USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT MEETING BY GREG WALTERS

On March 22, 2023 Jackson County held a public meeting with Assessment Director Gail McCann Beatty and other experts in the property assessment field to explain the process of property valuation in Jackson County and to answer resident's questions on March 22, 2023 at Mid-Continent Public Library on Colbern Road in Lee's Summit.

USE THIS LINK . . . Property Tax Assessment

TO VIEW THE MEETING

The meeting last close to two hours. One of our bloggers attended the meeting. Her analysis of the meeting is spot on. Watch the video or read her report (her blog follows this message). Both are an accurate assessment of what to expect from the Jackson County Assessment Department.

After watching the video . . .  and . . . reading the report, it would be wise to turn down any branch of government's request, be it city, school district, or county, for an increase to the tax levy.

Most importantly, remember to vote on Tuesday, March 4, 2023.

Anonymous said... 

Went to the first Jackson County assessment meeting in Lee's Summit last night, and let me tell you there were a lot of upset people, especially the seniors.

I was told by the county official that the meeting will be broadcasted on YouTube starting this Friday. Just go to Youtube, Jackson County MO Tax Assessment meeting in Lee's Summit Mo.

Just a few highlights: When you turn 65 years old, the misconception that your real estate taxes will freeze at the current rate, Nope. 100% disabled, you don't have to pay taxes, Nope! One lady is 73 and paid 4500.00 more in real estate taxes in 2019. Just wait till she gets her 2023 taxes.

It all comes down to the Mo Legislators in Jeff City that people need to reach out to who has the power over the levies. The School district is our biggest problem, they keep raising the levies.

That is why I am not voting for any more school taxes!

Watch or go to the meetings, you will get an "eye opener"!

AUTHOR'S NAME WITHHELD UPON REQUEST

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS 

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

To Our Readers: The following

BY GREG WALTERS

 flyer was distributed by the Chairman of the Jackson County Legislator, Daron McGee, at last Thursday's meeting of the RDA. Mr. McGee told those gathered that the increased value on homes, businesses and cars in Jackson County will average between 30% to 40%. 

The Raytown School District has two Property Tax Increases on the May 4th ballot. Those increases mean that your property tax will go up by 30% to 40% on Raytown homes, cars and businesses. 

The only way to Stop this outrageous increase is to vote NO on both School Board Tax increases. Please share this information with your neighbors and remember to vote NO on both School Property Tax Increases. 

These tax increases can come back to the voters at another election. It will give the people of Raytown time to find out how much their property value has increased due to re-assessment. 

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS

PAUL LIVIUS
Editor in Chief 

Greg received the following questionnaire two weeks ago. He thought the questions were so good, why not share them with the public. The author of the questions has requested the source of the questions not be revealed for another week. Since the deadline for reply to the questionnaire has already passed, they do not mind the answers being published. 

BY GREG WALTERS

Why are you running for the Board of Aldermen, and what are your qualifications?

I have always had a strong desire to serve the public. My wife and I raised two children in Raytown. Through my church, I created sports programs in basketball, softball and soccer as my children grew up. 

At the age of 25 I was asked to run for Alderman in Ward 1. 

I have always believed that government is the servant of the people. There are times when my constituents need help in dealing with the intricate workings of City Hall. As an elected official I have brought legislation bringing improvement to the quality of life in Raytown.

In 2018 the Board of Aldermen voted to allow me to form a committee to solve security problems at our City Parks. The Park Improvement Committee helped bring changes to our Parks; improved lighting, private security patrols and the fencing off of non-public areas have made a difference in the safety of our parks. 

In addition to my service in the community as Alderman I was also . . .

• Elected twice to serve on two separate Charter Commissions.
• One term as a Jackson County Committeeman.
• Chosen by the Jackson County Legislature as one of three candidates to fulfill the expired term of Jackson County Legislator Robert Beaird when he was appointed County Prosecutor.
• Elected twice by the Raytown Board of Aldermen to the position of Mayor Pro-tem. 

What are the top needs of the city?

By far, improved street repair and maintenance is the number one request I have received as I take my campaign door to door. I believe I may have the genesis of a solution. The Missouri Department of Revenue has reported that Raytown can expect 1.1 million dollars from the 2% Internet Use Tax. On April 4^th voters will decide the fate of a 3% Recreational Marijuana sales tax. I propose that we combine those two sales tax resources to create a "Pay as You Go Plan" to fund the repair of city streets. These new tax dollars can be used to obtain grants from the State of Missouri earmarked for street repair, thereby increasing the amount of work done on Raytown Roads. 

