Here is something interesting you may want to share with
children and grandchildren. Use the following link to learn all about Artemis:
https://www.nasa.gov/send-your-name-with-artemis/#user-information
To learn more about Artemis use the following link:
TRUTH WATCH RETURNS!
https://www.nasa.gov/send-your-name-with-artemis/#user-information
To learn more about Artemis use the following link:
This issue of the Raytown Report re-introduces a writer who used to grace the pages of the Raytown Report years ago. When asked if he wanted to re-enter the give and take of Raytown politics, he replied, “I have noted there seems to be a lot of noise of Facebook about this new trifecta of taxes.” He continued, "I will take on the challenge of deciphering some of that noise.”
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BY TRUTH WATCH
Just the Facts I have been reviewing the videos of the recent meetings with special attention paid to discussion by our elected officials on the proposed three property tax increases to be voted on August 2nd.
Came across some inaccuracies spoken by some, interesting points by others, and what appears to be an interesting debate going towards the August 2nd election.
When is that deadline? Alderman Greg Walters questioned why the Board was ramming the tax proposal question through so quickly. He had a point.
In the space of one week the Board had read, discussed, and approved placing the three taxes on the ballot.
The speed at which it was done left little time for public input. The Chairman of the Committee that came up with the three tax package, Alderman Ryan Myers, did not allow public discussion at his committee meetings.
Three citizens showed up at the Board of Alderman meeting to speak publicly to the tax issues as this was the only time the citizens where offered input before placing the issues on the ballot.Walters had checked with the Jackson County Election Board and said the filing deadline was not until May 24th.
Leaving plenty of time for public discussion.
Apparently, the Mayor had his votes in line. The motion to move forward passed by a vote of nine (yes) to one (no).
The voters of Raytown should be aware that Kansas City, MO is looking for a new police chief and are holding 6 meetings where the public is not only encouraged to attend, but also interact with the committee regarding questions and/or concerns. This is true "Leadership and Transparency" in action.
In Raytown, Alderman Ryan Myers would not allow public comment at any of his committee meetings. His hand selected group decided what everyone's opinions are without any input from the public.
331 Miles of Street . . . City Administrator Damon Hodges told the Board there were 331 linear miles of streets in Raytown.
When pressed on the question as to how far the $50 million dollars would go in repairing the streets he answered about 50 linear miles.
We are aware of maps being shown to individuals showing “candidates for repair” in Raytown should the bond issue pass. The term “candidates for repair” does not mean those are the streets to be re-built. It only means they will be considered.
Of course it is fair to point out that there are some streets in Raytown that are in pretty good shape.
It is also important to remember that some streets will be repaired in conjunction with storm water drainage projects covered by Property Tax Question No. 2. Guess it just goes to show “the devil is in the details” when it comes to repairing streets in Raytown.
Unfortunately there was not an clear presentation of which streets will be replaced, or which storm water drainage project will be built. This only has those us wondering what other factors is this $50 million dollar plan have been over looked and/or under explained. This is also true of storm sewer projects. The information disseminated by the city seems to be to a very small universe of individuals.
Score one for Bill VanBuskirk . . . Ward 4 Alderman Bill VanBuskirk was adamant, as was his seatmate, Alderwoman Mary Jane VanBuskirk, that the increase of property values could drive those on fixed income out of their homes.
Tax Question Number Three would double the amount homeowners would pay on their houses and cars if approved by voters.
The VanBuskirk’s are correct. Property tax valuations are expected to be increased in Jackson County this year. That is why you rarely see a property tax increase question on the ballot when the County is reassessing values of homes and businesses. Those increases will cause many property owners to pay more in taxes than the year previous.
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| BY TRUTH WATCH |
I have been reviewing the videos of the recent meetings with special attention paid to discussion by our elected officials on the proposed three property tax increases to be voted on August 2nd.
Came across some inaccuracies spoken by some, interesting points by others, and what appears to be an interesting debate going towards the August 2nd election.
