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How will the 

BY GREG WALTERS

World Cup

affect Raytown?

In less than one month the World Cup Tournament will begin in Kansas City. Since Raytown's border is only one-half mile from the site of the games at Arrowhead Stadium I wondered how the tournament will affect Raytown.

I was contacted early in this process and asked if I knew State Representatie Mike Steinmeyer. Years ago I had worked with Mr. Steinmeyer in his campaign for the Independence City Council. As it turned out he was spearheading the effort in Jefferson City to make funding available to communities to support in emergency services during the Tournament.

The public services affected would be the Raytown Police Department and the Raytown Fire Protection District, which also provides ambulance service to Raytown.

Raytown City Administrator Diane Egger had already made overtures to the World Cup officials in what was to be expected of Raytown. She had contacted me and asked to reach out to Steinmeyer and Raytown's representative on the State Legislature, Donna Barnes. Donna also held a seat on the Committee Representative Steinmeyer was leading.

Two votes down. This was going to be easy.

I took some time to attend a couple of the Fire District's open Public Business Sessions and learned they too, had been in touch with the Committee managing the World Cup Business.

After all the meetings had been held it turned out Raytown faired pretty well. 

The City of Raytown was to receive $100,000 to cover overtime costs for the Police Department. This also covered the day to day costs in equipment use (Police Cars, etc.) for what will probably prove to be a little over of month of service.

I visited with interim Fire Chief Mike Rogers. Interim Chief Rogers shared that in their view the use of equipment and manpower was pretty much what they expected was their job in the first place. That being said, he added that at the end of the tournament they will tally up the over-time and equipment costs to see where they land financially. 

It was interesting to note that Interim Chief Rogers did share that even if they were not compensated by the tournament, they would still be providing ambulance and fire protection service. As he said, "After all, it is our job to respond to emergencies regardless of who is involved".

Well said, Mr. Rogers!

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