Happy Thursday, Wyandotte County!

Happy Holidays 2021
County Administrator to step down January 6
Doug Bach has announced his retirement as County Administrator of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas. He has served as County Administrator since March 8, 2014 and spent his career in service to our community.

Mr. Bach has worked for our community in various capacities over the past three decades. Before his appointment to the role County Administrator, Mr. Bach served as Deputy County Administrator from 2003-2014 and previously served in leadership roles across multiple departments, including the Departments of Finance, Community Development, and Procurement, as well as the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and County Administration.

“I am honored to have served with the many hardworking, talented individuals across the Unified Government,” said Mr. Bach. “Together, we have tackled many challenges and are now well-positioned to rebound from this pandemic stronger than ever.”

During his tenure, Mr. Bach directed multiple major economic development projects that have brought in hundreds of millions of dollars into the area, stabilizing the local economy during a downturn while creating new jobs. He has worked to eliminate debt obligations as an organization to ensure future fiscal sustainability and guided the Unified Government through its COVID-19 response. 

Mr. Bach’s retirement is effective January 6, 2022.
COVID Safety Following the Holidays
If you traveled, attended gatherings this holiday season with your loved ones, or if you have big plans for New Year's celebrations, we strongly recommend that you get tested, especially if you are not vaccinated. Unfortunately, COVID is on the rapid rise in our community once again, and we encourage everyone to continue to take precautions to remain healthy. See our short video update for more information.

Please note that our COVID vaccine and testing site at former Kmart building is closed December 30 & 31. Starting January, COVID vaccines will be offered every Friday 12 pm - 6 pm, & COVID testing Monday - Friday 9 am - 3 pm. The Health Department and UG Buildings are closed December 31.
Looking Ahead: Park Shelter Reservations for 2022 begin January 3
Wyandotte County residents can make shelter reservations for 2022 online beginning Monday, January 3, 2022 at 8 AM. In-person reservations can also be made at the Parks & Recreation office, 5033 State Ave. Reservations are available on a first come, first served basis. For more information please call (913) 573-8327. Read more.
Major reconstruction project coming to I-435 & State Avenue
On December 15, 2021, Governor Laura Kelly announced major Kansas highway projects including the selection of the I-435 & State Avenue interchange reconstruction as part of the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE) with a local project among the list of selected projects. There will be a redesign of the interchange between I-435 and State Avenue with a Diverging Diamond Interchange, just north of I-70. Read more about this project.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Recycle your Christmas Tree this year by either bringing it to the Yard Waste & Recycling Center (3241 Park Drive) which reopens the weekend of January 8-9, 2022 or to one of our Parks & Recreation locations (see below) before January 30, 2022. Before the tree can be recycled all tinsel, lights and ornaments need to be removed.

Stony Point Park: 527 N. 86th (Northeast corner of parking lot)
Alvey Park: 4834 Metropolitan (North side of the south parking lot)
City Park: 2601 Park Drive (Just inside the park, to the right) 
Kansas City, KS Small Business: Grant Now Available for Support During Pandemic
The Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, KS is looking to assist KCK small businesses with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. Small business can apply for up to $10,000. Grant funds can be used to help business continue to prepare for changes in the way consumers are doing business. This includes funding for upgrading websites for e-commerce, buildings, and physical plants remediation to comply with safety guidelines, software upgrades, professional service support (accounting, legal), etc.

Small Business Resiliency Grant
Seniors Encouraged to Apply for Tax Rebates
KCK and Wyandotte County residents are encouraged to look into and apply for programs designed to provide tax relief to seniors.
Tax Rebate
Senior Citizen's Utility and Sales Tax Rebate
The program is for Kansas City, Kansas residents. Eligible seniors can apply for a rebate of a portion of their BPU, Gas or AT&T utility bills and/or paid sales tax.
Homestead rebates are offered to eligible senior citizens who live in Wyandotte County, Kansas for a portion of their property taxes.
We're Hiring!
We are currently recruiting for several key positions at the Unified Government, including Assistant District Attorney, Medical Technologist, and Planner/Historic Preservationist. We also offer many other job and career opportunities for a diverse skillset. If you have a passion for our community, we have a position for you!
 
Pick of the Litter
Meet Murdock
Murdock is a 5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier. He's an extremely sweet natured guy. He loves to go for walks, to gallop about the yard, and he loves toys and treats. He’s very calm in his kennel. Murdock is choosy with other dogs and would most likely do best in a home where he could be the only pet.

Murdock is available for adoption from Kansas City Kansas Animal Services. Visit KCKAC.petfinder.com for more information about Murdock and other pets available for adoption.
Upcoming Events
UG Offices Closed Friday, Dec 31
Unified Government offices will be closed Friday, December 31 in observance of the New Year Holiday. Regular operations will resume Monday, January 3, 2022 at 8am. Happy New Year!
Holiday Light & Magic 2021
Holiday Light and Magic Show 2021
We are coming up on our last few evenings for Holiday Light & Magic. If you are interested in attending, please book soon. The last day this will be available is this coming Sunday, January 2, 2022.Weeknight tickets cost $20/car and weekend evenings are $25/car. Learn more here
Unified Government
ARPA Committee Meeting
Monday, January 3 2022, 10:30AM-12PM via Zoom / UGTV

Standing Committee Meeting
Neighborhoods & Community Dev./Economic Dev. & Finance
Monday, January 3, 2021, 5PM

Special Session: Legislative Agenda
Thursday, January 6, 2021, 5:00PM

Planning & Full Commission Meeting
Thursday, January 6, 2021, 7PM
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the meetings of the Unified Government Board of Commission will be conducted remotely using Zoom and broadcast via UGTV and YouTube. Members of the public may attend meetings virtually or watch the virtual meeting in the lobby of city hall (701 N 7th Street, KCK, 66101). The virtual meeting information is also available on the agenda itself.
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