Mayor Garner delivers annual message
Mayor Tyrone Garner, in his annual message about the Unified Government, called for a community-wide effort to address key issues in Wyandotte County.
Garner delivered the annual message at the Thursday, Dec. 1, UG Commission meeting. Often in the past, similar speeches have been delivered at a “State of the UG” address at the Reardon Convention Center. According to the mayor, an annual message is required by the UG charter.
Among the key issues Garner touched upon in his speech:
- Tax relief for residents;
- Equitable development throughout the county;
- Stabilizing the Unified Government, including selection of a county administrator and addressing issues such as debt and financing;
- Investing in critical infrastructure; and
- Promoting county-wide unity.
Mayor Garner said Wyandotte County has faced a triple pandemic in the past few years and has had to deal with the health, economic and social justice effects of COVID-19 across the community. It has brought attention to racial and economic disparities to be faced, he said.
Mayor Garner also said the UG has started early on next year’s budget process.
“As highlighted throughout our recent budget process, we are not operating in a way that sets up for success in the future. We must address the deficit in our city general fund, look closely at property taxes and the BPU Pilot, and ensure that the benefits of our services and programs reach all neighborhoods, whether you live in the Historic Northeast, Rosedale, Piper, or Bonner Springs,” Mayor Garner said. “By taking a collaborative approach, we will be able to usher the changes needed for our long-term resiliency and sustainability as a community.”
Realignment of the UG organizational structure also was one of the topics he discussed. Other topics included repairing infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, along with economic development throughout the county.
A link to a video of Mayor Garner’s speech and the commission meeting is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbv7D6kykSg.
To see a text with more information from this speech, visit https://www.wycokck.org/Engage-With-Us/News-articles/2022-Mayors-Annual-Update.