Colby City Council Advances Star Bond Agreement, Adopts Tiered Water Rates; New Council Members Sworn In

December 1, 2025

The Colby City Council moved through a wide-ranging agenda on December 2, approving amended 2025 budget uses, finalizing a long-anticipated Star Bond development agreement, adopting a new tiered water-rate structure, and swearing in four newly elected officials.

After roll call and approval of the consent agenda, council members opened a public hearing on amended uses of 2025 funds. No public comments were offered, and the council unanimously approved adjustments affecting three areas: the library (to distribute full ad valorem support), the E911 fund (to align expenses with additional revenue), and the Colby Land Bank, a newly established fund that had not been included in the original budget.

Star Bond Development Agreement Approved

The council then turned to the evening’s most extensive item: approval of the Star Bond development agreement with the Colby Investment Group. City Manager Ron Alexander and representatives from the development team outlined the document’s structure, noting that although the agreement is new, the concepts within it have been discussed for more than four years. The agreement advances the multi-phase project—anchored by a large multi-sport and equestrian events complex—and allows the city and developer to execute all related documents necessary to proceed.

The discussion highlighted several key components:

Phase One Progress: Much of Phase One infrastructure is already underway, including two new hotels and improvements at the Oasis Travel Center. These early private-sector investments strengthen the city’s position as the project advances.

Development Schedule and Access: The agreement details timelines for construction, rights of access for city officials, and expectations that the city and developer will work in good faith to coordinate infrastructure needs.

Market Study and Bonding: Approval of the document allows the city’s selected underwriter, Stifel, to begin its market-revenue study. Developer Mike Woofter noted that although Star Bond financing is complex, past projects statewide have successfully sold their bonds, and early conversations indicate strong interest from potential collaborators. He emphasized that his group has already invested millions in planning, engineering, and preliminary construction in anticipation of the project’s advancement.

Potential Challenges: Council members asked what would occur if the market study returned unfavorable numbers. Mike explained that modifications, additional funding sources, or design changes could be considered but expressed confidence that the project would receive a viable revenue projection.

Mayor Lee Leiker commended both city staff and the development group for years of work, noting the significant economic potential for Colby—from increased tourism to added sales-tax activity—once the project is complete. The council approved the agreement unanimously.

Newly Elected Council Members Sworn In

Following the vote, four newly elected officials took the oath of office:

Ericka Gillespie Nicholson (Ward I), Michelle Morris (Ward II), Bruce Hansen (Ward III), and Jerad Johnson (Ward IV)

The ceremony marked a shift in two council seats and welcomed the new members to the dais.

Council then selected Stan Schmidt as council president.

Council Adopts New Tiered Water Rate Structure

The council next approved Ordinance No. 1703, implementing Colby’s first major water-rate restructuring in 16 years. The change—effective February 1, 2026—introduces a tiered system designed to support rising operational costs, replace aging infrastructure, and meet Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) expectations for modernized rate structures.

Treasurer and utility billing clerk Megan Roemer, along with Finance Director Debbie Zerr and Water/Wastewater Director Kevin Puckett, presented a detailed analysis of current rates, regional comparisons, and the need for change. Key factors included:

Expenses exceeding revenue: The water fund is no longer sustainable under existing rates.

Aging infrastructure: Recent projects show sharply increased construction costs, and the city faces new federal requirements regarding service-line replacements within 12 years.

Outdated pricing: Water-usage rates had not changed in over a decade and were significantly below surrounding communities, many of which have raised rates multiple times.

Under the new structure, the first 3,000 gallons remain included in the base meter charge. Usage above that will fall into new tiers:

Tier 1: Up to 15,000 gallons – $1.33 per 1,000 gallons

Tier 2: 15,000–30,000 gallons – $1.53 per 1,000 gallons

Tier 3: Above 30,000 gallons – $1.73 per 1,000 gallons

Commercial and out-of-city customers will also adopt the tiered model, making usage pricing consistent across account types. Sample comparisons showed that most households—based on historic usage—would see only small increases, typically a few dollars per billing cycle. A household using 15,000 gallons, for example, would experience an annual increase of roughly $25.

Officials emphasized that low-income and fixed-income customers using minimal water should see little or no change.

Police Department Fleet Additions Approved

The council approved two motions involving police vehicles:

Trade-In Vehicles: The city will trade two aging patrol units to Tubbs and Sons for $44,800 (F-150) and $38,500 (Explorer).

New Vehicles: The city will purchase two new units—another F-150 and Explorer—also from Tubbs and Sons, for $49,800 and $45,000, respectively.

City Manager Ron Alexander and staff explained that earlier low-bid vehicle purchases had resulted in mechanical failures due to engines ill-suited for law-enforcement idling. The new units should reduce maintenance costs and support a long-term goal of providing take-home vehicles, which aids recruitment and retention.

Looking Ahead

Alexander announced that future council meetings will move to the Colby Event Center beginning in January, improving public accessibility and seating capacity. Councilmember Ericka Nicholson also expressed appreciation for the city’s fire and police departments.

The meeting adjourned following council comments.