Ottawa Day News

City of Ottawa Budget Guide Available for Public Review

PurposeThe purpose of the budget guide is to assist the public and City Commission in understanding the way the city budget is prepared, adopted, implemented and amended. It provides information about citizens' rights to get involved in the budget process and shows how to exercise those rights. The budget guide (PDF) also defines financial terms and provides an overview of the city's financial goals.What is a BudgetThe budget is one of the most important processes a City Commission engages in on a continuing basis. The budget is, first of all, a policy document and operations plan. It establishes the activities and projects that the City is going to pursue and provides a plan of organization for implementing those activities. Staffing and resource levels are set. The budget is also a financial plan. It identifies financial resources and ties those resources to specific activities. A comparison of prior years' activities is included. Finally, the budget serves as a communication device to the public about the planned activities of the City. The budget consists of the operating budget that identifies the necessary resources to complete the activities planned for the year, and projects that effect those decisions.Budget ProcessPreparation and implementation of the City's budget is a year-round process, although this process attracts the most attention during the summer just prior to establishing the City's mill levy rate for the following year. Although the City of Ottawa uses a single-year approach, some cities use a multi-year approach to budgeting. This enables cities to identify future effects of current decisions in a timely manner.City budgets present actual figures for prior years, revised figures for the current year and budgeted figures for the next year. In arriving at next year's budget, City staff reviews prior expenditures and works to determine anticipated needs.The City Manager and Finance Director meet with each department head who has already prepared an initial budget estimate based on the projected needs within their scope of responsibility. Each line item is discussed and adjusted to fit the next year's projections.The City Manager's approach in these meetings is to make certain there is adequate justification for increasing budget requests based on a detailed scope of work or specific need to purchase items. Similarly, there needs to be justification for maintaining an existing line-item budget level if historically the funds have not been used. Finally, the City Manager reviews areas that may need more funding to fit the community's priorities based upon his or her perceptions, management experience, and especially City Commission priorities.The final budget requests are submitted to the Commission, which may further refine items based on input from the public and community leaders, as well as formal budget hearings.Throughout the year, interim financial reports are generated to monitor progress. Reports detailing budgetary performance by minor and major item are provided to department heads and the City Manager. The City Commission may amend the budget at any time during the year by publishing a notice and holding a public hearing on the amendment. Amendments may be used to expend unanticipated revenues; however, taxes may not be increased by budget amendment

Boards and Commissions: 4th Judicial Correction Advisory Board

Legal Authority: KSA 75-52972-year termCity staff contact: Thatcher Modie - City [email protected]; 785-229-3637Function: The role of the 4th Judicial Correction Advisory Board is to review policies of the Department of Corrections, particulary the Judicial Secction, to oversee and advise on their operation and performance. Meeting: QuarterlyBoard Member: Joseph FallsAppointed: 2026Reappointed: N/ATerm Expires: 2028

Apply to Serve on Ottawa Boards and Commissions

Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more.    Search autocomplete is currently not responding. Please try again later. This field is not part of the form submission. City of Ottawa101 S. HickoryOttawa, KS 66067Phone: 785-229-3600Fax: 785-229-3636Email Us

Welcome to Ottawa: Citizen's Guide Available for New Residents

Hello, we are so glad you chose Ottawa to call home! Whether you are choosing to stay in Ottawa with a move in town or moving from another city, thank you for letting us be part of your story! We hope you love Ottawa as much as we do. No matter what your interests are, we have something for you.

City Offices Closed for Independence Day

The post Independence Day – City Offices Closed appeared first on City of Wellsville, KS.

