Kearney to Put $62.5 Million Wastewater Bond Issue to Voters

In a decision made during the Board of Aldermen meeting on January 20, 2026, Kearney city officials approved an ordinance to place a $62.5 million revenue bond question on the upcoming April 7 ballot.

The move follows an extensive utility rate study and is designed to secure funding for vital wastewater projects, aiming to save residents more than $30 million over the next three decades—over $1 million each year—by enabling the city to utilize the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program.

On Election Day, voters in Kearney will encounter the following ballot language: “Shall the City of Kearney, Missouri, issue its sewerage system revenue bonds in an amount not to exceed $62,500,000 to acquire, construct, extend, renovate, improve, and equip its sewerage system, including, but not limited to, an expansion of the City’s wastewater treatment plant, the replacement of wastewater lines, and other improvements to the wastewater system, including improvements to the wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment system, the costs and maintenance of said sewerage system and the principal of and interest on said sewerage system revenue bonds to be payable solely from the revenues derived from the operation of its sewerage system, including all future improvements and extensions thereto?”

Voters will choose between YES and NO.

A YES vote will allow the city to access SRF financing, which offers a subsidized interest rate for wastewater system improvements. A NO vote would mean relying on traditional financing methods with higher interest rates. City leaders stress that upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant and related infrastructure are essential to maintain reliable services for Kearney residents. The city intends to borrow funds and repay them over time, distributing the cost across future generations who will benefit from the improved system.

Regardless of the vote outcome, the city will proceed with the necessary improvements to the wastewater system. These projects are critical for maintaining reliable service, safeguarding public health, complying with regulatory requirements, minimizing the risk of system failures, reducing the likelihood of enforcement actions, and supporting future growth. Approval of the revenue bonds is required for the city to participate in the SRF loan program, which enables significant long-term savings for residents. The city previously used SRF funding for its water connection to Kansas City in 2001.

City officials clarify that the proposed revenue bonds are not a new tax; repayment will come exclusively from sewer user fees, as the wastewater system operates as an enterprise fund. While infrastructure upgrades will require rate adjustments, passage of the bond issue will keep rates as low as possible. If the measure does not pass, residents face substantially higher rate increases due to more than $31 million in additional interest costs over the life of the loan.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Opens Door to Short-Term Rentals for World Cup

The City of Kearney has adopted an ordinance allowing short-term rentals within city limits, expanding local lodging options as the Kansas City region prepares for increased visitor demand tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kansas City will host multiple World Cup matches in June and July 2026, and communities throughout the region are planning to accommodate thousands of visitors.

The ordinance permits short-term rentals as an accessory residential use and defines them as stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied properties may be eligible, subject to city standards.

"This ordinance provides flexibility for property owners while maintaining clear standards to protect our neighborhoods," said Mayor Pogue. "As the region prepares for a major international event this summer, we want Kearney residents to have the ability to welcome visitors safely and responsibly."

Operators of short-term rentals must obtain a city-issued permit, comply with occupancy limits, meet parking and nuisance standards, designate a local contact, and renew permits annually.

Permits are non-transferable and may only be held by property owners.

The ordinance follows public hearings and a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and reflects broader regional planning efforts related to housing and lodging demand associated with the 2026 World Cup.

Additional information, including business licensing and permitting requirements, is available at KearneyMO.us.

KPGZ News – City of Kearney

Kearney Launches Project to Combat Rainwater Infiltration

The City of Kearney is embarking on a major infrastructure project aimed at reducing the inflow and infiltration (I/I) of rainwater into its sanitary sewer system. The effort targets the area east of I-35, stretching from Loren Pointe in the north to Melinda Drive in the south, and running near Jefferson, Prospect, and Washington streets.

Set to begin in August and wrap up by the end of the year, the project is designed to bolster the reliability of Kearney’s sewer system and help protect residents and businesses from sewer-related issues such as backups and flooding.

