Several city employees and attractions were recognized during Monday evening’s Parsons City Commission meeting. In the Best of Labette County Awards, the City of Parsons received six awards.
Parsons Public Pool received the award for Best Swimming Pool/ Water Park, and Forest Park was named Best Park. Music in the Park was named Best Live Music Venue, and the Parsons Public Library was named the best library. In individual awards, Darrell Winter of the Parsons Fire Department was named Best Local First Responder. The Best City Employee was awarded to Joe Harris.
After these awards were presented, the commission opened a public hearing to discuss a business at 2911 Main Street proposing to sell liquor within 800 feet of Parsons Middle School.
Desiray Allen, the owner of the property, was first to speak. He noted that in the past, this location was a gun shop and a Taco Tico restaurant. Though today the location is a smoke and vape shop, which Allen said he is trying to get away from.
Allen said his idea was to turn the location into a dining establishment and lounge, with a bistro atmosphere, which would not be open during school hours.
“My vision is a professionally managed social space that offers a quality menu and a controlled environment. I want to return 2911 Main to its roots as a community gathering spot,” Allen said.
Lou Martino, a member of the USD 503 Board of Education, spoke against the waiver. He said there was concern that students who may have to walk past the establishment may be
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exposed to others who are loitering or intoxicated, and concern for increased vehicle traffic near the school.
Ryan Robertson also spoke against the waiver and advocated for increasing the 800-foot radius to a quarter-mile.
“The last thing we need is more alcohol around kids,” Robertson said.
Linda Elder said she had no dog in the fight and could not see the harm in Allen’s proposal.
Commissioners and City Manager Jeff Cantrell said they have received feedback from community members, who have said they have a desire to see the ordinance enforced and maintained. The commission voted not to approve Allen’s waiver request, with Commissioner Leland Crooks abstaining from the vote.
In continued discussion with Allen, Cruse said that a different location would not require a waiver and that the City had programs to assist new businesses, which Allen said he would look into.
In other business, the commissioners approved amendments to the water rates, which will increase each year until 2029.
The first increase is set for April 1. For services inside the city limits, the monthly minimum charge including the first 1500 gallons, will be $20, and $7 per every 750 gallons used over the monthly minimum. For services outside the city limits, those rates will be $40 and $14, respectively.
As of Jan. 1, 2027, those rates will increase to $20.60 for the monthly minimum inside the city limit, and $7.21 for every 750 gallons after that. Outside the city limits, those rates will be $41.20 and $14.42, respectively.
In 2028, for services inside the city limits, the monthly minimum charge including the first 1500 gallons, will be $21.21, and $7.42 per every 750 gallons used over the monthly minimum. For services outside the city limits, those rates will be $42.43 and $14.84, respectively.
In 2029, those rates will increase to $21.84 for the monthly minimum inside the city limit, and $7.64 for every 750 gallons after that. Outside the city limits, those rates will be $43.70 and $15.28, respectively. All water sold wholesale to the Rural Water Districts shall be at the rates set in the contracts.
In other business, the city approved an agreement with Midwest Engineering Group for a preliminary architectural Feasibility Report for a new city fire station. The cost of this study is $30,000. It was noted that this report is a necessary step in applying for USDA Rural Development Funds.
The next regular Parsons City Commission meeting will be held on Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m. in the City Commission Room at the Parsons Municipal Building. Meetings are also posted on https://vimeo.com/parsonskansas.
March 2026
PRIVATE ROOMS AVAILABLE AT ELMHAVEN EAST, 1400 South 15th St, Parsons, Call Mark for details, 620-421-1430
