The Liberal City Commission met on Tuesday evening an heard an update on Economic Development from Eli Svaty. During Eli’s presentation, he announced that Taiwan based company, Apogee Power of Taiwan will be locating a manufacturing facility here in Liberal at 1600 W. Pancake Boulevard. Apogee is a Battery Energy Storage Company that manufactures batteries and currently supplies batteries for Diehard, Ford, and is working with Interstate. This will be a 3 phase project where Hybrid Power Units, Ground Power Units, and Big Scale Energy Storage Systems will be compiled and assembled. Initially they will employ 20-30 people and will eventually expand to 70. Subleasing in the building will also be 2 other companies which are currently manufacturing drone components. According to Svaty, this could be just the start to larger scale economic development opportunities.

Following the announcement, the Commission then approved the contract and changes with French Construction for the Doll Addition in the City of Liberal, and also approved Resolution No. 2447 for the Adoption of the Kansas Homeland Security Region D Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

Commissioners approved The Housing Grant Programs funded by the One Cent Sales Tax. Minor clerical updates have been made to existing programs, and a new sidewalk program has been added to support the Comprehensive Plan.

The Commission gave approval of the updated 2026 Facade Grant Guidelines, allowing old sign tear down to be a part of the program, and the Commission approved Utility Billing waivers for the Stepping Stone Shelter in the amount of $2,079.98.