Urgent Funding Crisis Pauses Great Bend Innovation Center Construction
UPDATE: Construction on the highly anticipated IGNITE Innovation Center in Great Bend has been abruptly paused, raising critical questions about the financial stability of Great Bend Economic Development (GBED). City Council President Cory Urban responded to widespread public concern on November 11, 2023, clarifying the city’s limited role in the project.
Amid growing scrutiny over funding issues, Urban emphasized, “The city doesn’t have ownership in any way of the Innovation Center. It is owned and will be operated by GBED or people they contract.” This statement underscores the contentious relationship between the city and GBED, further complicated by the city’s substantial financial support, amounting to $325,000 annually following a recent increase.
The funding dispute intensified after Barton County shifted to a project-based funding model for GBED as of January 1, 2025. This decision left the organization scrambling for resources, as the city had historically provided a stable budget, which included loans and other financial initiatives. Documents reveal that the city has been more involved with GBED than previously acknowledged, raising alarms among residents and officials.
The Great Bend Tribune sought clarity through the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) but faced resistance from both the city and GBED, with officials claiming a lack of connection between the entities. City Clerk Shawna Shafer stated, “This is a separate entity from the City,” while newly appointed GBED Executive Director Jason Kuilan echoed this sentiment, saying they do not fall under KORA as a contracted vendor.
However, a successful KORA request revealed essential documents highlighting the city’s foundational role in GBED’s establishment. The Bylaws of Great Bend Economic Development confirm the city and the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce as key members of the organization, contradicting earlier claims of separation.
At a recent city council meeting, Mayor Cody Schmidt defended the public-private partnership, noting that elected officials were encouraged to step back from GBED’s board due to potential conflicts of interest. Council member Kevyn Soupiset, who previously represented the city on the board, remarked on the challenges of holding dual roles.
The situation has sparked widespread debate among council members, with some arguing that taxpayer-funded organizations should have elected representatives on their boards. Council member Gary Parr stated, “If we have that much skin in the game, we should have someone on the board.”
In a shocking twist, council member Shawn Hutchinson revealed his resignation from the GBED board in December 2024, citing a lack of transparency regarding taxpayer funds as his primary concern. The bylaws stipulate that GBED must provide quarterly reports on financial transactions to its members, yet the city has only received yearly profit and loss statements.
In response to inquiries about the city’s membership status in GBED, Mayor Schmidt stated that the city was “not a member” and declined to elaborate on when that status changed. This lack of clarity has left many residents frustrated and demanding accountability.
As the city grapples with these evolving challenges, the future of the IGNITE Innovation Center—and the potential ramifications for the local economy—hangs in the balance. The Tribune awaits further comment from GBED’s legal representatives, as community members express growing concerns over transparency and the effective use of taxpayer dollars.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