This is new tax revenue. It does not take away from other tax dollars the city traditionally receives. These tax dollars can be used for what is definitely Raytown’s greatest need. The greatest need is repairing and re-building our streets in Raytown. 

What budget experience do you have, and what are your priorities on city's budget?

During my time as an elected official in Raytown I have chaired both the Finance Committee and the Public Works Committee. In this current term I chaired the Raytown Park Improvement Committee. I also served as acting Mayor during the last couple of months when then Mayor Jack Nesbitt was unable to attend his final meetings of the Board of Aldermen. 

I also bring experience from the private sector in running a business. I recently retired from my position with the firm. The torch has now been passed to my daughter who is the third generation “Walters” to own the company. 

These experiences have taught me the value of compromise and working with others toward a common goal. 

My priorities for the upcoming City Budget is to increase funding for our infrastructure needs in Raytown with an emphasis on street repair.

We will see this taking place this summer in the re-construction of the 59^th Street / Raytown Road intersection. The same can be said for the plans to repair sanitary sewer lines in Ward 1 and Ward 2. 

I am pleased to see a shift to a more proactive posture to address the infrastructure needs for  the people of Raytown.

Where are your favorite places to spend time in our city and why?

Our neighborhood and Coleman Park are our favorite destinations to hang out at and to visit with our friends in Raytown. There is no place like home except we all would love a nice restaurant and I am sure that others would like a place to shop for clothing without having to go to Lee's Summit or Independence, This would keep our tax dollars in Raytown.

What would you do to include the citizens in the decision making process in our city?

Most public input at City Hall is limited to five minute increments at public meetings. This very short time limit has been imposed at meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission and at meetings of the Raytown Board of Aldermen.

It is not an adequate amount of time, particularly in meetings of the Planning and Zoning and when zoning applications are brought before the Board of Aldermen.

This is especially evident in meetings regarding neighborhoods vs. commercial interests in Raytown.

I recently attended a meeting of the 53^rd Street / Blue Ridge Boulevard neighborhood.

The developer told those present that he had been meeting with the City for four months on his plan to open a gas/liquor and discount cigarette convenience store in their residential neighborhood. Raytown is only five square miles wide and we have plenty of those in our town. Homeowners did not appreciate being kept in the dark for four months for what was clearly a private discussion between City Hall and the developer.

The process should be changed. Private citizens affected by zoning changes should have a seat at the table when negotiations are ongoing. They are the ones paying the taxes. More time equity should be allotted for input by citizens at public meetings. In particular, at the Planning and Zoning Commission meetings where the agendas are usually only one item long.

Do you believe city hall is transparent or not, and would you make any changes?

One change that would be helpful to taxpayers would be to release the agenda earlier than the Friday evening ahead of a Tuesday meeting. Weekends are really not the best time for anyone to dive deep into some of the complicated matters that come before the Board.

Some aldermen have suggested at least one day earlier would give them more time to prepare for meetings – more importantly, it allows more time for questions to be answered by City Staff before the meeting is called to order at 7:00 p.m. on the following Tuesday evening.

What are the duties of an Alderman, and what is the hierarchy at city hall including elected and department heads?

Raytown is a Fourth Class City. A Fourth Class City is a “Strong Board / Weak Mayor” form of government. The Mayor does not have a vote except in the rare occasion to break a tie vote. The Board of Aldermen collectively has the final say on whether items on the agenda are approved or not approved. Department heads are hired with approval of the Board of Aldermen and are there to assist the Aldermen with any questions they may have.

Describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced. How did you resolve it?     

There is a thin line between an ethical dilemma and the ugly side of politics. The “ugly” side of politics is often referred to as the “tyranny of the majority”. We have all seen this at play in our nation’s capitol. It also happens at the local level. The best one can do when faced with intolerance by any group is to rise above the situation and move on.

What are your views on staff's salaries and benefits?

Raytown’s city staff salaries and benefits are well within the range of the market place. In my opinion, most of the residents of Raytown would be pleased to have the same salaries and benefits as received by employees at Raytown City Hall.

Where does the city's funding come from, and is there an effort to change the funding (positive or negative)?

The city’s funding comes from tax revenue in the following areas: Sales Taxes, Personal Property Taxes, Real Estate Property Taxes, Franchise Taxes on utilities, Licenses and Fees, State and Federal Grants, Court Fines. Tax Increment Financing has also been use to help spur development. These "Tifs" are financed by additional sales taxes services and products at the establishments receiving a TIF.

