The Chanute City Commission finalized new trash collection ordinances, repealed a housing incentive district, and celebrated the five-year anniversary of the city’s independent police dispatch center during its regular meeting Monday night.
Five dispatchers were recognized for their service and presented with pins to mark the milestone. Mayor Jacob LaRue thanked them for their dedication, noting that the department handles more than 2,000 calls each month.
“We are deeply honored by your commitment over these last five years,” LaRue said.
City Manager Todd Newman presented updates to the city’s trash ordinances, following months of public debate about the new collection system.
“Honestly, I was surprised at how little we actually have to change,” Newman said.
Under the new rules, all garbage must be bagged and placed in a city-provided receptacle before being rolled to the curb. Containers cannot exceed 200 pounds when full. Construction waste, paint, batteries and other hazardous materials are prohibited.
The commission also voted to rescind the Reinvestment Housing Incentive District (RHID) previously approved for a 32-unit apartment complex planned for East 28th Street.
The Neosho County Commission formally protested the RHID, arguing it would cause undue harm to the county. The property currently generates about $220 annually in taxes, which the county would have lost for the 25-year duration of the district.
As previously reported by The Tribune, county commissioners said they lacked sufficient information to move forward with the project.
Commissioners expressed visible frustration with the county’s decision. Commissioner Tim Fairchild noted he had spoken with officials from the Kansas Department of Commerce about RHID projects statewide.
“Hundreds [of RHIDs] have been approved, two have been rejected,” Fairchild said.
Developer Darin Luebbering, who proposed the housing project, attended the meeting and voiced his own frustration with the county.
“I attempted to negotiate with the county,” he said. “All was met with blank stares — no rebuttal or different proposals.”
Luebbering said the state had committed nearly $2 million in incentives for the development, but the RHID was key to unlocking much of that funding.
Newman said the city is exploring other options to move the project forward.
“Housing is our biggest discussion,” he said. “Ninety percent of counties and cities would have approved it.”
One option under consideration is relocating the project to the Osa Martin subdivision, which already has an RHID in place. However, City Attorney David Brake said the area would need to be replatted — with new maps and approvals required from the state and other entities — potentially delaying completion until 2027.
LaRue noted that both USD 413 and Neosho County Community College approved the RHID, leaving the county as the only dissenting body.
“I am very upset with the disservice that has been provided to our community,” LaRue said.
The Chanute City Commission will next meet Monday, Nov. 24.