Over the coming months, crews will be busy inspecting and upgrading the sewer system within the project boundaries. The work will start with camera inspections of the pipes to identify sources of I/I—places where rainwater and groundwater are entering the system through cracks, holes, or faulty connections. Once identified, targeted repairs will follow, including sealing manholes and repairing damaged pipes.

While the city aims to keep disruptions to a minimum, residents will notice trucks and equipment in the area, particularly around sewer manholes. At times, roadwork may lead to temporary lane closures or require drivers to slow down and follow flagger instructions.

Inflow and infiltration occur when rainwater or groundwater sneaks into the sanitary sewer system, usually through aging or damaged pipes. This extra water can overwhelm the wastewater system, increasing the risk of backups into homes and businesses, adding strain to sewer lines, and raising long-term maintenance costs.

By reducing I/I, the project will help:

• Lower the risk of sewage backups during storms

• Strengthen and extend the life of the city’s sewer infrastructure

• Save money by minimizing costly emergency repairs and maintenance

• Improve wastewater treatment efficiency and environmental protection by reducing peak flows to the treatment plant

The city encourages all property owners in the project area to check for improper connections—such as sump pumps, downspouts, or drainage systems—that may be directing stormwater into the sanitary sewer. Residents should correct any issues and report sewer backup problems to the city as soon as possible.

Updates on the project will be posted regularly at kearneymo.us and on the City of Kearney’s Facebook page. By working together, the city and its residents can ensure a more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective sewer system for years to come.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Fireworks Stands Opening in Kearney

Fireworks stands are popping up around Kearney, but consumers will have to wait a few more days before they are legally allowed to shoot off their noisemakers.

Fireworks vendors are allowed to be open from 9 am to midnight every day from June 20 until July 5.

The Kearney Police Department reminds residents that fireworks may only be discharged from June 28 to July 3, between the hours of 9 am to 10 pm. On July 4, fireworks may be discharged between the hours of 9 am to 11 pm. Fireworks may not be fired or discharged except on the individual’s own property or with the permission of the property owners.

People should not fire any fireworks in a way that would threaten or injure another person. Fireworks may be discharged at other times and places with the permission of the City. Bottle Rockets are ILLEGAL in Kearney City Limits.

Fireworks vendors are allowed to be open from 9 am to midnight every day from June 20 until July 5.

This year Kearney’s fireworks celebration will be on Thursday, July 3. The fireworks display will be at Jesse James Park and the city will have inflatables for the kids and a free concert featuring Platinum Express. The concert starts at 7:30 pm, and the fireworks start at 9:30 pm.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Invites Community to Help Shape Future of Pedestrian Connectivity

The City of Kearney is inviting residents to help shape the future of transportation and livability through the new grant-funded Connected Kearney Plan, a comprehensive initiative focused on enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, downtown improvements, and sidewalk connectivity.

An Open House event will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kearney Senior Center, 600 N. Jefferson Street. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide feedback as the city works to create a more walkable, accessible, and vibrant community.

The Connected Kearney Plan is funded by a grant from the Mid-America Regional Council’s Planning Sustainable Places (PSP) program and builds on findings from the city’s recent Transportation Master Plan. Residents voiced concerns about unsafe crossings, missing or deteriorating sidewalks, and a lack of trail connections—issues the new plan directly aims to address.

The initiative centers around three key goals:

• City-Wide Connectivity – A long-term strategy to link neighborhoods, parks, schools, and key destinations across Kearney with safe, inclusive pedestrian routes.

• Downtown District Improvements – Revitalization plans for downtown include improved streetscapes, safer intersections, traffic calming, and better parking and public spaces.

• Sidewalk Inventory and Improvements – A full inventory of existing sidewalks will help identify gaps and prioritize repairs or new construction to improve walkability citywide.

City officials say ongoing community involvement will be essential as the plan progresses, with more engagement opportunities to come.

For updates or to share your input, residents can visit the city's website or attend the July 10 Open House. As city leaders put it, “Together, we’re building a more connected, accessible, and thriving Kearney for everyone.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.