In a move that deflated what was expected to be a contentious evening of public comment, the Unified Government’s Administration and Human Services Committee voted Monday to postpone consideration of changes to employee residency requirements until the new mayor and commissioners take office in January.
More than 50 people had turned out to weigh in on the proposed changes to the UG Human Resources Guide, but were left without an opportunity to speak after commissioners quickly voted 4-0 to hold the matter over until Jan. 26.
“We are getting ready to change administration and I don’t think it’s right to vote on such a monumental item just prior to the new administration coming in,” said Commissioner Mike Kane, one of the retiring commissioners, in making the motion to postpone.
Committee Chair Melissa Bynum (At-Large District 1) agreed, saying the incoming mayor and three new commissioners should have a voice in the issue and that comments already received should be shared with the new governing body.
Bynum acknowledged the situation before the vote, telling those assembled: “It’s important that you understand that if you make your comments to us tonight and we hold it to the January meeting, then you would just be repeating yourself at that time. So we’re going to have three new commissioners and a mayor.”
The residency requirement is a matter of “long lasting and critical importance to our unified government as well as the community,” Bynum noted at the start of the discussion.
Tourism tax increase gets committee approval
In other action, the Administration committee approved a significant increase to the transient guest tax, raising it from 8% to 10% for approximately two years, with the additional revenue dedicated to parks capital improvements and enhanced tourism promotion.
After extensive discussion about the distribution formula, the committee clarified that 3% of the total tax collected would go to Parks and Recreation for capital improvement projects, 3% would go to the Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit KCK), and the remainder would go into the Convention and Tourism Fund.
Chief Financial Officer Shelly Kneuvean explained the financial impact: at 10%, annual collections are projected to reach $6.2 million. Parks would receive approximately $1.8 million annually, Visit KCK would receive a similar amount, and $1.6 million would remain in the tourism fund.
“Every 1% is going to raise another $620,000,” Kneuvean said. “So when it goes up 2%, total, it’ll be an additional 1.2 million.”
Commissioner Andrew Davis (District 8) expressed comfort with giving the Parks department flexibility in choosing which capital projects to fund, noting the department’s strong track record. “I don’t necessarily have a fear of mismanagement or misuse of dollars. I’ve seen nothing but the opposite of that,” Davis said.
Parks and Recreation Director Angel Ferrara explained that capital projects are reviewed and approved by the commission annually during the budget process, providing oversight while allowing flexibility as conditions and prices change.
One current example of a needed capital project is the failed rock wall at Wyandotte County Lake, which Ferrara said is currently out for bid with an estimated cost of $824,000.
The tax increase will sunset unless renewed after two years. However, the distribution formula directing funds to parks and Visit KCK will remain in place even after the rate returns to 8%.
Because Visit KCK is currently paid a flat annual fee for promoting tourism to the area, switching to a tax-based formula will require a renegotiation of terms. However, the organization will have more overall funds to put towards its mission of encouraging tourism. Visit KCK receives approximately $1.05 million annually under its current contract but is projected to get $1.8 million annually after the tax increase.
The ordinance passed 4-0 and will move forward to the full Board of Commissioners.
Be nice
The committee also approved a resolution on adherence to rules of procedure and civil engagement, brought forward by Commissioner Christian Ramirez (District 3), who was unable to attend the meeting due to technical difficulties.
The resolution stems from a September memo from the legislative auditor’s office reminding commissioners of their responsibility to maintain order, civility, and professionalism during meetings.
“That responsibility does reside squarely with the Board of Commissioners,” Bynum said, noting the memo served as a reminder that commissioners must model appropriate conduct.
The resolution passed 4-0.
Public Works & Safety Committee
Earlier in the evening, Commissioner Tom Burroughs (At-Large District 2) chaired his final Public Works & Safety Committee meeting before his term expires. Burroughs, a longtime state representative who has served on the commission since 2017, will be succeeded by Andrew Kump in the next term.
The committee unanimously approved three agenda items in a brief 21-minute session.
“It’s been my privilege to serve as the chair of the last couple of years,” Burroughs said before adjourning the meeting. “Thank you for the honor to serve each and every one of you in this room and those in the community.”
Drone detection system for World Cup security
The committee’s most significant action was approving a resolution authorizing the police department to apply for approximately $5 million in federal funding through the fiscal year 2026 DHS/FEMA Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) Grant Program.
KCKPD Captain Kevin Fithian explained that the grant would provide detection, identification, monitoring, and tracking technologies to protect the public during FIFA World Cup 2026 events. The system would provide protection focused on the Legends area and downtown. Most of Wyandotte County would be covered with basic capabilities, and a mobile unit would support special events in other locations.
Commissioner Chuck Stites (District 7) sought clarification that the system would not restrict recreational or commercial drone use by properly licensed operators. Fithian confirmed that only the federal government has authority to interfere with drone operations, and the system is primarily for detection and identification.
Due to the tight timeline for applying for the grant, the committee fast-tracked the item to the full Commissioners’ meeting on Nov. 20.
Solid waste service agreements
The committee also approved agreements with both Edwardsville and Bonner Springs for solid waste services.
Diana Miles, Solid Waste Manager, explained that residents of both cities have been receiving services at the Household Hazardous Waste facility, Recycling and Yard Waste Center, and Dumpster Days events without contributing to costs. Under the agreements, both cities will be invoiced annually based on the number of resident visits, with fees matching what KCK residents currently pay – approximately $2.97 per visit for 2025.
Both agreements passed unanimously.
What’s next
The residency requirements discussion will return to the Administration and Human Services Committee on Jan. 26, when the new mayor and three new commissioners will be seated and able to provide input on the contentious issue.
The transient guest tax increase will move forward to a full Board of Commissioners meeting in December or January.
The drone detection grant application and both solid waste interlocal agreements will be considered by the full Board of Commissioners at their Nov. 20, 2025 meeting.
Meeting notes
Commissioner Melissa Bynum (At-Large District 1) chaired the Administration and Human Services Committee, with Commissioner Bill Burns (District 2) substituting for Commissioner Evelyn Hill (District 4), who was out on bereavement leave.
Commissioner Tom Burroughs (At-Large District 2), whose term expires at the end of the year, chaired his final Public Works & Safety Committee meeting. Also retiring are commissioners Mike Kane (District 5, serving since 2005) and Gayle Townsend (District 1, serving since 2013). They will be replaced by newly elected commissioners Carlos Pacheco III (District 5), Jermaine Howard (District 1), and Andrew Kump (At-Large District 2) when the new administration takes office in December.