I am not aware of any effort to make any dramatic changes to the taxation policies in Raytown at this time.

Should elected officials keep their taxes current to remain in their elected position, and pay taxes to the jurisdiction in which they live?  Please explain your reasons.

YES. Publicly elected and appointed officials are required to have all of their taxes paid in full to run for and hold public office. 

As public officials, they should be held to the same standards they create for the people of Raytown. Current State Law requires an elected official to have all their tax obligations paid in full to be sworn into office. However, there is not a current statute on the books requiring them to remain current during their term of office. The City should lobby the State Legislature to change this law. If for no other reason than to show the public that those who make the law are not above the law. 

Should the Board vote on their own raises without a vote of the people, and why?      

Elected officials in Raytown currently vote on their own salaries – but any increase does not become effective until the next term of office for elected officials. So they are voting on their salary – but to gain that salary they must be re-elected to office first.

Once again, Raytown is a Fourth Class City. This means Raytown is a “statutory city”. The laws governing pay increases for statutory cities in Missouri are set by the Legislature and Senate in Jefferson City.

Any change in how a pay increase is established would have to come in the form of changing the laws through the Legislature/Senate.

The outcome is that setting salaries by a vote of the people is not really viable. City elections are expensive to hold – upwards to $30,000 per election – depending upon how many other jurisdictions are holding elections at the same time.

The last pay increase to the Board of Aldermen was approved on November 1, 2022. The Board suspended the rule requiring two public hearings on the bill before the final vote. I voted against suspending the rules. I voted NO on both votes because I believe the people should have been made aware of the pay increases before the vote was taken.

Here are the vote totals from the minutes of the meeting.

Alderman Myers, seconded by Alderman Mims, made a motion to suspend the rules and hold an immediate second reading. The motion was approved by a vote of 6-3-1.

Ayes: Aldermen Myers, Mims, Emerson, Hayden, Aziere, Mary Jane Van Buskirk

Nays: Aldermen Ward, Walters, Bill Van Buskirk

Absent: Alderman Scott                    

The item was read by title only for a second time by Teresa Henry, City Clerk. Alderman Myers, seconded by Alderman Emerson, made a motion to adopt. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0-1-2.

Ayes: Aldermen Myers, Mims, Emerson, Hayden, Aziere, Mary Jane Van Buskirk, Ward

Nays: Aldermen Walters, Bill Van Buskirk

Absent: Alderman Scott

When was the last time you attended a board meeting, and was it in person?

The last Board meeting I attended was on March 7, 2023. I attended the meeting in person.

Do you own or rent, and do you believe either makes a difference in how an elected official represent constitutes?

I own my property.

I do not believe there is a noticeable difference between renting or owning when it comes to serving as an elected official.  Some would argue that property owners would be more aware of the high cost of property taxes in Raytown. This may be true to a certain extent. However, it should be remembered those who hold leases on their homes would see an increase in their rent as well as the Landlord is required to pay the property tax and will most likely pass this down to the tenant. 

How would you spend a $1 million grant if you could speed it any way you wanted?

I would use it to provide repair and rebuilding of our streets, roads and infrastructure

.What is your position on the April ballot marijuana tax question?

I support the three percent sales tax on the sale of marijuana. Only those who purchase marijuana will pay this tax.

Please include a brief bio, and any additional information you would like to share.

GREG WALTERS: I am a lifetime resident of Raytown. I am married to Mecee Walters, we will soon be celebrating our 45^th wedding anniversary. We raised two children (a boy and a girl). We have three beautiful granddaughters. 

We have lived in our home for almost 39 years.

Personal:

• Attended Our Lady of Lourdes Church and graduated from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Grade School. Attended Archbishop O'Hara High School and graduated in 1972.
• We now attend St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church.
• Former owner – Service Printing and Graphics of Kansas City, Missouri
• My daughter is now the third generation owner of the company.
• My son is an Architect/Partner at Hollis and Miller Architects.
• We have a very stubborn new puppy named Crickette. She is a Yorkie-Poo with razor sharp teeth but is very cute and smart.

My hobbies are gardening flowers and vegetables, writing and bicycling (love the new Rock Island Bicycle Trail). I am also an avid reader of good books and magazines.

USE THIS LINK TO Comment AND VIEW COMMENTS