Colby City Council Approves Festival Plans, Infrastructure Projects at January 20 Meeting
January 20, 2026
The Colby City Council convened Tuesday, January 20, at the Colby Event Center for its regular meeting, marking the first time the governing body has met in the larger venue as part of an effort to improve accessibility and public seating.
Mayor Lee Leiker opened the meeting by acknowledging the change in location, noting that the Event Center setup allows council members to spread out along the front of the room and provides additional space for residents attending meetings. He said the city will likely make adjustments to the setup in the coming months as staff evaluates acoustics and logistics.
The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included approval of minutes from three December meetings, payroll and general ordinances, and a home occupation permit for Key Plumbing LLC, before moving into new business.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on legislative issues affecting property taxes. Rochelle Standley of the Thomas County Appraiser’s Office, who recently assumed her role, introduced herself to the council and discussed proposed state legislation that could cap assessed property values. Standley expressed concerns that the current versions of the proposals could create inequities among property owners and place additional burdens on local governments.
Standley explained that while there are widespread calls for property tax relief, exemptions and valuation caps do not reduce the funding needs of cities, counties, and schools. Instead, she said, such measures often shift the tax burden to other property owners. She also highlighted potential costs tied to software changes and administrative updates that local appraisal offices would be required to implement if the legislation passes.
Council members also heard an update from Lizzy Lewis and Dana Broekelman of the Sunflower Festival Committee, who outlined plans for the 2026 Sunflower Festival scheduled for August 21 and 22. Organizers plan to continue the two-day format introduced last year, with food trucks, a beer tasting event in the park, recreational tournaments, and live music on Friday night, followed by family-friendly activities and community events on Saturday.
The council approved the proposed festival dates, street closures, and permission for alcohol service associated with the beer tasting event. Organizers noted that fencing and controlled access would be used to comply with licensing and safety requirements.
Several infrastructure items were also addressed. The council awarded a $955,835.80 bid to Sporer Land Development for approximately 1,100 feet of asphalt work on Country Club Drive, extending the project north toward Walnut Street. City officials said favorable bid pricing could allow the project to cover more ground than originally planned.
In another action item, council members approved a Kansas Department of Transportation supplemental agreement for a mill and overlay project on Range Avenue from Poplar Street to Fourth Street. The agreement provides $400,000 in funding through the City Connecting Link Improvement Program, with additional funding anticipated in a future cycle.
The council also approved the purchase of crack filler material from MAC Pavement Products of Wichita at a cost of $23,220. City staff noted the material matches what has been used previously and offers a substantial cost savings compared to other bids.
During reports and discussion, council members were invited to attend upcoming events tied to the opening of Citizens Health facilities, including an open house at Park Place Townhomes. Mayor Leiker said the opening of the new hospital campus represents a major benefit for Colby and the surrounding region.
With no further business, the council adjourned.