August 1, 2019

County Commission Encourages Residents to Participate in Comprehensive Plan Public Engagement Process

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - Leavenworth County is working on a new comprehensive plan. As part of that process, county commissioners hope all residents will take a short public survey to help them determine needs and priorities that will shape the county’s future.

"The County is making a substantial investment in creating a plan and resident participation is critical to our success," said County Commissioner Chad Schimke. "We need the help of the residents to ensure we develop the very best plan for Leavenworth County."

The goal of the plan is to ensure Leavenworth County can continue to grow in a sustainable way that both fulfills the needs of its residents and preserves the integrity of its rural areas. But the plan will only work, Doug Smith, county commission chairman, said, if it truly represents the will of the county’s residents.

"We need a plan that the people have had a say in," Smith said. "Taking the survey is an important step in that process."

The plan will address issues concerning infrastructure, land use, and urban growth with the increasing development along highway corridors.

"The economy is strong, and it seems likely that more federal money is going to be available for infrastructure projects," Schimke said. "Those with a strong plan are more likely to be a beneficiary for those funds."

County Commissioner Mike Stieben pointed out the U.S. Constitution protects a citizen’s right to own and possess private property, and that participating in the public input process will provide government officials with clear direction as to how they want those property rights regulated and tax dollars spent.

"Participating in the process will allow each citizen to voice their concerns about the reach of government regulation and the importance of government being fair and reasonable in the application of such regulatory authority," Stieben said.

Commissioner Vicky Kaaz said the online survey was designed to be an easy way for a large number of residents to participate without having to attend a face-to-face meeting. It only takes five minutes to complete, and will allow commissioners to know how popular some proposed new ideas and policies would be with county residents.

"If you haven’t taken the survey yet, I really encourage you to do so," said Kaaz. "This is an opportunity for all county residents to share their opinions regarding our vision, goals and priorities for the future."

The survey can be accessed through Sept. 1 at lvcountyplan.com or from the county’s website at leavenworthcounty.gov. A printed survey can be requested by contacting the Planning and Zoning office at compplan@leavenworthcounty.gov or 913-684-0465.

A Bond Election for Unified School District #464 (Tonganoxie) is scheduled for September 5, 2019.

Please make sure your voter registration is updated if you moved or changed your name.

Below are the important dates for voter registration:

All registered voters will automatically receive a ballot by mail beginning on August 16th. If you have any questions please call the County Clerk’s Office at (913) 684-0419.

Kansas Online Voter Registration and Advance Ballot Service

The following market study analysis of residential properties should be used for its intended purpose of illustrating general trends for all residential properties within defined valuation areas of Leavenworth County. The study is not intended to apply to individual properties and would not be useful for that purpose. This study was based on analysis of valid at arm’s length sales of real estate, which occurred in the years 2017 & 2018.

Please bear in mind the fact that the statistics given in the following valuation areas are what are typical for those areas. The numbers are averages for large groups of properties. Since averages only measure the central tendency of an area, individual properties may deviate from average by significant amounts.

Leavenworth Neighborhoods Built Prior to 1960: A study of the residential real estate market for neighborhoods in Leavenworth built primarily prior to 1960 indicated there is an overall inflationary trend of 4.6% per year.

Leavenworth Neighborhoods Built from 1960 to 1990: A study of the residential real estate market for neighborhoods in Leavenworth built primarily from 1960 to 1990 indicated there is an overall inflationary trend of 3.1% per year.

Leavenworth Neighborhoods Built 1990 and after. A study of the residential real estate market for neighborhoods in Leavenworth built primarily from 1990 to present indicated there is an overall inflationary trend of 2% per year.

Lansing: A study of the residential real estate market for neighborhoods in Lansing indicated there is an overall inflationary trend of 3.6% per year.

Tonganoxie: A study of the residential real estate market for neighborhoods in Tonganoxie indicated there is an overall inflationary trend of 4.2% per year.

Basehor: A study of the residential real estate market for neighborhoods in Basehor indicated there is an overall inflationary trend of 7.1% per year.

Rural Leavenworth County: A study of the residential real estate market for unincorporated areas of the county indicated there is an overall inflationary trend of 6.2% per year.

A study of the real estate market for vacant lots indicated that there is no overall inflationary or deflationary trend.

The following is a market study analysis of commercial/industrial properties.

The Cost Approach, Income Approach, and Market Approach are valuation methods used for Commercial/Industrial properties.

A study of the commercial real estate market indicated that there is no overall inflationary or deflationary trend.

This market analysis fulfills the requirements of K.S.A. 79-1460a which states that it will be published annually, at least ten business days prior of the mailing of change of valuation notices pursuant to K.S.A. 79-1460.

The Leavenworth County Register of Deeds is offering a FREE online subscription to help prevent PROPERTY FRAUD.

What is it?

When someone illegally uses your property for financial gain.

How does it happen?

Someone records a fraudulent document in the County Land records office, making it look like they own your home or property.

Should I be concerned?

Yes, According to the FBI, property and mortgage fraud is the fastest growing white-collar crime.

What can I do about it?

Your County Register of Deeds Office has teamed up to create a notification service called PROPERTY FRAUD ALERT

Protecting the most valuable investment: BE INFORMED - BE ALERT - BE NOTIFIED

To sign up for this FREE service, go to https://pfa.fidlar.com/KSLeavenworth and complete the registration form and submit. You will be given the option to be notified by either "Email" or by "Phone" of any document recorded against your property with your name on it in the Office of The Register of Deeds.