FAQs in Response to Mayor McCullagh's Message on August 13, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs and answer in response to Mayor McCullagh's message on August 13, 2025.

Land

Q: When did the city acquire the land?

A: The city council voted to acquire the land at 5535 Renner Road, Shawnee, KS 66217, on November 16, 2021. The final sale was in December 2021.

Q: What was the reason for the acquisition?

A: To provide a buffer for Lake Quivira and potentially manage runoff into the lake.

Q: What was the purchase price?

A: $1,200,000

Q: What has been done to the property since the purchase?

A: Structures on property have been demolished and a well has been filled in.

Q: The Land Committee was formed in December 2021. What are the results of the Committee?

A: The committee had drainage and environmental studies done and decided to keep land “as is” for the time being.

Q: What options is the City considering for the property?

A: As the land resides within the city limits of Shawnee, the City of Lake Quivira’s options are limited. We are considering:

• Selling the land outright
• Selling a portion to pay for the remaining land
• Leasing the land to Q, Inc.
• Partner with a developer to generate a revenue for the city
• Leaving the land “as is”

Check here for more information on the land acquisition.

Spillway

Q: Why did the City need to replace the spillway?

A: Our dam is classified as a “high hazard dam” by the state of Kansas. The spillway is crucial to managing the lake level and protecting the dam. Based on their inspection, the state determined the original spillway was beyond repair and mandated we replace it.

Q: When did the City complete the spillway project?

A: April 2024

Q: What was the final cost of the project?

A: The total cost of the project, including additional repairs, engineering, and financing, is $3.0 million. Approximately $.6 million has been funded through the city operating budgets over several years leading up to commencement of the project.  The balance of $2.4 million will be financed through the issuance of tax-exempt municipal bonds beginning in 2026.

Q: Do we anticipate any additional expenses related to this project or the spillway in general?

A: No additional expenses, however, the area directly south of the spillway (specifically the gate and weir) are very old. Engineering studies show they should have another 20 years remaining.

Check here for more information on the Spillway project.‍

Financing/General Obligation Bonds/Revenue Opportunities

Q: Why did the City decide on 15-year bonds?

A: Given the potential for the replacement of the weir and gate in the next 20 years, we felt it best to have this bond paid off before that project becomes necessary. Also, each additional five years of duration is roughly $500,000 more of debt servicing for the city. With the bond callable after eight years, we have the option of setting aside dollars for an early retirement of the debt.

Q: What is the impact of the financing on Lake Quivira residents?

A: Unfortunately, the City of Lake Quivira has very few revenue sources. The primary source of revenue is personal property taxes. The financing results in increased taxes for all homeowners. For the bond repayment, each $1,000,000 of home value will cost roughly $70 more per month in taxes.

Q: When does this take effect?  

A: With your 2026 personal property taxes.

Q: Has the City explored other revenue opportunities?

A: We are in the early stages of investigating possible revenue sources. It is a priority for the City Council.

Q: Does the City anticipate any other large expenses that would require future financing?

A: Nothing in the next 10-20 years.

Questions:

Email Mayor Dave McCullagh

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