Council Approves Budget for 2025; Focus on Infrastructure and Public Safety

Watch a full replay of the Sept. 16, 2024, Excelsior Springs City Council meeting on the Excelsior Citizen YouTube Channel.

The Excelsior Springs City Council approved the fiscal year 2025 budget during its Sept. 16 meeting. The budget allocates significant funds for street maintenance, public safety, and neighborhood improvements while also addressing personnel compensation and long-term infrastructure projects.

Missouri Good Neighbor Week

Mayor Mark Spohn issued a proclamation designating Sept. 28 to Oct. 4 as Missouri Good Neighbor Week in the city. The proclamation, presented to Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize, highlighted the importance of fostering positive relationships among neighbors. Mayor Spohn emphasized that good neighbor connections improve mental and physical health, reduce crime, and strengthen community ties. The mayor encouraged residents to engage in activities promoting neighborliness and urged them to nominate exemplary neighbors for recognition through the Missouri Good Neighbor Week website, in partnership with the University of Missouri Extension and the Hopeful Neighborhood Project.

National Diaper Need Awareness

Mayor Spohn presented a proclamation recognizing National Diaper Need Awareness Week, observed from Sept. 23 to 29, 2024. The proclamation was presented to Kelly Anderson, a board member of the Good Samaritan Center of Excelsior Springs, and highlighted the issue of diaper need, which affects nearly half of all families in the U.S. The mayor emphasized the vital role diaper banks play in supporting families, improving infant health, and contributing to local economic stability. Residents were encouraged to donate to diaper drives and support local organizations addressing this public health issue.

Hospital Board Appointment

The council approved Mayor Spohn’s recommendation to appoint Brian Yarbrough to the Hospital Board of Trustees. Yarbrough will fill a vacancy on the board, with his term set to run until Sept. 30, 2028.

Minor Home Repair Agreement with Rebuilding Together Kansas City

The Council approved an agreement with Rebuilding Together Kansas City, Inc. for a Minor Home Repair and Modification Program. Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize presented the agreement, explaining that the program helps homeowners address code violations and improve mobility safety, ultimately enhancing neighborhood safety and reducing city emergency service calls. Rebuilding Together Kansas City provided services to 19 homes in the past year, despite the absence of a formal agreement, with repairs including roofing, flooring stabilization, handrail installation, and ramp repairs. The new agreement, effective through Sept. 16, 2025, allocates up to $10,000 for materials for minor home repairs, with the organization required to complete the work and report annually on the use of funds.

Minor Home Repair Agreement with Northland Neighborhoods, Inc.

City Council approved a second agreement for minor home repairs, presented by Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize. This agreement with Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. continues a partnership that also helps mitigate code violations and address mobility hazards in local homes. Mize noted that since the previous agreement in August 2023, the organization has completed $38,572 worth of home improvements on two properties in the city, with $1,150 funded by the Minor Home Repair Program. The remaining balance of $8,850 from the previous agreement will be used for a project at 218 W. Excelsior Street. The new agreement provides $10,000 for home repairs from Sept. 16, 2024, through Sept. 16, 2025, or until the funds are exhausted. Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. will submit an annual report to the council detailing how the funds were utilized.

Budget Approval for Fiscal Year 2025

City Manager Molly McGovern presented a comprehensive budget proposal for fiscal year 2025, outlining the city’s priorities, financial strategy, and major projects for the year ahead. (Hear the full proposal in the embedded video above or read the budget in the agenda attached below.)

General Fund

Property Taxes: Real estate and personal property values have decreased compared to 2023, following a period of inflation in housing and vehicle prices. The City Council will meet to adjust the tax rate accordingly. Additionally, legislative changes will impact property taxes for senior citizens, with adjustments anticipated by the end of 2025.
Personnel Compensation: The budget includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a 2% merit increase for most city employees. This adjustment is made possible by increases in internet sales tax (Use Tax) and vehicle fuel tax revenue, which have been critical for staff retention and attraction. A compensation study is currently underway to assess future adjustments.
Public Safety and City Services: A new ambulance billing collection service has improved revenue collection, and the city plans to invest in technology to enhance services, including Agenda Management and EMS reporting software.

