!  Welcome to Maize, Kansas

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.

In addition, the City of Maize and certain Maize Residential Developers have come together to offer a water credit incentive package for newly constructed homes within the Maize City limits.

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

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

Severe Weather Safety Program

Sedgwick County Emergency Management in conjunction with the National Weather Service will offer a Severe Weather Safety Class on Thursday, April 12 at 6:30 P.M.  The class will be held in the council chambers of Maize City Hall, 10100 W Grady Ave and is FREE to the public.

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.

Mayor Clair Donnelly

Welcome!  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.

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.

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