By Ned Seaton
Manhattan’s level of debt carried by the city government ranks 8th-highest among the 26 largest cities in Kansas, according to a Mercury analysis of statewide data. By population, Manhattan is the 9th-largest city in the state.
The city’s “total bonded indebtedness,” according to data obtained by The Mercury from the Kansas League of Muncipalities, stood at $138.5 million last year, the most recent period for which comparable data was available. The city with the largest debt is Wichita, with $1.1 billion. Kansas City, Kan., has $1.03 billion. Lawrence has $347 million.