Cause and Effect
BY GREG WALTERS
On January 1, 2024 Jackson County Taxpayers were slammed with historically high property tax increases. Those tax increases were beyond the realm of reasonable.
The Jackson County Executive's office and the Jackson County Assessor used their power to create fiscally irresponsible property and personal tax increases. Their actions literally hammered everyone in Jackson County with very large taxes on anything they owned.
Jackson County was also the governing body that brought legislation On April 2, 2024. Jackson County voters turned down a sales tax increase for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals by near landslide proportions. This question was placed on the ballot by Jackson County even though the current tax was not due for replacement for another seven years.
In our view, the reason for the lopsided defeat is very clear. Taxpayers in Jackson County, are tired of the constant barrage of tax increases from School Districts, Municipalities, and other governmental agencies who raise use fees without a vote of the people such as sanitary sewer bills and water bills.
The list continues . . . utilities that bill electric, gas, and telecommunications for license fees. Those fees begin at the municipal level. Just like sales taxes, the more you spend the higher the tax you owe.
This become especially noticeable in times of high inflation -- such as our country has been experiencing over the last three years. Is it any wonder taxpayers feel abused to the point of simply saying "no" to many of the ballot measures being placed before them? As an example. In the last four years the City of Raytown has placed five property tax increases before the voters. They have also placed sales taxes, the largest being a 2% Use Fee on most internet sales within Raytown.
The Raytown School District has placed two property tax increases. Jackson County has placed one ballot measure and caused two property tax increases. A total of ten tax increase packages!
That is way more than it should be. As a result we are becoming witness to a taxpayer revolt -- one in which many of have made up their mind to say "no" on the suggestion of a proposal.
The vote total from Tuesday's election tells the rest of the story. 58% (NO) to 42% (YES) is only two percentage points from what political observers call a "landslide". Our political leaders should take note. The people have spoken. Will their elected officials listen?
YES . . . 56,606 (42%) NO . . . 78,352 (58%)A FRIENDLY REMINDERApril 2nd is Election Day. As anyone who receives mail, listens to the radio or watches television is aware, there is no shortage of ads telling us how to vote on the Stadium Sales Tax increase next Tuesday.
The proposed sales tax will extend the current sales tax for the stadiums for 40 years. There are still seven years left on the current sales tax. The extension is definitely a separate tax, and therefore, a new sales tax.
This in an interesting election. The vote yes side has spent millions of dollars to promote their position. The vote no side has responded with what appears to be a formidable grassroots effort to block the tax increase.
The results of the election will tell the rest of the story. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, April 2nd.
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| Cause and Effect BY GREG WALTERS |
CANINE SAREN
NEWS FLASH!!!The fine looking beast shown on the left is going to work for the Raytown Police Department.
Officially, his name is Canine Saren.
He is a 3 1/2 year old Belgian Malinois. And, he comes with human (who is also Saren's Trainer).
This will add another certified officer and police dog to Raytown's Police Force. Both come with police experience and will be on the streets in Raytown soon.
Raytown Police Chief Robert Kuehl had more good news for the City. He announced that there are three new officers currently undergoing training at the Police Academy.
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Enforcement of laws on Expired License
Plates in Raytown should be ramped up.
Plates in Raytown should be ramped up.
BY GREG WALTERS
One of the complaints I hear most frequently from constituents is the number of license plates
(temporary or expired) on vehicles driving on Raytown Streets.
Here are some interesting facts I found that show how bad the problem really is.
FROM THE MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE . . .
The Missouri Department of Revenue is owed more than $78 million in delinquent temporary automobile license tag fees. The Department reports nearly 60,000 temporary permits are overdue.
FROM AREA NEWS MEDIA OUTLETS . . .
The
following law enforcement agencies are cracking down on expired license plate
tags and temporary tags.
Northland Police Departments recently teamed up with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department to crack down on people driving with expired
license plates and tags. The Kansas City Police Department reported the group effort confiscated 63 temporary tags and 23 license plates
while handing out 271 citations in an eight hour span.
The following law enforcement agencies were
active in the crackdown.
