Unified Government of Wyandotte County, KCK Mayor Tyrone Garner and CEO, has told residents of his city that he inherited a debt of $1 billion when he took office. He says the county faces the prospect of bankruptcy by 2026.
Edwardsville Mayor Carolyn Caiharr (left) announced that starting next month, groups of Wyandotte County residents will begin meeting in groups to discuss possible solutions – including deconsolidation Edwardsville and Bonner Springs residents overwhelmingly voted against consolidation in 1997, the year the government unification took effect.
BY JOE ARCE AND COREY CRABLE
A quarter century after it unified, Tyrone Garner, Mayor and CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS, says he will meet with other mayors and county residents to discuss the possibility of deconsolidating the UG. Perhaps just as concerning – Garner, who inherited a debt of $1 billion when he took office, says the county faces the prospect of bankruptcy by 2026. Garner made these announcements at a press conference in early October, along with the mayors of Bonner Springs and Edwardsville. He also shared complaints he has fielded complaints about the way the Unified Government operates. “I inherited questionable Unified Government policies, audit reports indicating decades of mismanagement, overburdened taxpayers, crumbling infrastructure, disheartening poverty, excessive blight, customer service shortfalls, continued cronyism and nepotism, and a Unified Government on its way to complete financial ruin,” Garner told those in attendance. “Many residents have indicated to me that when they look at the totality of our government, it has left numerous stakeholders with an opinion that work needs to be done.” Garner, who doesn’t have voting power on the county commission, said he has vetoed “every tax and fee-raising policy measure” since taking office, adding that the commission has consistently struck down those vetoes. “Starting today, we have to work collaboratively, responsibly, and intentionally for all those who call Wyandotte County home,” Garner said. “But we can’t do it alone. It’s going to take all of us.” Edwardsville Mayor Carolyn Caiharr announced that starting next month, groups of Wyandotte County residents will begin meeting in groups to discuss possible solutions – including deconsolidation Edwardsville and Bonner Springs residents overwhelmingly voted against consolidation in 1997, the year the year the government unification took effect. “Residents of Edwardsville and Bonner Springs voted against this unification in fear it would not serve the people well, and it seems they were correct,” Caiharr said. “Wyandotte County residents are worn out from unmet promises meant to bring about unification.” UG Commissioner Christian Ramirez said in a statement submitted to Kansas City Hispanic News, “Since the UG’s unification, we haven’t had the opportunity to update it and ensure we are operating efficiently as possible. I strongly support updating our Charter to reflect the times, but the idea of making drastic, unilateral decisions and changes will destabilize our local economy and create further hardships for our citizens, especially taking the looming bankruptcy into consideration.” Ramirez continued, “That is why all egos must take a backseat and we must work together to find fiscally responsible solutions to our budget and pass strategic, stable, and common sense tax and BPU PILOT reform. I will continue to fight for these common sense policies to ensure every citizen has the ability to live in Wyandotte County/KCK. We can do this if we work together. Si se puede!” Some county residents told the Hispanic News that skyrocketing property taxes are making it difficult to live within the city and county limits. “I thought (the government) was already bankrupt. I know they’re charging really high taxes,” said Eleanor Morales Clark. “We’ve got a lot of businesses and residents now. Taxes for the rest of us are going up. It’s making it tougher to keep my house.” Local resident Zelma Sully said she supports Garner and that she will be interested what the focus group will identify as solutions. “Maybe they’ll come up with solutions,” Sully said. “If anyone can solve it, (Garner) can. He’s a good mayor.” Garner said that the government should always have the best interests of its people in mind. “What has been challenging over the years has been our government. It’s not there to serve itself, but the people it was created to serve. Wyandotte County wants leadership who will listen with tangibles they can be proud of, a government they can believe in,” Garner said. “We are here for the people who said they want better. We’re going to keep fighting for the great people of Wyandotte County.” The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS, is online at www.wycokck.org. To access the local group of residents and UG representatives, search for “Unified Residents of Wyandotte County” on Facebook.
