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EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – The Excelsior Springs City Council tackled a packed agenda Monday night, unanimously approving measures supporting local economic growth, historic preservation, and enhanced recreational opportunities. Actions included a Chapter 353 tax abatement for a historic property renovation, support for an all-abilities playground funding application, fee increases at the community center, a memorandum with MU Extension for an entrepreneurial conference, and a tax abatement extension for KC Machine.
353 Tax Abatement and Redevelopment Agreement for 218 W Excelsior Street
Council reviewed and approved unanimously an application from George Moon for a Chapter 353 Tax Abatement and redevelopment agreement to support improvements at 218 W. Excelsior St. Neighborhood Specialist Laura Mize presented the application on Moon’s behalf, providing details on the historic property’s condition and planned upgrades.
The house, a contributing structure within the Hall of Waters Historic District and built in 1925, is undergoing renovations through the city’s Minor Home Repair Program, with support from Northland Neighborhoods, Inc. Planned improvements include a new roof, replacement windows, updated HVAC with mini-splits, porch and deck alterations, gutter installation, door replacements, and structural repairs. Mize noted that while the Historic Preservation Commission has approved window replacements, other preservation-related applications are pending.
City staff have estimated project costs at $61,275. Under the Residential Guidelines for Chapter 353 Projects, the property qualifies for a 100% tax abatement for ten years, or until the cost of improvements is recouped, contingent upon the removal of all blight prior to final approval.
MOU with MU Extension for the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference
Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy presented a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Excelsior Springs and MU Extension for the upcoming “Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities” (CEC) conference, scheduled for September 2025. The MOU outlines responsibilities for both parties in planning and promoting the conference and supports entrepreneurship and economic growth in rural communities.
Under the agreement, Excelsior Springs will form a local organizing committee to handle logistics, sponsorship, and promotion. The committee’s responsibilities include securing venues, coordinating with local businesses for catering, and managing event marketing. The city’s committee will also secure at least $15,000 in sponsorships and ensure ADA-compliant spaces for the anticipated 200 attendees.
MU Extension’s “State Team” will manage conference registration, budget, and keynote speaker selection. They will also handle digital promotion, conference materials, and financial support for the event, including travel costs for MU representatives. The conference is expected to bring economic benefits and networking opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Mehaffy emphasized the potential for Excelsior Springs to showcase its community assets and foster a culture of entrepreneurship by hosting the event. The MOU will remain in effect until the conclusion of the conference in 2025.
Council approved the MOU unanimously.
Amendment to the Schedule of Fees, Title 1, Appendix A, of the Municipal Code Related to Community Center Fees
Council approved adjustments to membership and rental rates at the Parks and Recreation Community Center for 2025, with increases for supporting operational costs and maintaining facilities. Community Center director Nate Williams noted that this is the first increase in membership rates since the Community Center opened eight years ago. The new rates, effective Jan. 1, 2025, will mainly affect Community Center memberships but cover a range of services, including park rentals and facility reservations. Below is a comparison of the current 2024 rates and the proposed changes for 2025.
The amendment was approved unanimously.
| Facility/Service | 2024 Fee | 2025 Proposed Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Fees | ||
| Teen (Monthly) | $25 | $30 |
| Teen (Annual) | $275 | $330 |
| Young Adult (Monthly) | $30 | $35 |
| Young Adult (Annual) | $330 | $385 |
| Adult Individual (Monthly) | $35 | $40 |
| Adult Individual (Annual) | $385 | $440 |
| Senior (Monthly) | $30 | $35 |
| Senior (Annual) | $330 | $385 |
| Couple (Monthly) | $50 | $55 |
| Couple (Annual) | $550 | $605 |
| Single Parent w/ Kid(s) (Monthly) | $55 | $60 |
| Single Parent w/ Kid(s) (Annual) | $605 | $660 |
| Family (Monthly) | $65 | $70 |
| Family (Annual) | $715 | $770 |
| Park Rental Fees | ||
| Small Gazebo (Open - 2:00 PM) | $20 | $20 |
| Small Gazebo (2:00 PM - Close) | $30 | $30 |
| Small Gazebo (All Day) | $45 | $45 |
| Medium Gazebo (Open - 2:00 PM) | $30 | $30 |
| Medium Gazebo (2:00 PM - Close) | $40 | $40 |
| Medium Gazebo (All Day) | $60 | $60 |
| Baseball/Softball Field | $10/hr | $10 |
| Multipurpose Field | $10/hr | $10 |
| Tennis/Basketball Court | $10/hr | $10 |
| Field Lighting | $25/hr | $25 |
| Entire Park Reservation | $50/hr | $50 |
| Facility Rental Fees | ||
| Party Room - 1 Room (2 hours) | $150 | $150 |
| Party Room - 2 Rooms (2 hours) | $225 | $225 |
| Community Room - 1 Room (per hour) | $75 | $75 |
| Community Room - 2 Rooms (per hour) | $150 | $150 |
| Community Room - Kitchen Access (per rental) | $25 | $25 |
| *Note: Annual memberships are one-time payments for 11 months with one month free. |
Supporting the Intent to Apply for LWCF Grant for the Boundless BackYard Project
Nate Williams, Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Center, requested a formal resolution from the City Council to support the department’s application for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant. This grant would provide essential funding for the construction of Boundless BackYard, an all-abilities playground designed to be fully accessible and inclusive for children and individuals with various physical, developmental, and sensory needs.
The Boundless BackYard playground is envisioned as a barrier-free, multi-sensory recreational space that prioritizes inclusivity, allowing all children and families in Excelsior Springs and surrounding areas to engage in a safe and enriching play environment. The project aligns with the city’s commitment to enhancing community facilities to serve residents of all abilities.
Williams emphasized that the LWCF grant has a history of supporting projects that expand access to public outdoor spaces, noting that Boundless BackYard could become a standout feature in the city’s parks system. A formal resolution of support from the council, he explained, would reinforce the city’s commitment to the project and strengthen the department’s competitive grant application.
The resolution was approved unanimously.
Enhanced Enterprise Zone Application
Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy presented details on a proposed Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) tax abatement for KC Machine/Butler Machine LLC. The program offers tax relief to businesses making qualifying improvements to their real property. Under this policy, businesses receive a 50% abatement on ad valorem taxes for ten years, applied to the added value of property improvements.
KC Machine has previously received similar abatements, which are set to expire in 2027. The company’s latest project involves a $1.5 million investment to expand its facility by 2,900 square feet. Mehaffy highlighted that the abatement will cease if the business closes, significantly reduces its workforce, or changes its operations. If approved, this new abatement would extend for ten years after the project’s completion, further supporting the company’s local growth and investment.
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