The Unified Government (UG) has approved new interlocal agreements. These agreements will require Bonner Springs and Edwardsville to begin paying their share of solid waste services. Their residents have used these services for many years.
Residents from both cities have long taken part in extra disposal programs. This information comes from Solid Waste Manager, Diana Miles. The programs include the Yard Waste and Recycling Center, the Household Hazardous Waste facility, and the Dumpster Days program. Some of these services have been in place for more than a decade. Kansas City, Kansas ratepayers have been covering nearly all of the cost for visitors from the surrounding cities.
Under the new agreement, Edwardsville will pay a 2025 fee of $2.97 dollars per visit, which is the same rate paid by KCK residents. While the Bonner Springs agreement did not list a specific figure, Bonner Springs should expect pay the same per-visitor amount. Solid Waste staff will track visits throughout the year, with invoices issued in December based on total attendance.
During the discussion, Commissioner Bill Burns highlighted the need for a more balanced approach. “Well, we’re supposed to be good stewards of the taxpayers [money], and I just want to make sure everybody pays their fair share,” Burns said.
The UG said this new structure promotes fairness between communities and supports the long-term sustainability of solid waste programs funded by local ratepayers.
Commissioners approved the Edwardsville and Bonner Springs items separately. Both passed with a unanimous 5 to 0 vote and no public comment.
