Residents Asked to Shape Kearney’s Future with Online Survey

The City of Kearney is asking residents to share their views on quality of life, city services, and future priorities through the National Community Survey, now open through June 17.

City officials said the survey covers topics including public safety, infrastructure, growth, and overall quality of life. Results will help guide the Mayor and Board of Aldermen as they set the city’s priorities and initiatives each year.

The city’s social media announcement about the survey has already garnered several comments suggesting the city look at items like streets, parking lots, police needs, animal control shelters, a community center, a pool, water prices, among other issues.

The survey takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete. Participants will be asked to provide their ZIP code and email address at the end of the survey to help ensure one response per person. The City of Kearney said all feedback will remain anonymous to the city, while personal information will be securely stored by Polco.

Take the survey HERE.

Residents with questions can contact City Hall by email at CityHall@KearneyMO.us or by phone at 816-628-4142.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Summer of Fun in Kearney Starts in May

Summer’s here in Kearney, and it’s shaping up to be our most exciting season yet! From splashing in brand-new parks to grooving at outdoor concerts, the City of Kearney has packed the summer calendar with fun for families, friends, and neighbors. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, there’s something for everyone to celebrate. Here’s your go-to guide to making unforgettable memories all summer long.

The City of Kearney is set to kick off an action-packed summer season with the opening of the Lions Park Splash Pad on Friday, May 22. After months of anticipation, families can look forward to a refreshing new way for kids to cool off as temperatures rise. The splash pad welcomes all ages for playdates, afternoon escapes from the heat, and plenty of sun-filled fun. Residents are encouraged to grab their sunscreen and towels and join the celebration as the splash pad officially opens for another memorable season.

This year, Kearney’s Community Market has a new home. Beginning Thursday, May 28, the Market in the Park will take place at Lions Park every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. The market offers a chance to support local farmers, artisans, and makers, while providing a perfect setting to shop for fresh produce and unique handmade goods. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with neighbors and enjoy the outdoors.

Friday nights at Lions Park promise even more entertainment with the return of Food and Flick Fridays. Starting at 6:30 p.m., local food trucks will serve up dinner options before family-friendly movies light up the big screen at dusk. This summer’s lineup includes:

• June 12: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants

• June 26: Barbie

• July 10: Lilo & Stitch

• July 24: Superman

Another highlight of the season is the Cleats & Beats FunFest, taking place on Friday, June 19, at Jesse James Park. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a massive World Cup watch party as the USA takes on Australia, broadcast live on a giant outdoor screen. The event will also feature soccer camps with Challenger Sports coaches, food trucks, selfie stations, community activities, and a concert by The Bangerz following the match.

The music continues at the Kearney Amphitheater with the 2026 Summer Concert Series, where the gates open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. The series kicks off July 3 with an Independence Day Celebration featuring Shiprocked and the region’s premier fireworks display. Additional acts include Sounds of Santana (Latin Rhythms) on July 17 and Outlaw Jim & the Whiskey Benders (Outlaw Country) on August 29.

Finally, families are encouraged to sign their kids up for youth sports activities, with registration currently open. From soccer to new youth pickleball camps, there are plenty of ways for young athletes in Kearney to stay active and engaged all summer long.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Kearney Aldermen, Ballot Question Results

Voters went to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, to decide who would serve in elected positions and if the city residents would approve a bond issue to help fund wastewater system improvements. Here are the unofficial results from the Clay County Board of Elections:

Board of Aldermen

Ward 1 Alderman incumbent Ashton King and incumbent Ward 2 Alderman David Lehman ran unopposed and were automatically reelected for those seats on the Board of Aldermen.

Kearney Question (Wastewater System Bond Issue)

Residents also voted how to finance required wastewater system improvements. Wastewater systems are funded by user fees paid by customers who use the system, not taxes.

 A “Yes” vote allows the City to use the lower-interest State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. A “No” vote means the City would still complete the work but using traditional financing at a higher cost.

The bond issue question was soundly approved by voters. 82.3% voters were in favor of the measure, while 17.7% of voters said no.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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