- Kansas City, Missouri Police Department
- Independence, Missouri Police Department
- Platte Woods Police
- Clay County Sheriff’s Office
- Platte County Sheriff’s Office
- Missouri Highway Patrol
- Missouri Depart. of Revenue (Compliance and Investigation Bureau)
Why Not Raytown?
This lack of enforcement has repercussions that
are not good for Raytown. If a car is not properly licensed it is doubtful it has
had a safety inspection. It also creates a difficult situation for Police to
investigate crimes. Particularly if an improperly licensed vehicle is used to commit a crime.
And yes, those temporary tags can easily be counterfeited and frequently are.
Another impact is the loss of tax revenue. When a car is not licensed properly it is very doubtful the Personal Property Tax on the vehicle has been paid.
Most car owners in Raytown pay their share of Personal Property Taxes. These same people properly license their automobiles. How about everyone paying their fair share in license fees and Personal Property Tax?
The Missouri Department of Revenue reports a loss of $78 Million Dollars in tax revenue because of the lack of enforcement. No doubt some of that money would end up in Raytown’s General Fund if we were to follow the lead of surrounding communities and step up enforcement of our local laws on the proper licensing of vehicles in Raytown.
The fine for driving with expired plates comes close to $100 in a Fourth Class City in Missouri. Those fines, coupled with revenue from the Personal Property Taxes people are required to pay on their vehicles and other personal property (automobiles, motorcycles, boats, motor homes, etc.), could help extend our city's street repair program.
Raising everyone's taxes to make up the shortfall of scofflaws who believe they are above the law and do not have pay their fair share is not a solution.
Raytowners have already been buried in historically high property tax increases this year. Ignoring scofflaws who refuse to license their vehicles and pay their Personal and Real Property Tax in a timely manner is not a solution.
Proper enforcement of our City and State laws is the solution.
Raytown should join surrounding cities like Kansas City and Independence in stepping up enforcement on expired temporary license tags.
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GREG WALTERS
One of our regular contributors to the Raytown Report saw the following news story broadcast KCTV5 earlier this week. Senior homeowners in Jackson County, Missouri, can now apply for a new property tax credit program that freezes their bills.
Jackson County, Missouri officials announced on Monday, March 4, that the State of Missouri has launched to assist those eligible with property tax payments on their home. The program was authorized by Senate Bill 190 and freezes property tax bills for those approved for the program.
Senior Homeowners in Jackson County
eligible for new Property Tax Program
By Sarah Motter / KCTV5
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) -
Senior homeowners in Jackson County, Missouri, can now apply for a new property
tax credit program that freezes their bills.
Jackson County, Missouri officials announced on Monday, March 4, that the State of Missouri has launched to assist those eligible with property tax
payments on their home. The program was authorized by Senate Bill 190 and
freezes property tax bills for those approved for the program.
Applications for the
program have been made available and those approved in 2024 will see the tax
credit benefit on their bill in 2025.
According to a statement published by Jackson County, Missouri “Jackson County is
dedicated to supporting the well-being of our senior residents, enriching their
overall quality of life. This
initiative offers significant benefits, ensuring financial relief and stability
for eligible individuals. We encourage qualified residents to take advantage of
the opportunity presented by this valuable program.”
County officials also said
the bill established guidelines for the county program, which include:
- Eligibility Criteria - The
program is available to Jackson County residents eligible for Social
Security retirement benefits and meet specific property ownership
requirements.
- Tax Credit Amount - The year an
application is approved sets the base amount for the property tax bill
freeze. This will be the amount the resident will pay moving forward.
- One Primary Residence -
Applicants can only claim one primary home which must be occupied by the
eligible resident.
- Market Value Maximum - The
market value of the property must be less than $550,000 to be eligible for
the program by a law passed by the Jackson County legislature.
Officials said all
applications and supporting documents will be due by Dec. 31 each year - online
and in-person. Applicants will need to submit a new application each year.
Renewal applications are due by Aug. 31 each year.
Applications can be found
HERE. Copies will also be available at both Collection Department locations at
the Jackson County Courthouse in downtown Kansas City and the Historic Truman
Courthouse in Independence.
For more information about
the application process, click HERE.
Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from KCTV5.
