Colby Mayor Lee Leiker addressed the business people at the Colby/Thomas County Chamber Business Meeting Luncheon on October 24, 2024. Here is what he had to say about Colby.
Colby is buzzing with activity, and there are plenty of exciting developments taking place that are set to shape the community's future. From housing to infrastructure and everything in between, Colby is working hard to meet the needs of its residents and attract new opportunities.
First and foremost, housing has been a significant challenge for Colby, but exciting solutions are on the horizon. Nine duplexes are currently under construction just north of Jimmy John's, adding 18 new units to the housing market. Even more exciting are the upscale units planned west of the post office—24 to 32 new homes, complete with garages, to provide higher-end housing options. These projects are a significant step forward in addressing the housing shortage that has long been a challenge in the area.
The labor market is another hurdle. Like many communities, Colby is feeling the impact of unfilled positions across various industries. In fact, the city's top five employers are collectively 116 positions short of being fully staffed. This is a clear sign of the low unemployment rate in Colby, which presents a unique challenge as the city strives to close the employment gap by improving wages, benefits, and working conditions.
There’s no shortage of progress when it comes to infrastructure either. The new hospital is taking shape, and this facility is expected to become a medical hub not just for Northwest Kansas but the broader region. The hope is that this medical center will attract more residents and provide critical health services to the area.
The airport is also seeing significant upgrades. Recently completed taxiway and apron rehabs have improved the airport's functionality, and more hanger space is being added to accommodate larger planes. In addition, Colby's airport now offers full-service fueling during business hours and 24-hour self-service fueling. Even military aircraft can refuel here, which adds a whole new dimension to the airport's capabilities. For local and visiting pilots, having access to mechanical services and inspections on-site is another exciting new feature.
New businesses are another sign of Colby’s growth, including two new hotels set to open before the 2025 travel season, which will be a boon to the local economy. Colby is also welcoming a brewery to its downtown area, set to open in the spring, offering casual dining and craft beers.
The city is also focusing on community spaces, particularly with the upgrade of the park at Villa High. Thanks to partnerships with local organizations, the new playground will be fully wheelchair-accessible, making it a fantastic resource for families passing through and for locals alike.
Colby is also progressing with plans for the equestrian center, a project that holds great promise for boosting the local economy and attracting visitors. Feasibility studies and community meetings are underway, and there's a great deal of optimism surrounding this development.
On the fiscal side, Colby’s mill rate stands out compared to neighboring cities, with a relatively low rate of 33 mills on an assessed value of $61 million. This reflects the city’s commitment to offering good value to taxpayers while making significant investments in streets and infrastructure, with over $1.5 million spent on street improvements in the past year alone.
In conclusion, Colby is on a roll. From housing and healthcare to infrastructure and business development, the city is tackling its challenges head-on and creating new opportunities for growth. The future looks bright, and the momentum is palpable as Colby continues to invest in its community and build a more prosperous future for everyone.
** To see the full video of the Chamber/Thomas County Chamber Luncheon including updates from the Chamber and it's branches and Mayor Lee Leiker visit here: https://youtu.be/vnkneb98jmg
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