Ottawa Garage Sale Permit Requirements and Regulations

Garage Sale Policy Registration. No person shall conduct any garage sale until such time as registration has been turned into the Community Development Department. Definitions. Garage Sale - All general sales open to the public, conducted from or on a residential premises, for the purpose of disposing of personal property, including but not limited to all sales entitled Rummage, Lawn, Yard, Porch, Room, Backyard, Patio, or Garage Sale. Personal Property - Property which is owned, utilized and maintained and acquired in the normal course of living in or maintaining a residence. It does not include merchandise which was purchased for resale or obtained on consignment. Regulations.  1. Number of sales per year. One household shall not conduct more than two (2) garage sales at the same location within one calendar year, and for a total of no more than six (6) days in that year. This does not include the Chamber of Commerce city wide sales and the City Manager may authorize additional sales and/or sale days if warranted by unusual circumstances. 2. Duration. One household shall not conduct any singular garage sale lasting longer than four (4) consecutive days. The garage sale may only be conducted during the hours of 6:30 a.m. through 8:00 p.m. All goods must be removed from the household’s driveway, yard, or outside area to an inside location before 8:00 p.m. each day.3. Location. All garage sales shall be confined to the garage, house, driveway, or yard of the household conducting the sale, and shall in no manner intrude or be upon another person’s yard.4. Signs for sales. No permit is required for any sign advertising or in any way giving public notice of garage sales. Each sale is limited to one on-premises sign (site of sale) per street frontage and two off-premises signs (off-site of sale). Signs must be located at least fifteen (15) feet from the edge of the street pavement or behind any existing public sidewalks. Signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area and must not be illuminated. No sign shall be displayed more than two (2) days before the sale, or one (1) day following the sale. Signs are prohibited on utility poles, highway right-of-way, park property, and public property. 

Ottawa Building Codes Reference Available at Public Library

PurposeThe purpose of building codes division is to protect the safety, health and welfare of the public and preserve property values through the reasonable application of building codes and standards relative to the construction and use of buildings and property.Adopted CodesThe following is a list of the codes that the City of Ottawa has adopted. A copy of these codes and amendments are available to view at the Ottawa Public Library. Should you have any questions concerning these codes please contact the City of Ottawa Community Development Department.International Residential One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code, 2018 EditionInternational Existing Building Code, 2018 EditionInternational Energy Conservation Code, 2018 EditionInternational Fuel Gas Code, 2018 EditionInternational Mechanical Code, 2018 EditionInternational Plumbing Code, 2018 EditionInternational Fire Code, 2018 EditionPrivate Sewage Disposal City OrdinanceInternational Property Maintenance Code, 2018 EditionNational Electrical Code, 2017 EditionView local amendments to the adopted codes.Land DisturbanceA Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) is required for any land disturbance per Ottawa's Municipal Code Chapter 14 Article III. Land disturbance includes any activity that changes the physical conditions of landform, vegetation, and hydrology, creates bare soil, or otherwise may cause erosion or sedimentation. Activities include, but are not limited to: clearing, grading, excavating, removal of vegetation, stripping, grubbing, filling, logging, and storing of materials. Any new development or redevelopment that cumulatively disturbs one acre or more, must also complete a SWP2 plan in accordance with Section 14-108. Please email the Stormwater Coordinator or call 785-229-3632 with your plans before initiating work.The City has provided a guidance document Land Disturbance Permit Worksheet (PDF) to aid in determining whether a LDP is required. If your activities qualify for a Land Disturbance Permit (PDF), please fill out the application and follow the submittal instructions.Construction Board of AppealsThe Construction Board of Appeals is a seven-member group that is appointed by the City Commission and the role of the Board is to hear appeals or requests for changes in the building codes. Meetings are called as needed. In order to seek an appeal contact the Chief Building Official.Contractor LicensingLicensing Ordinance (PDF)Contractors License Application (PDF)Contractors License Renewal 2024 (PDF)Permit ApplicationsBuilding Permit (PDF)Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Worksheet (PDF)Sign Permit (PDF)For more information on signs view Article 27 of the Zoning RegulationsDemolition (PDF)Permit Fees (PDF)Land Disturbance Permit Application (PDF)Relative LinksNPDES Construction Stormwater Program | KDHE, KSTechnical InformationSite Drawing Example (PDF)Driveway Site Plan Example (PDF)Building Evaluation Form (PDF)

