The Centralia City Council passed a resolution Monday night to withdraw from the Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative at the end of June 2026 due to rising insurance costs. According to City Manager Galen Mahle, insurance rates increased 16.1% as of January 1, 2026 and are projected to increase at least 25% as of January 1, 2027. The city intends to enter an agreement with Assured Partners to broker a new insurance agreement.
The city council approved two new Class A liquor licenses. Food Mart Café and RAIL both received class A licenses to replace their Class E licenses.
The council waived bidding requirements and approved the purchase of a 2022 Dodge Durango from the Kansas Highway Patrol at a cost of $33,750. The Durango will be utilized for administrative/investigations personnel. The council also approved the lease of two Ford Explorers as additional police frontline vehicles at a cost of $1,356 per vehicle per month over a 48-month term.