Originally published Mar. 4, 2024 at 1:10 PM CST|Updated: Mar. 5, 2024
at 12:48 PM CST
Originally published Mar. 4, 2024 at 1:10 PM CST|Updated: Mar. 5, 2024 at 12:48 PM CST
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| BY GREG WALTERS |
"Xóchitl"
DEBUTS AT SAINT REGIS
"Xóchitl" is from the Nahuatl language spoken by the Aztecs in Central Mexico.
The word means "flower". The dance group is made up entirely of women from Saint John Francis Parish located just south of Raytown at 8941 James A. Reed Road in Kansas City, Missouri.
Their hope is to continue sharing their heritage with the community and to show young ladies the beauty of the Mexican folklore and the richness of their traditions.
Their next performance is scheduled for Saturday, June 15th at Feast of St. John Francis Regis, at 4:00 p.m.
30 comments:
Well, now that the appraisals are sky high, we can elect to essentially freeze them. What a gift to us seniors. Some of us are okay after appealing. Some really hit the jackpot. And many of us, to use an indelicate term, are skrewed. Welp, I guess it's better than nothing. Since the re-evaluation only happens every other year, will we have to go through this every year or just on the re-evaluation years?
RN is just wondering.
RN
The battle is not over on property assessments and even more so on setting a freeze.
If you and others don't think school district's are not going to file law suits you need to think again.
I agree anyway who is 65 or older and drawing socially security needs to file, but in the end the courts will settle with the school district's.
The state cannot impact the schools without letting each district voters having a say.
Also the current law discriminate against a large sector of citizens that don't collect socially security. One of the largest is school teachers here in Raytown.
This is what happens when the uneducated get elected.
This also will forth cut services in Raytown as we have a super high senior population
Today I went out to do some errands around our town. I was quickly upset and angry at our city leadership.
I know I have read on this blog about the failures and short comings of our city to keep us safe.
In no way am I here to defend them, but I also don't think the average police officer on the street is the problem.
As I said, this is bigger than just the police department. Drive down any street and find vehicles on the grass, trailers used for storage of trash and/or yard waste, and many other violations that could simply be corrected if the employees in the community development department actually addressed the problems instead of ignoring them.
The city administrator is not the only one to blame. He appears to be a puppet for the mayor, which is allowed by a majority of the board of alderman. I suggest our elected officials educate themselves with the state laws governing a city the size of Raytown. .
Instead a majority of the board wants to spend the time putting the blame on the citizens for refusing to continue to fund incompetence and laziness.
The next city election is not until April of 2015. There will be 5 aldermen positions up for election and Raytown cannot afford to re-elect any of them. They have allowed city hall to waste money by paving alleyways instead of neighborhood streets. They heap raise on individuals who do not perform the duties they are hired to do. They have openly voted against the majority of their citizens by passing more liquor stores, smoke shops and gas stations.
They all need to go.
Keep informed and keep safe.
As I reflect upon how not only I but anyone in Raytown should vote on this Royals Tax, I cannot help and focus on the negative impact to city services thanks to Walmart.
I recall the same claims that if we didn't use taxpayers money to pay for Walmart we would lose on the money it generates.
Wake up and don't listen to the woke people that want your money now with out looking at our own past.
A past we are still paying for and will for sometime. Yes, Walmart pays a property tax and they collect a sales tax, but that money goes to pay off the bonds for that public project for a private business. Being the Walmart money has to go to the bonds it takes away a good 2 million dollars from city needs every year. You know those police officers we badly need or street overlay.
If you are happy with the condition of our own Raytown. Jump for joy at the crime and failed streets than vote yes and watch Jackson County as a whole experience our failures.
I hope like we and you have had enough with the lies from politicians and billionaires and April 2nd give them both an overwhelming NO.
Watch now as the lies get worse from bad concrete, public transportation or the best one this pipe dream is not a new tax
The current tax expires in 7 years.
Say that again the current tax expires in 7 years.
Honest people with ethicals and integrity know it real is a new tax.
It is great to see the positive staffing improvements to the police department.
Unless they start the traffic unit again, it’s empty promises and there will continue to be speeding, expired tags etc!