government

Franklin County Board of Commissioners Meeting Scheduled

2 days ago

Franklin County Quarterly Reports Available Online

Quarterly Reports

government

5 days ago

Franklin County Commissioners Meeting

Ottawa Awarded $10K Sunflower Foundation Grant for Trail Enhancement

6 days ago

Ottawa Awarded $10K Sunflower Foundation Grant for Trail Enhancement

Ottawa, KS – The City of Ottawa recently received a $10,000 grant from Sunflower Foundation, through its Paving the Way – From Blazing Trails to Building Community grant and education program, which is supporting Kansas communities at various stages of public-access and development with customized planning support, technical assistance, and peer learning opportunities.The City was one of 25 communities to receive one of Sunflower’s latest trail grants, and one of 12 to be awarded a Trail Stewards grant, which provides flexible funding for such things as maintenance, promotion, volunteer coordination and trail amenities to support communities that wish to elevate the role of existing trails.“The trails play an important role in our community connecting residents to businesses, services, parks, schools, neighborhoods, and healthy living opportunities,” said City Manager, Thatcher Moddie. “We are grateful for the opportunity to enhance our trail system with wayfinding, maps, and trail orientation for our community members and visitors.”In addition to providing flexible grant funding, the program offers grantees a chance to participate in a robust virtual learning series geared toward their stage of trail development. National trail expert Michele Archie, principal from The Harbinger Consultancy, is leading the series, with technical assistance provided by Kansas Trails, Inc. (KTI), a statewide organization dedicated to helping communities of all sizes advance their trail efforts through coordination and technical assistance.“We’re incredibly excited to work alongside our Paving the Way grantees, all of whom are planning or enhancing trails that elevate community health and celebrate local assets,” said Sunflower Director of Healthy Communities Kelli Mark, who oversees the foundation’s trail program. “Through both funding and shared learning opportunities, we’re helping communities build the knowledge, connections, and momentum needed to create lasting impact.”For a complete list of Paving the Way grantees and summaries of their projects, go to: https://sunflowerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Paving-the-Way-Grantee-list.pdf

Grand Ottawa Opry Returns July 18 with Country & Gospel Show

6 days ago

Grand Ottawa Opry Returns July 18 with Country & Gospel Show

Enjoy the Grand Ottawa Opry's Branson style show featuring Old Country, Rockabilly, Gospel and more at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium! This show will feature the Good Ole Boys and Special Guest Lorena Prater.Tickets are $15 for everyone age 13 and over and they are only available at the door. Kids 12 and under are free!  Our passion is providing you with enjoyable, quality entertainment that is family friendly!  We look forward to providing you with fun filled evenings full of good music, entertainment, and happiness!The doors open at 4:30 pm, and the Grand Ottawa Opry begins at 6 pm! Like us on Facebook @GrandOttawaOpry to stay up to date on all of our events. Call us at 785-241-6762 or email us at [email protected] for more information.

6 days ago

Teen Safety Academy Registration Now Open for Summer 2026

Teen Safety AcademyRegistration for the Teen Safety Academy is open. Registration will be limited to 20 teens between the ages of 14 to under 19 with parents or grandparents who live or work in Franklin County getting priority for spots. The teen academy will be July 13-17, 2026, and lasts between four and six hours a day starting at 8 am. There is no cost for the program and lunch is provided each day.The week is filled with activity to learn more about policing and create lasting relationships with teens and our law enforcement community.We look forward to another successful program and appreciate the support from sponsors to help make this a memorable experience.Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns before applying at [email protected].  

Williamsburg, KS - City Ordinances Available Online

City of Williamsburg Ordinances

Community Resource Guide

A resource directory connecting Franklin County residents and surrounding communities to a wide range of local services. Whether you're seeking mental health support, Meals on Wheels, grief counseling, or healthcare services, our directory is here to help. Please expand the tab below each category to explore the available resources and support options.

District Offices and Contact Information

District OfficesAnderson CountyAnderson County CourthouseGarnett, KS 66032Phone: 785-448-2526Fax: 785-448-2526Coffey CountyCoffey County Courthouse110 S. 6th Street, Suite 6Burlington, KS 66839Phone: 620-364-2329Franklin County226 S. Beech StreetOttawa, KS 66067Phone: 785-229-3510Fax: 785-229-3512Osage CountyOsage County Courthouse717 Topeka AveLyndon, KS 66451Phone: 785-591-0657