. . . Letters to the Editor . . .
Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"
It seems that in many cases our government, at least at the local level, has memory issues. If they want me to approve future tax increases, they should have thought of that when my real estate tax got bumped up 75%. Along with that, it does seem that utility costs are constantly increasing. I don't expect cost increases to stop, but after the poorly planned re-assessments, and the resultant random property tax increases, along with the lack of action by my representatives, how can they expect me to vote for more cost increases?
When it comes to helping others we often hear things like "we can't just be handing out money, these people should pull themselves up by their own bootstraps." So, when they want me to approve a tax increase I ask, "where are your bootstraps, pal?"
This is a cycle that never seems to stop. My opinion is that a big part of our economic issues come from a mindset of 'more is always better.' I understand that consumerism is an important part of our culture, but shouldn't we make an effort to take care of what we already have? I don't see much evidence of that. Over and out!
Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"
Raise taxes, raise taxes, raises taxes. How about Govt, learn to live within their means like everyone else has to do. Oh no, can't have that, when all they have to do is crybaby to the taxpayers for more, more and more. I say enough is enough.
Unknown commented on "(Untitled)"
I
don't care what or when the City, School District, Parks and what other agency
what to raise taxes are going to get a resounding NO from me! Raytown is
taxing us to death! The city leaders need to go including the Mayor. He runs
this town like a Dictator. Reminds me of Skidmore Missouri!
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| BY PAUL LIVIUS |
The
current sales tax is 1/8 of a cent on all retail sales in Raytown. Revenue from
the sales tax is divided between the Park Department, which receives 80% of the
tax collected and 20% earmarked for work on Storm Sewer maintenance
The tax, if approved by voters, is anticipated to generate approximately One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) annually.
REVIEW . . . .
Current
Sales Tax…………….… 1/8 cent
Propose
Sales Tax……………… 1/4 cent
Annual
revenue from tax……… One million dollars ($1,000,000.00)
The tax would sunset in seven years.
There was not much debate on the tax question going before the voters.
Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters told the Board that since the election is scheduled to take place in August during an “off year” election that the city would have to plan on a bill from the Jackson County Election Board of $70,000 to $100,000 to conduct the election.
He told the Board that had the City of Raytown held the election at the same time as the recently held April 5th Election the cost would have been under $42,000 dollars.
The information came from the Jackson County Election Board. Given the amount of the savings, Walters asked why the City had not held put the tax increase on the April 5, 2025 ballot.
He did not receive a reply.
Since this was the First Reading of the bill to hold the election Walters asked that the item be held over until the second meeting of the month on May 20th.
The majority of the Board voted to suspend the rules and proceed with setting the date for the election on the first Tuesday in August.
Walters said, “I was hoping to find an alternative election date, such as the first Tuesday in April of 2026.”
Walters continued, “This would save the city up to $50,000 in election costs.”
Walters told us , "Elections are extremely labor intensive and costly. The only way to cut that cost is to hold the tax question at the same time other Jackson County governmental bodies hold their election. For instance, the April, 2026 election will have at least 26 taxing entities holding elections on the same day."
The more elections held, the less it costs each individual city, county, school board, or other governmental body to hold their election.
Former Ward 3
Alderman
appointed to P&Z Commission
 |
| BY GREG WALTERS |
Myers, who recently lost his election by a spread of nearly one hundred votes was a staunch supporter of Mayor McDonough. The Mayor has defended his decision to appoint Myers to the Planning and Zoning Commission by saying the appointment was a good business move for Raytown.
Myers had a history of supporting the placement of commercial zoning changes in residential neighborhoods.
Political observers say Myers lost his race to two first time candidates who out polled him by 98 votes in his bid for re-election.
"The issue that cost Myers was the 53rd Street Zoning," said Morris Melloy, one of the two candidates running against Myers.
The 53rd Street Zoning issue had strong grass roots against placing a Liquor Store / Gasoline Station in their neighborhoods. Local homeowners packed Raytown City Hall to capacity to express their opposition to the zoning change.
"By ignoring his constituent's issues, Myers sealed this defeat," continued Morris.
Politically speaking, the Planning and Zoning Commission is a step down from that of serving as an Alderman.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is only a recommending body. The Board of Aldermen have the final say on all zoning questions.
As one local observer opined, "At least Myers cannot do any damage to local residential neighborhoods from the Planning and Zoning Commission."
In an interesting twist of fate, when the 53rd Street zoning question went before the Planning and Zoning Commission, the majority of the Commissioners voted against approval of the application.
The Raytown Board of Aldermen overturned that recommendation and approved the application by a vote of 7 to 3.
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1 comment:
Raytown is taxed to death! Will vote No on ANY new taxes period! We need to clean house of all the city heads including the Mayor and start over again!
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