When is that deadline? Alderman Greg Walters questioned why the Board was ramming the tax proposal question through so quickly. He had a point.
In the space of one week the Board had read, discussed, and approved placing the three taxes on the ballot.
The speed at which it was done left little time for public input. The Chairman of the Committee that came up with the three tax package, Alderman Ryan Myers, did not allow public discussion at his committee meetings.
Walters had checked with the Jackson County Election Board and said the filing deadline was not until May 24th.
Leaving plenty of time for public discussion.
331 Miles of Street . . . City Administrator Damon Hodges told the Board there were 331 linear miles of streets in Raytown.
When pressed on the question as to how far the $50 million dollars would go in repairing the streets he answered about 50 linear miles.
We are aware of maps being shown to individuals showing “candidates for repair” in Raytown should the bond issue pass. The term “candidates for repair” does not mean those are the streets to be re-built. It only means they will be considered.
Of course it is fair to point out that there are some streets in Raytown that are in pretty good shape.
Score one for Bill VanBuskirk . . . Ward 4 Alderman Bill VanBuskirk was adamant, as was his seatmate, Alderwoman Mary Jane VanBuskirk, that the increase of property values could drive those on fixed income out of their homes.
Tax Question Number Three would double the amount homeowners would pay on their houses and cars if approved by voters.
The VanBuskirk’s are correct. Property tax valuations are expected to be increased in Jackson County this year. That is why you rarely see a property tax increase question on the ballot when the County is reassessing values of homes and businesses. Those increases will cause many property owners to pay more in taxes than the year previous.
. . . Other People's Words . . .
Anatole France was a French poet, journalist, and novelist with several best-sellers. Ironic and skeptical, he was considered in his day the ideal French man of letters.
None of which I have read.
But I do know a quote attributed to him that is worth repeating: “When a thing has been said and said well, have no scruple. Take and copy it.”
With that bit of wisdom we are starting a new page of short quotations, and well-written comments plucked from where ever we find them. This week we have two.
One is probably well known to our readers, but deserves to be repeated. It has to do with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.
The other has to do with President Biden.
FOR THE AGES: His words rejecting an American offer of evacuation . . . “The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride”. . . . Are for the ages.
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY OF UKRAINE.
PRAISE AND COMMENTARY: “President Biden has so far been quietly solid. He has rallied NATO allies, and he has stopped stage-whispering for the time being. His refusal to reconsider his green agenda, which has boosted the value of Putin’s petroleum, has been his major failing. High gasoline prices are Putin’s friend.”
NATIONAL REVIEW, FOREIGN POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY EDITORIAL, “GLORY TO UKRAINE.”
PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY OF UKRAINE.
NATIONAL REVIEW, FOREIGN POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY EDITORIAL, “GLORY TO UKRAINE.”
The Pocket Park located at Raytown Road and
63rd Street in Downtown Raytown has become the new home of a "heart"
on loan through the end of May from the Parade of Hearts.
THE PARADE OF HEARTS IS A PUBLIC ARTS EXPERIENCE LOCATED IN THE HEARTLAND OF THE UNITED STATES. FROM MARCH – THE END OF MAY.
USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE LAST EIGHT MINUTES OF VOLODYMR ZELENSKY'S SPEECH TO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS. THERE IS A VIDEO PRIOR TO HIS FINAL COMMENTS . . . BE FORWARNED, THE VIDEO IS VERY GRAPHIC AS IT SHOWS THE HORROR OF WAR . . . IF WE LIVED IN RUSSIA IT WOULD BE FORBIDDEN TO BROADCAST THE VIDEO.
USE THIS LINK TO VIEW Volodymyr Zelensky speech
USE THIS LINK TO Comment OR VIEW COMMENT PAGE
USE THE FOLLOWING LINK TO VIEW THE LAST EIGHT MINUTES OF VOLODYMR ZELENSKY'S SPEECH TO THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS. THERE IS A VIDEO PRIOR TO HIS FINAL COMMENTS . . . BE FORWARNED, THE VIDEO IS VERY GRAPHIC AS IT SHOWS THE HORROR OF WAR . . . IF WE LIVED IN RUSSIA IT WOULD BE FORBIDDEN TO BROADCAST THE VIDEO.
