Recent topics from City Hall as of October 19, 2011...

From City Council . . . to the Business Council

Prepared by Rich Groves, Executive Director, North Kansas City Business Council

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The following topics are covered in this e-Newsletter:

• Community Center maintenance project
• Possible Tax Increases
• City Treasurer Position

Community Center

At a special City Council study session on October 11, Community Center Director Greg Hansen summarized the evolution of the proposal do necessary maintenance and possible upgrades to the Community Center. He pointed out that every step taken so far had been approved by the governing body (City Council). At City Council’s request, Greg has downsized the requested funds to cover only critical maintenance items. A set of resolutions corresponding to different specialized contracts will be presented for approval at a future City Council business session.

Possible Tax Increases

In response to a previous inquiry about possible tax increases that could be used to help reduce the City’s deficit, a comprehensive analysis was presented by City Counselor Tom Barzee and City Finance Manager Shirley Land. Their analysis showed all the current and potential property taxes, sales taxes, use taxes, convention & tourism taxes and municipal utility gross receipts taxes. Changes to any of the tax rates would require a vote of North Kansas City registered voters. Several of the “obvious” candidates are already at the maximum rate allowed by state statutes for a Third Class City (population of 3,000 to 29,999) which is the classification North Kansas City falls in. A hotel/motel tax could be implemented but the projection is that it would yield only about $100,000 and could only be used to promote tourism or fund infrastructure improvements.

City Treasurer Position

Ron Ball, a member of the North Kansas City Business Council who has also been serving as City Treasurer, passed away unexpectedly last week. The City Council is considering whether to continue to have the part-time Treasurer’s position as an elected position or to appoint an employee to fill this role. Most of the daily, detailed financial processes are handled by City staff, but the Treasurer has a few specific responsibilities. Several citizens spoke at the Oct 18 City Council meeting strongly in favor of continuing to have this as an elected position, filled by a North Kansas City resident.

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What is this?

This is the 10th in a series of e-newsletters that will bring to you, twice a month, any relevant news for the business community from the City Council meetings that I attend each week, as well as other happenings at City Hall.

Why do we do it?

This communication is intended to be an additional Benefit of Membership for members of the North Kansas City Business Council. If you know of other businesses who are NOT members – but who probably would benefit by being a member – please let them know this is one thing they are missing.

If you have good "leads" for prospective new members, please let me know. Call 472-7700 or e-mail richard@nkcbusinesscouncil.com.