Infrastructure and Public Works

Street Maintenance: Street maintenance funding will increase from $1.1 million to $1.7 million to address deteriorating conditions. A recent Pavement Condition Index report graded asphalt streets at a poor 45 out of 100, while concrete streets were rated 72, or satisfactory. The budget is focused on raising the combined score to 60, which requires consistent annual investment.
- Projects include crack sealing, base repairs, and chip sealing for 13-20 lane miles annually.
- Significant reconstruction efforts are planned, including the Dry Fork and Garland Bridge projects.
Blight Removal and Code Enforcement: The city will continue its focus on improving neighborhood appearance through code enforcement, nuisance abatement, and new construction initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce emergency service calls and increase the overall safety and vibrancy of the community.

Community Development

Economic Growth: Increased staffing in the Community Development Department will focus on promoting responsible economic growth. The budget supports investments in neighborhood infrastructure and attractive housing initiatives, leveraging programs like Chapter 353 and partnerships with Westside and Downtown Community Improvement Districts (CID).
Technology Enhancements: Key improvements include new systems for building permits, code enforcement, and business licensing, with options for virtual credit card payments.

Special Funds and Capital Projects

Capital Improvement Sales Tax Fund: This will support various projects, including:
- Technology upgrades, emergency siren repairs, and blight removal.
- Local matches for design work on Dry Fork Greenway and Garland Street Bridge replacement.
- Ongoing work on sewer re-lining and streetscape improvements, especially downtown.
- Significant repairs and upgrades to city landmarks, such as the Hall of Waters, including courtyard stabilization, sub-basement dehumidification, and elevator replacement.
Transportation Trust Sales Tax Fund: Street improvement projects will be selected based on a subsurface scanning report to maximize the efficiency of funds. The report identified streets needing extensive reconstruction, as well as those that can be preserved with less costly maintenance.
Public Safety Sales Tax Fund: Revenue will be shared between the police and fire departments, providing new patrol vehicles, personal protective equipment (PPE), and supporting 13.7% of police and fire personnel salaries. The fund will also consider priorities for using revenue from the new marijuana sales tax and opioid settlement funds.

Federal Grants and Major Projects

RAISE Grant: A $27.5 million federal grant will fund major infrastructure improvements, including safe routes to schools, connectivity between neighborhoods, and the development of pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. A $4.5 million Congressional earmark will complement this by reconstructing Wornall Street near Cornerstone Elementary to separate walkers from vehicles.
Flood Mitigation: A $4.86 million grant will fund the terracing of the Dry Fork river to increase water storage and reduce flooding risks in downtown.
EPA Hazardous Material Mitigation: EPA funds will address hazardous materials at the Wyman site, continuing the city’s push for environmental safety and public health.

Enterprise Funds

Water and Sewer Rates: Modest increases in water and sewer rates are planned to offset rising costs of chemicals, heating, and cooling associated with utility operations:
- Water base rate will rise from $16.31 to $16.97, and the per 1,000-gallon rate will increase from $7.53 to $7.83.
- Sewer base rate will increase from $23.60 to $24.69, with the per 1,000-gallon rate rising from $11.58 to $12.12.
Water and Sewer System Improvements: Planned improvements include water system maintenance, lead pipe inventory, and sewer system upgrades.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Services

Parks and Recreation: Investments include the construction of a new shop for repairs and purchases of equipment like a skid loader and mower trailer. The budget also includes support for Community Center debt payments and operations, with a focus on bringing new programming for all ages.
Elms Event Fee: Revenue from the Elms Hotel will help support the operation of the city’s Visitor Center within the Hall of Waters.

Other Notable Projects

Golf Course Operations: The city’s golf course continues to operate profitably, with increased rounds played by both members and non-members. Funds from the sale of lots are being invested to cover clubhouse bond debt due in 2028.
Cemetery Fund: The cemetery will continue to be maintained by in-house staff, who have been praised for improving the grounds and providing attentive service to families.

The council unanimously approved the budget, which is effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.

Revenue Report and Financials for Review

Finance Director Vonda Floyd presented the August 2024 Revenue Report and Financials. Floyd reported total expenditures for the month at $3,465,761.74, which included appropriations across multiple dates and two payroll disbursements. The city received $2,075,079.98 in total revenue, resulting in a deficit for the month.

Floyd clarified that the deficit was due to semi-annual principal and interest payments made on August 15th to Security Bank for the city’s water and sewer Certificates of Participation (C.O.P.s) and the Community Center refunding. These payments occur twice a year, in February and August.

See or download the full agenda from the Sept. 16, 2024, City Council Meeting below.