Aldermen
place three Property
Tax
Increases on August Ballot
On
Tuesday, March 15th, the Raytown Board of Aldermen voted to
place three new property
tax initiatives on the August 2nd Mid-term State Primary Election
Ballot. On that day voters will decide the fate of $55,868,000 (million dollars) in two new General Obligation Bonds. Each of the bond
questions are required to receive 4/7th super majority of votes cast to become law.
A
third question is a doubling of the property tax in Raytown. This tax increase will also require a 4/7th super majority of votes cast to become law.
The following is the ballot language approved by the Board of Aldermen for an election scheduled to be held August 2, 2022.
TAX
INCREASE QUESTION 1:
$46,000,000 (MILLION
DOLLARS) in
street improvements paid for by the creation of General Obligation Bonds (GO
Bonds). The bonds are for a term of 20 years. The Street Improvement Bonds will
be paid for by new property taxes on homes, businesses, and personal
property.
Ballot language is highlighted in yellow.
QUESTION NO. 1 "Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $46,000,000.00 to acquire, construct, re-construct, extend and improve the City's streets, roads, bridges, and sidewalks?" the authorization of the bonds will authorize the City to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay the interest and principal on the bonds until fully paid.
NO¨ YES ¨
INSTRUCTIONS
TO VOTERS If
you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “Yes”. If
you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “No”.
TAX INCREASE QUESTION
2:
$7,200,000.00 (MILLION
DOLLARS) in storm sewer
improvements paid by the creation of General Obligation Bonds. The General
Obligation Bonds (Go Bonds) are for a term of 20 years. The Storm Sewer Improvement
Bonds will be paid for by new property taxes on homes,
businesses, and personal property.
$7,200,000.00 (MILLION DOLLARS) in storm sewer improvements paid by the creation of General Obligation Bonds. The General Obligation Bonds (Go Bonds) are for a term of 20 years. The Storm Sewer Improvement Bonds will be paid for by new property taxes on homes, businesses, and personal property.
Ballot language is highlighted in yellow.
QUESTION NO. 2 “Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $7,200,000.00 to acquire, construct, reconstruct, extend and improve the City’s storm sewer system?” The authorization of the bonds will authorize the City to maintain tangible property tax rates sufficient to pay the interest and principal on the bonds until fully paid.
NO¨ YES ¨
INSTRUCTIONS
TO VOTERS If
you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “Yes”. If
you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “No”.
TAX INCREASE QUESTION 3:
$2,668,000 (MILLION DOLLARS) The city is anticipated to collect $1,334,000 in
property taxes in fiscal 2021/2022. *
If this tax increase is approved by the voters
the property tax levy will be doubled in fiscal 2022/2023.
By doubling the property tax levy the city will
collect a new total of $2,668,000 in
property taxes in fiscal 2022/2023.
Ballot language is highlighted
in yellow.
QUESTION
NO. 3 “Shall
there be a $0.30 cent increase in tax levy on one hundred dollars
valuation for general municipal purposes in the City of Raytown,
Missouri?”
NO¨ YES ¨
INSTRUCTIONS
TO VOTERS If
you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “Yes”. If
you are opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “No”.
We have created links to the two meetings the Board of Aldermen held on March 8th and March 15th in which these tax increases were discussed. Scroll down to access the links.
$2,668,000 (MILLION DOLLARS) The city is anticipated to collect $1,334,000 in property taxes in fiscal 2021/2022. *
Three speakers from the public gave their opinion. You will hear are Allan Thompson, Jeanette Gentry, and Ryan Hoffman. Both Gentry and Hoffman had a lot to say about the affordability of the taxes on retired homeowners being able to pay the tax burden being placed on elderly and retired military in Raytown. All three of the speakers comments were on point and interesting. Board debate was, at times lively. We urge you to listen to what they had to say.
