City Manager Barack Matite completed a proposed 2017 budget for presentation to the Eudora City Commission at a work session Thursday that would increase the city’s property tax levy from 33.98 to 39.46 mills.

Matite said that 4 mills of the 5.48-mill increase would fund a capital improvement fund. Much of the immediate capital needs were for equipment but revenue would be needed in the years ahead to realize the goals of the city commission’s strategic plan. In written remarks to commissioners delivered with the budget, Matite wrote that Eudora is at a crossroads as it looks to grow and address past negligence.

“We are faced with various issues: Poor infrastructure, inadequate amenities and facilities and increasing maintenance costs amongst other things . . . As we deal with those past and present issues, we must not forget to invest in our future lest we cease to be a thriving community,” he wrote.

The proposed budget would give the city general fund spending authority of $4.1 million. That is a $394,000 (11 percent) increase from the current year.

The budget also proposes rate increases of 3 percent for the city’s water customers, 4 percent for sewer and 5 percent for electrical. The budget will provide funding for three new employees, including the city’s second code enforcement officer. Funding for that position would be split among the general fund and electrical and sewer funds. The budget recommends hiring part-time positions for the city clerk’s office and custodial duties.

The Baldwin City Recreation Commission will have its fifth annual Maple Leaf Triathlon on Saturday. The event has races for children ages 3 to 11, a short course and sprint course. All events will begin at the Baldwin City Municipal Pool, 317 Fremont St. BCRC Executive Director Steve Friend said those who didn’t preregister can do so for the sprint and short races from 5:30 to 6:30 a.m. at the pool. Late children’s registration will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The sprint and short events start at 7 a.m.; the children’s race starts at 10 a.m.

The sprint competition will include a 300-meter swim, 12-mile bike ride and 5K run. Those competing in the short course will swim 150 meters, bike 4 miles and run a mile. The children’s event will have a 50-meter swim, 1-mile bike ride and half-mile run.

Friend said as of Wednesday morning 150 people had registered for the event. That puts this year’s race on pace to have about 175 athletes, which is comparable to past years, he said.

The Eudora Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging shutterbugs to share proof that the community is a fun place to live. The department is having a photo contest in which the subject is the people of the town, its parks, ballfields, schools, downtown or anything about the community that strike a creative chord.
Entries are due by Aug. 4. Submissions can be made by emailing photos to jrohloff@cityofeudoraks.gov or jkegin@cityofeudoraks.gov or by messaging, sharing or posting to the city of Eudora Facebook page or the Eudora Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

First place will receive a Family Day pass to the community pool; second place will receive a disc golf Frisbee, and third place will receive a free one-hour session at the Recreation Center gym.

The Ives Chapel United Methodist Church will have its monthly free community meal from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at the church, 1018 Miami St.

The Baldwin City Chamber of Commerce will be the host of a free grant writing seminar for local 501(c) organizations from noon to 1:15 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Dance Cafe, 711 High St. Chip Blaser, executive director of the Douglas County Community Foundation, and Marilyn Hull, DCCF program and communications director, will present tips on grant writing and information on the DCCF’s community grant.

Those wishing to attend the seminar are asked to inform the chamber through an email to jeannette@basldwincitychamber.com by July 29.