ONLY IN RAYTOWN . . . BY MORRIS MELLOY
For those near Sarah Colman Park - as I am, I ask you assistance. Last summer we successfully reduce the loud music problem with the assistance of the Raytown Police Department discovering the music was from a local resident, not park visitors.
Sadly, that now allows he extremely loud noise of someone building or otherwise developing a race car or something without mufflers.
I walked the area last year to find the residence with music annoying park visitors and nearby residents. I've started again to locate the source of this vehicle disturbing all in the area.
Anyone reading this PLEASE post to me if you know the source/address. The Raytown Police does and has assisted with such issues.
And the “radar” trailer at about 81st and Raytown Rd does absolutely no good. Woohoo, it flashes and the red and blue lights flash, doesn’t slow people down.
I cannot help but wonder how many of the cars without proper licensing as reported in your story by the Missouri Department of Revenue is correct.
I saw a car in a Raytown business parking lot the other day with tags that were three years old. That means the car has not been properly licensed for three years. So the State of Missouri will not receive any tax revenue for those three years.
More than likely, that car owner has not paid his Personal Property Tax for the last three years either.
Your point is well made. There is a lot of money not being paid in taxes.
When you consider the Mayor is always complaining that we need more revenue in Raytown that he would support ANY effort to fix the problem.
Making sure everyone pays their fair share of taxes, both personal property tax and license plate fees, would be a positive step bringing some revenue to Raytown.
If Raytown Police would enforce the law it would create an additional stream of revenue through our court system!
I wonder how many of the cars without proper licensing as reported in your story by the Missouri Department of Revenue is correct. It is probably higher than reported by the state.
I saw a car in a Raytown business parking lot the other day with tags that were three years old. That means the car has not been properly licensed for three years. So the State of Missouri did not receive any tax revenue for three years.
More than likely, that car owner has not paid his Personal Property Tax for the last three years either.
Your point is well made. There is a lot of money not being paid in taxes.
Making sure everyone pays their fair share of taxes, both personal property tax and license plate fees, would be a positive step bringing some revenue to Raytown.
If Raytown Police would enforce the law it would create an additional revenue stream through our court system.
Kansas City building Ferris wheels and our streets feel like I’m riding the timber wolf
A multi multi multi billion dollar family asking struggling middle class families to pay for their new stadium so they can make more money off of it. All the while charging us outrageous prices to go to the games.
How stupid are we?
I have spoken with several elected officials in Jackson County and they all say how important it is to keep the Royals, but when it is mentioned to work with them to move to Independence and where the current mall is they start dancing around like a four year old needing to go to the bathroom.
I have said this keeps them in Jackson County and 39th street already has the infrastructure in place. There is room for other businesses to the East. After more dancing around they finally own up that KCMO will miss out on the 1% earnings tax. I remind them there is a great gentleman running for Governor from Saint Charles. He understands the dangers of over taxing and is working to eliminate several taxes. I am sure he see the problem that KCMO tax is creating and preventing growth. It was just a few year's ago the state prevented any new cities from inacting something so restrictive on the states citizens. I am sure only time and the positive leaders in Jefferson City will end this overtaking in our staye for once.
I wish our elected officials put us taxpayers first, but just like in Raytown no one works for those that elect them anymore.
Looking through the comments here...some people are interested in trying to enforce existing laws. I agree that cars should pay licensing fees. If someone else thinks that we should eliminate the license requirements, that's their right. But that's not a realistic approach. The public has a habit of voting for candidates that promise to cut taxes. The same people often complain about how city services aren't good enough. From a previous comment, "I am sure he see the problem that KCMO tax is creating and preventing growth" Say what? Creating growth or preventing growth?
As for the great gentleman from St Charles, the only thing worse than dancing around like a four year old needing to go to the bathroom, is dancing around with a flame thrower. My issue with these types is that they tend to promote ignorance under the guise of freedom. And usually the freedom is about feeling free to threaten those who don't think like they do, along with feeling free to not participate as citizens. "I believe in freedom" has become just another trendy catch phrase. I believe in freedom too, but I've never believed that saying the words absolves me of my responsibilities as a citizen. The same folks used to say things like "freedom isn't free." What's changed? People have had it easy here for so long they've come to expect it. All rights, no responsibilities- doesn't work. Never has.