USE THIS LINK TO VIEW THREE NEW TAXES MARCH 8TH MEETING
USE THIS LINK TO VIEW THREE NEW TAXES MARCH 15TH MEETING
34 comments:
It would be interesting to know who was on the special committee and when they had their meetings.
I thought this was required to be made public because I recall a few years ago the board got notification for the state to stop secret meetings.
How quickly our elected officials forget the law or think they are above it!
"We will not urge a YES or NO vote come August 2nd." - Raytown Report
THIS.
Precisely why we pay attention to your reliable and insightful publication exclusively.
Thank you for all of your hard work over all these years.
Is an anniversary edition in the works?
TWENTY FIVE YEARS, correct?
Again, thank you.
With the values of our property going way up, I question the sanity of requesting tax increases at this time. We already are seeing significant increases on the way.
Noticed on our St Patrick's day walk the following:
A truck parked in a neighborhood driveway with a "temporary tag" dated 6/20/2020. That's almost two years! Yikes. Can't a patrolling Raytown PD drop a ticket on their windshield?
The new cross-walk work at Raytown Road and 63rd (by Wendys) is a huge improvement and makes the pedestrians much safer. Thank you Raytown. Now maybe something similar at 59th and Blue Ridge Blvd??
Many cyclists on the new bike path through town. Glad so many are enjoying it.
Still too much trash being tossed from cars. Not always by fellow Raytowners. We do see many folks from elsewhere do a commute through our little town.
Okay then, get out and enjoy the beauty if you can.
73, Raytown Newbie
DOUBLE the property taxes on home owners and small business, you have got to be kidding!!!!!!!!!
Raytown will not have any small business left. The taxes are high enough now. Home owners can't afford these taxes. Alot of houses in Raytown are rentals so the rent will go sky high. Talk about homeless in Raytown and a lot more crime. I will be voting NO on All the taxes!!!
for the first time ever the city administrator released a year in review. 12 pages including cover page and index. nice picture of Mr. Hodges, community stats, 1 half page each for adminstration, community development, finance and courts, 1 page for public works (a blurry map AGAIN) but we cleaned 1437 miles of street cleaning (according to the report we only have 165.5 miles of streets)and filled 758 potholes. the parks and police department each have two pages.
As a member of the AARP, I have learned to be on the lookout for both scams and elder abuse. These three tax questions are both. It seems like it wasn't long ago we were asked for money for the police and if we didn't get it the criminals would get us. If that is not a scare tactic; I guess those calls I get about a warrant has been issued because someone is using my socials security number must be true. Thanks to AARP I know both are a scam. You might fool some of us seniors, but you are not going to fool me. I am sure not going to let you fool my neighbors and friends.
AARP Educated
Many thanks to the parks board for bringing the moon statue and the pretty heart to Raytown.
I was by Aldi earlier today and thought I would check out where the tent you guys have written about is doing. The good news is the tent is gone! The bad news is whoever took the tent away left all the trash and debris that was scattered all around it. Why do I get the feeling someone wanted the tent and just took it. Which is fine with me. But I wish they would have hauled off of the trash.
Guess I will have to call city hall and turn city hall in for all the litter on their property. LOL!!!
I really don't object to paying taxes. I'm a long time resident and homeowner in Raytown, and I understand that there are a lot of costs associated with maintenance, policing, etc. The part of this that is frustrating is that over the last 4 years my property tax (on my home only) has increased 31%. That would mean that for that time period, my property tax is increasing at 7.5% annually. I realize that property tax does not go directly to Raytown. That being said, for the last 2 years overall inflation at the national level has been 7% or above. Using the same data the combined total rate of inflation for the years 2018, 19, 20 and 21 was 12.6%. That's 31% compared with 12.6%. I'm not a math wiz, but I can't help thinking "When does this stop?" If there is still need for increased funding for roads, bridges, sidewalks and sewers, then what were the previous increases for? I'd like to see more visible improvements. Is there another way to raise revenue, or reduce costs?
