**Project Otis** is a local advocacy initiative in Shawnee County, Kansas, primarily promoted by resident and activist **Henry McClure** (the user in this conversation). It focuses on the proper use and potential reallocation of revenue from Kansas' **liquor-by-the-drink tax** (a 10% tax on gross receipts from alcoholic liquor sales by clubs, bars, caterers, drinking establishments, etc.).
### Funding Details (Kansas Liquor Drink Tax)
Kansas statutes (primarily **K.S.A. 79-41a01 et seq.**) govern this:
- The state collects the **10% liquor drink tax**.
- Distributions from the **Local Alcoholic Liquor Fund** (in the state treasury) go to cities and counties based on where the tax is generated:
- Larger cities (>6,000 population) typically receive **70%** of collections from their area.
- Counties receive shares for unincorporated areas or smaller cities.
- Remaining portions often flow into **Special Alcohol & Drug Programs Funds**, general funds, and **parks/recreation funds** (with statutory splits, e.g., roughly 1/3 each in some localities).
- **Shawnee County-specific figure**: Approximately **$2.1 million annually** flows to the county from these collections (as repeatedly cited by McClure in public comments).
**Intended uses** (per state law, e.g., K.S.A. 79-41a04 and related sections):
- Primarily for **alcohol and drug abuse prevention, treatment, and related programs**.
- Some allocations support **parks/recreation**, law enforcement, or general government purposes, but with restrictions emphasizing public benefit tied to the tax's origins (addressing impacts of alcohol sales).
### Core Argument of Project Otis
McClure contends that the county is **not using** these funds as originally intended (e.g., for alcohol-related social services, treatment, prevention, or specific community projects like "Old Otis"). He has urged commissioners in multiple meetings (including the May 11, 2026 work session) to review allocations, "finish Otis," and redirect the ~$2.1M toward its statutory or historical purposes rather than general spending or other priorities.
No large-scale formal county project named "Otis" appears in official records — it seems to be McClure's branding for this accountability/advocacy effort, possibly referencing a prior or proposed initiative ("Old Otis"). He has raised it repeatedly in public comment periods, sometimes tying it to broader transparency, economic development, or opposition to certain spending (e.g., questioning elected officials on boards like Go Topeka).
### Context and Status
- This is **not a county-run project** with dedicated budgets or official documents but an ongoing citizen push for fund accountability.
- Kansas law requires these revenues to support specific categories, and local governments must comply (with audits possible). McClure has referenced Attorney General opinions on proper use.
- In meetings, commissioners typically thank speakers and move on without immediate action.
For the most current details, check recent Shawnee County Commission meeting videos/minutes on their site or YouTube, or McClure’s public statements (e.g., on Facebook/YouTube under mcre1). If you have more specifics or want me to pull a particular meeting transcript, let me know!
