Sabetha Industrial Development Corporation
Industrial Development Activities is a partnership between the City of Sabetha and the Sabetha Industrial Development Corporation, a public not-for-profit corporation which works closely with the Sabetha Area Chamber of Commerce and the Brown and Nemaha Country governments. The Sabetha City Administrator serves as Manager of the Industrial Development Corporation.
The Sabetha Industrial Development Corporation and the City of Sabetha developed the Commerce Drive Industrial Park which is now full, and are developing the new Airport Industrial Park.
Contact:
Melissa Detweiler
785-285-8032
Population
The City of Sabetha is located on the border between Brown and Nemaha Counties.
Both Brown and Nemaha Counties have experienced population declines from the turn of the century, except for the City of Sabetha which has remained fairly steady.
Labor Climate
The City of Sabetha and the surrounding area has a potential workforce unsurpassed in the United States. The majority of the people are native Kansans who are dedicated to their work and do it with pride. These people make invaluable employees. The State of Kansas is a right to work state by constitutional amendment. Less than 10% of the state's manufacturing force belongs to a union. The Sabetha area is composed of non-union shops. Kansas ranks among the nation's leaders in the least amount of working time lost due to work stoppages.
Transportation
U. S. Highway 75 runs through Sabetha north and south. U. S. Highway 36 is 4 miles south of Sabetha, running east and west. Interstate 70 is approximately 60 miles south, Interstate 80 is approximately 70 miles north, and Interstate 29 is approximately 60 miles east.
Local Motor Freight Companies
Keim TS, Inc.- 48 State Authority - 187 trucks
Other major carriers serving Sabetha include:
Always Freight
Yellow Freight
Roadway Freight
Vaught Truck Line
Kansas City International Airport is located 90 miles southeast of Sabetha on Interstate 29. Air freight service and Air Express are available.
Facilities for private planes are located at the Industrial Park. A 3100 foot, hard surfaced, lighted runway is available. Falls City, Nebraska (20 miles), features a 4100 foot, hard surfaced, IFR equipped runway.
Sabetha is served by the Union Pacific Railroad, which has just completed a major (multimillion dollar) track replacement.
United Parcel Service provides daily service from a distribution center in Topeka, Kansas. Sabetha is also served by Pony Express Parcel Service, Federal Express and Bankers Dispatch.
Natural Gas
Kansas Gas Service is the largest natural gas distribution company in Kansas, providing clean, reliable natural gas to more than 643,000 customers in 337 communities. Kansas Gas Service was formed in 1997, and is currently a division of Tulsa-based ONEOK, Inc. Though the company has undergone many name changes, it has an 85 year tradition of serving customers in Kansas, western Missouri and northeastern Oklahoma.
Electric Power
The City of Sabetha operates a territorial electric system serving not only the city but also a territory approximately six miles wide east and west and eighteen miles long north and south.
The City operates their own power generating plant with eleven dual fuel generator units. The capacity of the plant is 12,400 kW. The City is in the process of installing a 12th generator that will add 4,600 kW. In addition there is an interconnect with KPL to insure uninterrupted service.
Water and Wastewater
Water is provided by the City of Sabetha. The water source is an impounding reservoir located at the north portion of the city. The City of Sabetha operates a wastewater treatment plant.
Government
Nemaha County consists of 20 townships. The county is governed by a three member Board of County Commissioners, elected by district for 4 year terms. The county seat is Seneca, Kansas, located 15 miles southwest of Sabetha.
The City of Sabetha is a city of the second class. The city is organized under the Mayor - Commission - Administrator form of government. The Mayor and Commissioners are elected for four year staggered terms. The Administrator is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the Commissioners.
Fire Protection
The Sabetha Fire Department has 26 trained volunteer fire fighters who are dispatched through a 24 hour pager system. The Department also provides protection for areas outside the city limits through a rural fire district. The City has an Insurance Service Office class six rating and the rural area has a class nine rating. The City has 2 pumper trucks, 2 tanker trucks and one 4X4.
Police Protection
The Sheriff's Deportment consists of the sheriff, 4 full-time, 2 part-time and 9 reserve deputies. The Sheriff's Department patrols unincorporated areas of the county. Two deputies are based in Sabetha. Two Kansas Highway Patrol officers are stationed in the county. A State Wildlife and Parks officer also serves the area.
The City Police Department consists of 5 full time officers. The Department provides direct line burglar and fire alarm hookup at the Emergency Dispatch.
Ambulance
The Sabetha Emergency Medical Service provides 24 hour advance life support service in the area with two modular ambulances stationed in Sabetha. Each unit is staffed by state registered Emergency Medical Technicians. All emergency calls are dispatched through the City's Emergency Dispatch.
Life Flight and Medivac helicopters are available for emergency transfer to Topeka and Kansas City hospitals.
Zoning & Streets
In 1983 the City adopted a new comprehensive plan for the future development of the city. It included zoning and subdivision regulations. The City has in excess of 68 miles of streets and alleys. Ninety-five percent of all street surfaces are paved.