We have lived in Raytown for 47 years and yes we have voted for tax increases down through the years. Now we are retired, still active
in the community and yes..on fixed incomes. And of course we are concerned for the future of this place. Would we have stayed this long
otherwise? Residents such as us have hung in there through the good times and the bad times. We have called it home for a long time.
So now again we are going back to the polls. A tax was just passed in November for internet purchases. Here we go again to vote on
3 tax increases. I believe the total was $53 million dollars. I, as many others, was concerned after watching the Board of Alderman’s
meetings that the mindset for most was, “this is something we just need to do”. Some people can afford a high tax increase. Some people
can’t. Inflation is the highest in 40 years. We are paying high prices for a gallon of milk, a lb. of ground beef, and even a box of saltines. Who knows about the cost of a gallon of gasoline. Oh…what about health insurance and health care. Some things we have to have in order to
live. Now for our household…throw in an additional $300-$400 for taxes. No one denies the fact that Raytown needs improvements.
Now is just not the time to raise taxes to the extent the city wants. I have just as much investment in this place as anyone.
I hope a fact sheet with all this tax information will be mailed to the voters. And please JUST THE FACTS. We don’t need to read/hear endorsements from the city staff, the Board of Alderman, the Mayor, someone’s granny, Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. JUST THE
FACTS. As was said over and over and over at the Alderman’s meetings, “LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE”. I plus many others have decided and we will vote NO!
And by the way, I don’t personally know Mr Walters and I do not reside in his ward. So.. I can save you time and energy with any comments
about that. I have expressed the opinions of myself and others. But I, as many others, do appreciate Mr. Walters voting no to putting this particular high tax increase on a ballot at this particular time of uncertainty and economic woes. Bless you! How nice it would have been
to had more interaction with the taxpayers on an issue of such magnitude.
I have lived here in Raytown 64 years. I agree with Anonymous 3:04pm, enough is enough taxes. Raytown use to be a great little city when I was growing up. the last 15 years the city is dying and now it will be "dead" with these tax increases. People will move out of Raytown, (if they can sell their houses with the tax increases), small business will shut down due to the higher real estate taxes, (City Hall doesn't want small businesses), they don't bring in enough money. Most of the new small business that just opened in Raytown will be gone in 18 months cause they can't make it. Where is all this Government infrastructure money that is available? Maybe our "over paid city chair warming heads" need to look into grants or what ever to find money. I know I will be voting NO and I will tell everyone I know to vote No too.
????
Why isn't Raytown a participating community in the MARC hazardous waste program????
$40k is in this years budget for household clean-up. I hope this 04.02 recycle event is not all that is planned (city administrator - told me more to come)
FYI Independence MO is having a hazardous waste recycle event this Saturday 04.02 must have proof of residence - additional events are listed on the MARC website
How interesting. $40,000 set aside in this year's budget for household clean-up? Why that's the same amount of money the wasted on the Mike McDonough Electronic Billboard. You know the one. It only faces one way on a three-way intersection, is impossible to read and an irritant to those who live around it.
Guess it's more important than getting rid of hazardous waste!
Raytown Newbie here.
I have been a believer in Raytown finally getting with seeing hazardous waste disposal as a serious issue.
When we bought our old house (it was a foreclosure), there was plenty of nasty things left behind that I have not been able to safely dispose of.
I hate to think how much chemical waste gets flushed down the toilets each year in Raytown.
I believe the sanitary sewer treatment facility we are a member of should make our participation in the MARC plan a mandatory part of being included in using them.
If you go back several years you can see my posts regarding this very issue.
I have wondered where the city and the schools get rid of all their unused or contaminated hazardous waste.
Glad to see someone else beating on this drum. Thank you 4:46 and 8:25.
RN
Good to see Truth Watch is back. Look forward to reading his fact checking from some of the questionnable antics at city hall.
