An incoming Coffeyville City Commissioner is suing the City of Coffeyville over a pledge of up to $600,000 towards FKHS Natatorium.
William Kendall, who will be sworn in at tonight's City Commission meeting, filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, January 6th in Montgomery County District Court against the City of Coffeyville, the Coffeyville City Commission and City Manager Ben Brubaker in his official capacity over the Letter of Commitment of up to $600,000 towards the Charlesworth Swimming Pool Project.
Brubaker addressed the issue at Tuesday's commission meeting. He says, so far, no official agreement has been made.
Brubaker adds that the money has not been spent.
In regards to Kendall's lawsuit, Brubaker says that, as of the January 13 Commission meeting, he has not been officially notified.
Kendall alleges that Kansas law does not allow cities to commit funds to a non-existent legal entity, saying that the group's LLC status did not exist until December 15th, 2025, according to the Kansas Secretary of State's office.
The commitment of money came from “Fund 180”, which is an economic development fund. At the November 25th meeting when the action was approved, Brubaker said this was the only fund the city has that could be appropriated towards a loan of this nature.
The lawsuit alleges violations to the Kansas Open Meetings Act, including communications outside of public meeting regarding the issue.
Kendall is asking the court to issue a temporary restraining order to prevent any money from being dispersed to the pool group, in addition to any loan agreements from being executed.
The $600,000 would add to the $1 million raised by the Friends of the Charlesworth Pool group in an effort to repair the pool facility. The Coffeyville School Board recently voted to get bid information on potential demolition as talks continue with the group on a partnership to save the facility. A decision on the pool could happen as early as the February School Board meeting. The Coffeyville City Commission will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. to swear in and go over training with new commissioners.
The text of the lawsuit can be seen HERE.
