Help for the homeless in Junction City drew extensive discussion at this week's city commission meeting. A motion to provide $10,000 in short term funding to the Magdaline Project to pay for motel rooms for the homeless failed on a 3-2 vote. Instead city staff have been directed to develop a plan to address the issue. They will evaluate the problem, talk to people and put a plan together.
The arrival of cold weather has brought the issue to the forefront.
--In other business commissoners learned that there is an effort to lower water rates in 2026. An initial study estimated $4 per ratepayer per month, but that is not definite. More study is continuing on the procccess. The goal in 2026 is to lower the rates but it's not a promise at this point.
--Shop With a Cop is this Saturday. A total of 64 children are signed up for the event which includes breakfast and funds for the children to shop at Walmart for Christmas gifts.
--Commissioners approved a bid to Central National Bank for banking services for a five year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.