The Wichita City Council approved increased fines in association with illegal dumping in the city.
Since 2018, almost 11,000 illegal dump sites have been cleaned up by contractors, costing the city over $1.5 million. Prosecuting these crimes have been challenging, with nearly half of the charges dismissed due to lack of proof.
Council member Brandon Johnson said illegal dumping is a major problem.
The council increased the mandatory fine to a minimum of $1,000 and no more than $1500 for a first conviction, and not less than $1500, no more than $2500 for a second conviction.
The city will also install surveillance cameras at locations where illegal dumping frequently occurs.
The council approved a pair of ordinances regarding noise nuisances and loud vehicles.
The amendment to the noise nuisance ordinance will clarify the process an organizer will take to request permission to exceed decibel levels. It will also clarify which city department will be responsible for enforcement.
The city says vehicle noise which is excessively loud is a nuisance and illegal. The violation is an infraction with a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum fine of $1,500.
Also at Tuesday's meeting, the council approved a $100,000 plan to install new signs at four city pool facilities. This year’s funding will focus on Aley, Harvest, McAfee, and Orchard Pools.