I am glad the city is holding a recycling event this Saturday. What puzzles me is the very sl small window given in time for the event. It is only three hours long, from 8 to 11 in the morning. More importantly, why not an event that allows for the disposal of hazardous waste. The list of materials allowed to be dropped off reads like a junior high school event trying to raise money from recycling electronics!
I called my alderman and asked why such a small window. She told me the event was put together by staff and she did not really know who was push behind it.
I miss the old days when our elected officials tried to make a difference. Any more it seems like they are more interested in rubber stamping anything city staff brings to them.
Call me confused
The city is holding a small electric drop off this Saturday.
Little notice and the information still has me rereading with glazed over eyes of a deer looking into head lights.
I still am not sure if and what I will be charged.
I even walked away and reread the information again as I am sure it must be in the fine print.
No, it is not me or my aged eyes. The city actually failed to indicate the cost.
I don't know about you, but I don't want to drag everything to the event to learn of sticker shock at the bait and switch event to only further exploration my wallet.
If the city is unable to provide all information about the electronic disposal how can we expect them to be honest about their tax increase request.
What do you want to know about the electronics disposal? It's on three different Facebook pages and it is in big, bold green letters on the city's web page. If you want information, it's all there for you.
What are the names of the facebook pages?
Come on John Armitage. What are the names of the "three different facebook pages with BIG, BOLD GREEN letters? Everyone really wants that information. You wrote that it there for you. You have shown you can talk the talk. Now let's see if you can walk the walk. What are the names of the "three different facebook pages you mentioned".
Are you sure they are "different"? Hard to tell unless you give us the information you seem to be guarding so jealously.
6:33 I said " it is in big, bold green letters on the city's web page." It is also on Raytown Unleashed, Only in Raytown, Raytown, and the City's Facebook page. I wasn't guarding the information. All the pages are there for anyone who wants to look.
Someone wrote asking who is on the committee that came up with these taxes. Here is another question that needs answering. How many meetings did they have? I only know of two. It looks like they are going to try to sneak another tax increase through like they did last November.
I'm pretty sure the boy-wonder, Ryan Myers, is the chief architect of this entire tax proposal mess.
I think, secretly, it is part of his strategy to gain election to some higher office.
He figures we will dislike him enough that we'll vote him to a state level position just to be rid of him.
Well... maybe that's not entirely true but who knows?
Have a day Raytowners,
RN, on the road.
Based on the sneaky behavior by the Alderman who lead the special committee, it would be nice to see the ethic standards the Board of Alderman have set for themselves to follow.
John,
Very exited for you to have the time to monitor all those places.
Unfortunately some of us don't have that type of ti.e on or hands. I myself work two jobs and often 7 days a week. I praise Jesus today I get a day off from both. I don't need government assistance and therefore don't believe I need to check up on the government information provided to me.
I was going to send my wife who was off yesterday with a few items, but when I recheck my flyer that came in my sewer bill for time and location for her. I knoticed it said there may be a sight fee.
We like many families these days don't have the disposable income that you must be blessed with. I therfore placed the items in trash bags, which will be put to the curb this week.
The only positive thing for my family is the notice inspired so spring cleaning.
It would still be nice for my family to have understood the cost up front.
My question for you is do you not pay a sewer bill in Raytown, which is why you have no clue about that notice? Do you you find it acceptable to send out misleading or should I say incomplete information? Is it just me or is the city trying to take advantage of those struggling to get ahead?
Until then I will remain over work and disrespect in Raytown.