Does anyone know who the insurance company is that is insurance the city?
I think we all need to start calling, and let them know the problems we are facing with the city.
I am sure they will have someone check on the concerns and do a risk assessment. This might result in higher rates, but when our elected officials turn a blind eye and ear on us citizens as with the liquor store, gas station, convenient store over by Woodson and Blue Ridge Blvd have forced our hand.
I heard tonight that Raytown is in the process of getting an additional Dollar General down at 350 and Woodson.
How many Dollar General stores do we need with in 10 sq miles.
I guess city hall wants to keep up with the number of gas stations.
To learn who is the Insurance Company for the City of Raytown call the Missouri Attorney Generals Office at 573-751-3321. They will instruct you to make a request under the Missouri Sunshine Law for the information. They have an entire office set up to help Missourians get answers regarding those who govern us. That includes all cities, like Raytown.
Mayor Lucas,
I find it interesting that your city had more murders last year than the number of wins the Royals had. Actually for ever win they had your fine city had more than 2 murders.
Maybe the problem is you need to focus on the safety and well being of those in your city. Don't forget they pay an additional 1% for this, but clearly get nothing.
At the same time maybe the owners of the Royals will focus on winning games, and use their spare time for good instead of taking advantage of others.
Just a couple of small suggestions that would actually make Great Kansas City a better place for generations.
I think we all agree the whole package was poorly done and deserved to fail. Your editorial definitely goes much deeper. Reading between the lines it sounds like the seeds of failure were sewn on an over-abundance of tax increase packages. I would agree as far as the Raytown vote goes. Five Property Tax Increase packages in one year -- INSANE!
But the icing on the cake is no doubt the abuse of small businesses and homeowners by Jackson County on property tax increases.
I am glad the taxes failed.
I want the Royals and Chiefs to keep using their stadiums. They are like diamond in our area's crown. Jackson County voters were wise to say NO.
It is important for everyone to know the path to receiving money from the State of Missouri in the form of a grant is a long one. Nothing is guaranteed. But it is encouraging to learn the first two hurdles on the path to the Governor's office have been achieved.
The first hurdle was getting the Budget Committee to allow the item to move to the Floor of the State Legislature. The State Legislature then debates the issue and cast their votes. Considering that our representative (Jerome Barnes) is a Democrat in what is definitely a House of Representatives dominated by the Republican Party, the approval of the House is an impressive victory.
The next step is for the funding package to go before State Senate for consideration. Barnes is optimistic the funding will be approved by the Missouri Senate.
From there the item goes before the Governor.
I would agree the signs used on large four lane streets have little effect. However, used properly, the speed limit / radar signs are very effective in residential neighborhoods.
Some of the signs are sophisticated to the degree that they can track the time of each speed event. This information can then be taken by the police department so they can make plans to enforce where those who like to drive fast through neighborhoods can be anticipated.
The other upside of placing the signs in residential neighborhoods is that it serves as gentle reminder to those who are driving home or away that they need to respect the peace and tranquility we all call home. Even if it is only five or ten miles per hour over the speed limit, the sign reminds us we are home and to respect the safety of our streets -- just as we would expect others to do for us.
It has worked in other communities -- it will work in Raytown as well.
Raytown Newbie.
Yes. There were two signs on Hunter Street for about three weeks. Then they were moved to Blue Ridge Cutoff just south of Gregory Boulevard.
They worked really well on Hunter Street- which is one-half mile long in that particular section with with six streets that feed into it. Hunter Street is the "collector street" and carries a lot of traffic. It is also a popular short cut around the Blue Ridge Cutoff at 63rd Street, and serves as one of two streets that feed into Colman Park.
As I wrote earlier. Those lights were very effective in slowing down the traffic -- that is why the radar/signs are called "Traffic Calming Devices".
The people who lived along that half mile of collector street were very impressed with how well the lights worked. Do not be angry at them because they saw a marked improvement.
Hopefully, the package Mr. Barnes and Mr. Walters have put together in their grant application with the state will be a success.
