Wyandotte County, KCK adopt revenue-neutral budget for 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas approved a new budget for 2025. They adopted a neutral revenue budget on Thursday night, that will freeze property taxes.

It was decided to pursue a revenue-neutral budget in June, providing the Unified Government the opportunity to pay off accrued debt. The price of that new budget was to cut down the public safety budget, meaning that Sheriff’s officers, firefighters, police officers and 911 dispatchers will see a reduction in overtime.

“There are things that we’re not going to do and that’s the reality,” said Councilwoman Melissa Bynum.

“It was a difficult choice, but it was time to make that choice. We will do infrastructure projects, we will do public works, we will do fewer of them.”

Mayor Tyrone Garner said that it was time to change how the government approached their finances, while also assuring residents that their services will mostly remain unchanged.

“You can’t keep doing the same things and expect a different result,” Mayor Garner said.

“So I think this is a great start for us to operate more efficiently and more effectively to be more innovative and streamline this government while still providing the essential services that our residents not only demand but deserve.”

“We’re still coming,” said Ryan Heim. He’s the vice president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 64 .

“You call us? We’re still coming out the door. Your neighborhood fireman, fire company, ambulances are still in service.”

He said that despite previous attempts to close fire stations, he’s glad that the partnership between the Unified Government and the union has been effective.

“When we all get in the same room and all figure it out, that’s the way to do it so that’s a win,” he said.

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