Police Chief Ron Hess noted he does not personally favor a ban due to his experience with youth recreation, but acknowledged that enforcement will remain complaint driven. The ordinance does not affect bicycles, wheelchairs, strollers, or general sidewalk use.
City officials emphasized that while skateboards are now prohibited on the designated walking trails, there are still several safe and accessible places for skating within city limits. Residents may continue using Fike Park, the paved parking lots at the Aquatic Park and Event Center when they are clear, as well as any city sidewalks not included in the restricted areas outlined in the ordinance.
Land Sale and Rezoning Items Move Forward
Council members approved the sale of 314.52 acres of dry land to Lon R. Frahm Revocable Trust for $1,140,135, correcting a name discrepancy noted in the agenda. The closing date will hinge on state approval of a water-rights transfer already in motion.
A rezoning request for property at North Grant Avenue and West Fifth Street—proposed for duplex development—was also approved following a divided but ultimately favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission. A separate rezoning request for 735 Kings Court, allowing for living quarters within an enlarged accessory structure to support aging family members, was passed without objection.
Public Hearing Set for December 2
A public hearing was set for December 2 at 5:30 p.m. to accept comments regarding proposed amendments to the city’s 2025 use of funds.
Longevity Checks Reaffirm City’s Support for Its Workforce
The council unanimously approved $23,500 in Employee Longevity Checks—a program now approaching a decade in operation. These payments, delivered each December, recognize employees who have reached five years or more of continuous service. Administrators noted that the timing helps families during the holiday season, and that the program has become a valued incentive for employees who choose to build long careers with the city.
City Approves Major Health-Insurance Benefit Increase for 2026
In its most consequential workforce decision of the night, the council approved a significant update to the 2026 health-insurance premium split, a move city leadership believes will aid both recruitment and retention.
City Manager Ron Alexander outlined the challenge: Colby currently faces eight open positions and growing competition from surrounding communities offering highly competitive benefits packages. With insurance rapidly becoming one of the strongest hiring motivators, Alexander urged the council to give the city another tool to retain its “loyal and fantastic team.”
Under the approved plan, a major beneficial decision for the employees to choose between:
Depending on the plan selected, employees stand to keep an additional $0.76 to $1.34 per hour worked—a substantial increase in take-home pay. For many, Alexander said, the change mirrors “essentially providing a raise” simply through reduced insurance costs.
Alexander emphasized that the budget had been carefully prepared to accommodate every likely scenario and noted that the city is still pursuing the possibility of joining the K-Med health plan in the future.