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Public works proposes moving HHW program to noxious weed fund and seeking local HHW permit
Summary
Public Works Administrator Jeremy Myers proposed restructuring household hazardous waste (HHW) budgeting by moving HHW expenses and revenues from the waste disposal fund into the noxious weed fund and pursuing its own KDHE HHW permit to avoid large regional assessment fees; staff warned of initial upfront costs and one-year notice required to leave the regional program.
Jeremy Myers, Commissioner and Public Works Administrator, presented an overview of eight funds managed by public works and outlined a proposed restructure for household hazardous waste (HHW).
Myers said Geary County currently participates as a satellite site under the Big Lakes Regional HHW permit and pays a population-based annual assessment. He and staff proposed giving one-year notice to the regional program at the end of 2026 and pursuing a county-level KDHE HHW permit or permitted satellite site beginning in 2028. The county would incur some upfront costs to meet permit standards (facility improvements and equipment), but Myers said the change could eliminate the recurring regional assessment and better align HHW costs with local users.
As part of the proposal, Myers recommended moving HHW-related operating expenses and e-waste revenue out of the waste disposal fund and into the noxious weed fund so HHW costs and staffing are tracked in the same budget. He also described moving certain seasonal labor costs and equipment costs associated with HHW operations into the noxious weed fund and said the restructure would allow those capital needs to be included in CIP planning.
Commissioners asked for follow-up cost estimates and an implementation timeline; Myers said staff would return with more detailed financial modeling and that a formal one-year notice to Big Lakes would be necessary to change permit status.