As I understand it... The city needs money. Nobody likes trash laying around town. Nobody is begging to pay more property tax. Why can't we put a city tax on single serving plastics, like the "atomic fireball" bottles that are lying all over the place. What about taxing plastic grocery bags, that are everywhere. Plastic straws, styrofoam cups, water bottles and other food serving containers-same story. I did a little research. As it turns out, we can't put a tax on those items, because the State of Missouri doesn't allow us to. Missouri passed a law in 2015 that prohibits any local government from regulating (that's banning or taxing if I understand correctly) any single serving plastic item. The state will not allow Raytown to tax plastic grocery bags, even if we wanted to. Maybe the citizens of Raytown wouldn't want that type of tax, but it could never come to a vote. Jefferson City knows what's best for us, right? Maybe a plastic tax is not the solution, but one way or another we need to be looking for other ways to generate revenue. The state draws a line in the sand about taxing plastics, but they're A-OK with asking Joe Homeowner to pony up even more money. By the way, the local projects that are being mentioned as needing funds are pretty vague. Not a lot of specifics about what the proposed new taxes would be used for. Obviously, I don't know all of reasons that the "ban on regulating" plastics exists. There must be some justification. Either way there sure is a lot of plastic trash, any where you look.
Raytown Unleashed has a nasty reputation of blocking anyone who does not agree with the instrutions they receive from City Hall. Will have to check out the other pages. Hopefully they are more open minded to opinions other than what comes out of city hall.
How did the electronics clean-up go. I heard there was quite a bit of confusion. Already heard stories of people being turned away because the stuff they brought up was too old, or did not work anymore. I do not remember reading those restrictions in any flyer from City Hall. The pop up page at city hall was not much help. You best be a speed reader to read all the page before it disappears from the screen.
The tax and spend Republicans should be celebrating tonight at the increase they are putting on the people of Belton. Belton got 3 of their 4 tax increases to pass. It appears the 3 all were dedicated funds.
It would be interesting to learn about their tax rates and if their schools student population is on a major decrease like we are facing. It would also be interesting to learn if the school district, city and chamber of commerce in Raytown are going to work together to attract young families that stay in Raytown.
I doubt that happens as they all appear to be self centered and only focused on how they can benefit themselves and not those they serve. I shouldn't be surprised as they all talk about fee, taxes and events about there needs and interest. Maybe they need to waste money on conferences as they are good at wasting money, about listening to others,leading by example and positive actions transparent to all.
Until that time Raytown will see more rental properties owed by out of town owners staff focused on their next employer opportunities and feel good moments for them to celebrate their failures.
The over taxed citizens
I heard the city is once again without a head of public works; I guess that is why no one has be sent to clean up the city property next to Aldi's.
Opps... I guess we don't need to waste tax dollars on a city administrator or assistant city administrator being they have not stepped up to clean up the city property.
BTW The state of MO says those positions are not needed for a 4th class city. Some how the great minds at city hall must not have read the state laws for av4th class city.
Maybe that is the issue with the trash; they have not read the city ordances that trash all over is a nuisance.
In order to protect our own Crane Brewery, the city needs to charge those who home brew.
We could use Facebook and other online sites to find these individuals much like the city found rental properties. Fee them and inspect in the same manor.
What a great idea to place fees on the home brewers. I bet that young alderman who likes increased fees and taxes would be willing to lead an additional effort to collect even more money from my fellow citizens.
It has come to my attention that we have some children who have been hurt by fellow students. Please sit down and talk to your children about their day in school. Children need to know they can talk to you about everything and that their safety is the most important thing in the world to you.
Elisa Breitenbach
One point that I think deserves attention is the following:
Out of every $1 that you pay in property tax while living in Raytown, roughly only 6 cents goes to the city, and part of that is allocated to the Parks Department. I agree we pay too much in taxes for what we get in Raytown, but that is largely because the school district wants updated bathrooms and luxury press boxes at the stadiums (among other frivolities). Unfortunately, without additional funding for the City, roads and sewers will only degrade further. If you think you can't afford the extra taxes, just wait until you have raw sewage in your basement and can't drive down you street without damaging your car. Because both of those will happen at some point without additional funding, IMHO.
That said, I very much appreciate Alderman Walters efforts to point out some of the concerns that many have. Although the two of us often agree, when we disagree, we do so respectfully.
-derek ward
alderman ward 5
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