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Sedgwick County staff propose lower solid-waste fees for 2026; commissioners to vote May 14
Summary
Staff presented a committee-backed plan to lower most solid-waste fee tiers for 2026, citing updated waste-volume data and rising disposal costs; the county will consider the plan and fee at a May 14 commissioners meeting.
Sedgwick County staff presented a revised solid-waste plan and a committee recommendation to lower most fee tiers for 2026, saying the proposal is based on new waste-volume studies and increases in disposal costs.
"We are being transparent," Susan said as she reviewed Kansas rules that allow counties to place a solid-waste fee on property tax bills and outlined the committee's analysis of tiers and programs. Staff showed a graph comparing the 2025 fee schedule to the committee's requested 2026 rates and said every category would be reduced under the proposal.
The committee that reviewed the fee included staff from the appraiser's office, clerk's office, environmental services and budget, Susan said, and it recommended lowering tiers after a second waste-volume study. Staff cited rising program and disposal costs as one reason to revisit rates: the county found per-ton disposal costs had climbed from about $34 to $74 and HHW drum costs rose from roughly $116 to $225 over time.
Commissioners were told the change is intended to be roughly revenue neutral because adding parcels to the billing base increases units while reducing per-parcel charges. Staff said they will present the solid-waste plan and the fee to the commission for formal consideration on May 14; fee amounts can be adjusted in the tax system through mid-June but structural changes must meet appraisal-roll deadlines.
