!  Welcome to Maize, Kansas

Maize is a unique, progressive city enjoying metropolitan status in a rural surrounding. We are a civic-minded community with numerous citizens who volunteer their time for an array of activities. Our city officials and city staff continue to strengthen the value of teamwork and civic loyalty, as we provide essential services ensuring all citizens a secure environment in which to live, work and play. Excellent schools, low crime rate and easy access to the entire metro area makes Maize a unique place to live. Maize, where community counts. We welcome you to Maize and invite you to visit our local businesses.

Clair Donnelly, Mayor

News and Information:

Lock Your Car Doors

The number of reported thefts to the Maize Police Department decreased by 25% in 2011 from those reported in 2010.  Many of the thefts that were reported were from automobiles.  Unfortunately most of these thefts could have been prevented had the owners locked their car doors.  Most thefts from vehicles in Maize occur during the night time hours and are committed by "opportunist".  Individuals will walk neighborhoods late at night checking car doors.  When they find an unlocked car, they will rummage through the car looking for valuables and other items to take.  Other thefts occur when people leave their purses or other valuables in plain site in their vehicle.  REMEMBER:  ALWAYS LOCK YOUR CAR DOORS AND HIDE ANY VALUABLES LEFT IN THE CAR.  Help us reduce the number of thefts from autos in 2012.

New Home Grant Program

On August 15, 2011, the Maize City Council approved the 2011/2012 Housing Grant Program. The application period for the grant is from August 15, 2011, through December 31, 2012. New homebuilders and buyers are eligible for the grant if a certificate of occupancy is in effect during this period.

The Grant Program will provide compensation to the owner of record for new single-family homes located within the city limits. Maize wants to encourage builders and new homebuyers to participate in the City’s pursuit of a quality living environment for all. The City of Maize is a safe, friendly, and progressive community with an exceptional public school system. A number of quality housing developments are located in Maize with single home pricing from $100,000 to $750,000 and beyond.

The City of Maize is happy to offer a new online subscription service to anyone interested in keeping up-to-date and informed about news and events happening in Maize via e-mail.  We encourage our residents to sign-up for this service to be added to our mailing list.  Your privacy is important!  The City of Maize will not sell or otherwise provide your e-mail address to anyone else.  Information provided will be used solely by the city for the purpose of providing you with newsworthy information about Maize.  Subscribe today to begin receiving e-Highlights from the City of Maize by e-mail.

City of Maize Updates

Here are a few updates on some Maize happenings from your Administrator:

1. FINANCIAL UPDATE:
   The City closed out its 2011 budget in the black. I extend my personal gratitude to the City Council, Department Heads, and Staff for their fiduciary efforts. The City will begin its 2012 year in a positive financial position. It is imperative for both short and long-term budget planning be in place to ensure future stability. Finances to increase City growth and development combined with improvement projects such as infrastructure requirements, drainage, the Maize Road improvement project, along with many other obligations, can force the budget to become rather challenging. However, planning is the key! In order to continue in the black, the City Council and Staff aims to not raise taxes in the short-term and to reduce them in the long-term

2. MAIZE ROAD IMPROVEMENT:
   Advertising is underway for the selection of a contractor for the Maize Road project. The contractor will be chosen on January 18, 2012. The utility work for the new $10 million five-lane, curb and gutter-street, from 45th Street to K-96 highway, is nearing completion. Road construction on the 14 month project is expected to begin in March 2012. Prior to construction, a public meeting will be held to provide a time-line, traffic flow information, and to answer any questions residents may have.

3. MAIZE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
   As reported in our last issue of the Highlights, the City has developed a conceptual strategy that provides a confident, positive, and responsive environment for economic development.

   • The New Housing Grants for Builders & Homebuyers portion was approved in August 2011. As a result, we closed out 2011 with 31 new housing starts, up from 23 in 2010. In addition, several new existing homes have sold to new residents of Maize.

   • The Commercial Grants for New Businesses & Builders was approved in December 2011. We are optimistic this will attract new businesses to the Maize community.

*It should be noted that the Housing & Business incentive grants program does not place any additional tax burden on the City or residents.

Economic Development is the key to reducing taxes in the future and bringing quality of life amenities to Maize.

The City of Maize is a safe, friendly, and progressive community with an exceptional public school system. For the City’s economic future it is necessary to step out now. It is necessary to encourage current and future residents to participate in the City’s pursuit of a quality living environment for all.

Respectfully,

Richard LaMunyon
City Administrator

Come Join Us Here In Maize...
"Where Community Counts"

The Maize Police Department is now providing crime mapping through crimereports.com.  Visit our Crimereports.com page for more information and instructions on how to use the site.

New Home Incentive Package

The City of Maize and Maize Residential Developers have come together to offer an water credit for newly constructed homes within the Maize City limits. Last year Maize realized 23 brand new homes in our town!

Packages range from $3,000 to $18,000 depending on development and value of home.

This package if offered over and above the Housing Grant Program for neighborhood residents.

Fast Facts About Maize

Population:
       2009 Estimate:  3,346
       2000 Census:  1,868
Year Established:  1870
Year Incorporated:  1886
County:  Sedgwick
State:  Kansas
Zip Code:  67101
Area Code:  316
Sales Tax:  7.3%
School District:  266
2010 Total Mill Levy: 152.070
Census 2000 Demographic Profile Highlights
History
Map