Greg told me the problem with the lights being on Blue Ridge Cutoff is that the traffic is already moving at a 40 mile per hour speed limit. If there is heavy traffic, it is very easy not to see the signs because most drivers attention is on the four lanes of traffic around them.
Hunter Street, which serves as collector street has a speed limit of 25 miles per hour. It does not carry nearly the traffic as the Cutoff. Since it is two lanes instead of four, with pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well, people naturally drive with more care.
We will keep you updated as the package works its way through the State Capitol.
I also frequent the section of Blue Ridge Cu
Raytown Newbie wonders why the calming sign was moved to a non-residential street. That being Blue Ridge Blvd. (not the cutoff) south of Gregory. These calming devices should be employed on residential streets such as Blue Ridge Blvd. north of 59th or on 59th by the junior high. Raytown Newbie is happy the city sees the speeding cars as an important issue. A cop with a radar gun would be most effective. But the city would rather spend our tax money on paving an alley that sees very little traffic. BTW Raytown Newbie is using the Regional Household Hazardous Waste program and encourages other Raytowners to do so also. Thank you Paul Livius. BTW, Raytown Newbie is not angry. You should reread my letter.
RN
THIS IS INTERESTING! A lot of people are interested in how big the Raytown Police Department is in personnel. The list is of all personnel by position. Not sure, but I assume anyone designated as a police officer, whatever the title, is a licensed police officer.
Administrative Assistant (Records)
Captain (Administration)
Captain (Investigations)
Captain (Patrol)
Captain (Resource Management)
Chief of Police
Communication Technician (Dispatcher)
Communication Technician (Dispatcher)
Communication Technician (Dispatcher)
Communication Technician (Dispatcher)
Communication Technician (Dispatcher)
Communication Technician (Dispatcher)
Communications Supervisor
Corporal
Corporal
Corporal
Corporal
Crime Analyst
Deputy Chief of Police
Detention Supervisor / Reserve Police Officer
Detention Technician
Detention Technician
Detention Technician
Detention Technician / Reserve Police Officer
Detention Technician / Reserve Police Officer
Executive Assistant (Police)
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer
Police Officer (Investigations)
Police Officer (Investigations)
Police Officer (Investigations)
Police Officer (Investigations)
Police Officer Trainee (Academy)
Police Officer Trainee (Academy)
Police Officer Trainee (Academy)
Property & Supply Technician
Property & Supply Technician (part time)
Property & Supply Technician / Reserve Police Officer
Records Clerk
Reserve Police Officer
Reserve Police Officer
Reserve Police Officer
Reserve Police Officer
Sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant
Sergeant (Investigations)
Sergeant (Investigations)
Thanks for the list of police personnel. How many are full time and how many are part time?
Pat. If you own a warehouse and store goods in that warehouse for retail vendors. Who pays the tax on the goods? Another example, let's say you own individual warehouse units for people. They store their surplus stuff in them. Does the owner of storage units pay a tax on the stuff inside the storage unit.
The answer is NO to both questions.
Another example would be a manufacturer that, lets say, builds furniture, which they then sell to the public. Is it taxable as inventory, OR, is it material for a job in process.
Probably the best place to find out about Walmart paying taxes on their inventory would be to contact Walmart.
My guess is they may not be very forthcoming with an answer. But you may want to give it a try!
What is the of the city park next to Aldi's?
I wish the city would clean it up and add a couple of picnic tables.
There is not a city park next to Aldi's. Does the city does own the property to the southwest of the Aldi Parking Lot. It is at a bottom of a very steep hill. There are one (or two) radio towers the city leases the property for broadcasting of some type.
In the past there have been squatters on the property. Usually with tents and all the trash they bring with them to where they are squatting. If that is happening again I urge you to call City Hall at 816 737 6000 and it into the City Administration Office.
If you earn it, they tax it
If you spend it, they tax it
If you save it, they tax it
If you invest in it, they tax it
If you build it, they tax it
If you sell it, they tax it
If you live in it, they tax it
If you drive it, they tax it
If you eat it, they tax it
If you give it away, they tax it
When you die, they tax it
Then they waste it.
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