[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6283108,"mediaKeyId","2590893-13f6da78f2771e76419465970367dcc1","parentId",2590893,"title","Votes at a glance: Belton council actions on March 10, 2025","audioSeconds",68,"startMs",419000,"endMs",487000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2590893-13f6da78f2771e76419465970367dcc1&start=419&end=487","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2590893-13f6da78f2771e76419465970367dcc1/thumbnail_419000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6283108/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Votes-at-a-glance-Belton-council-actions-on-March-10-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6283108-34f47761df3192b631fbe8d75399dfdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214677&Signature=ZeM10iGaC1qdTQ1xqQ873zIriAJFRwK3k~9Ci8E4z72N8~aOc-bTelNborJpL73dnV4MEjlGHlV3985kQGSIGyjkZbmNSMebDOZIy~sm4pn8thguaQg6RYwdVwTdVEhwSKYhLndyD8d5rt4QNZAL-Kki2epWFvCAwZwFoUWClIijIJ08--dU-aB~N6p9fC4yIZCUSnNPlee9ZQ8wnKVwly6hIx82SH97YnncK34qq15jNOO1ySUyTrKsPTipIZALgkjAQU-Q84tz6WBlnUmfOu5kmIvAHbrXpGG7U8pTj~feAxdI-nfqfd67Kd7XMyH-j1pMSDzepmkcaWY7Upj1Tw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Belton, MO","date","2025-03-12T12:35:10Z","article","Below are the formal actions recorded during the Belton City Council meeting on March 10, 2025. Each item lists the motion, vote result and key details from the meeting record.

1) Final reading — Bill 2025-08: Ordinance amending chapters of the Unified Development Code to update accessory structures, landscaping, screening and conveyance plats. Vote: roll call recorded; motion passed (nine yea recorded: Lawson, Johnson, Davidson, Richardson, McCallum, Thompson, White, Mayor Larkey, Prayant). Outcome: approved.

2) Final reading — Bill 2025-09: Ordinance authorizing the City of Belton to enter into an amended and restated development and performance agreement with Chewy Incorporated. Vote: roll call recorded; motion carried. Outcome: approved.

3) Final reading — Bill 2025-11: Ordinance authorizing and approving a clinical agreement between the Kansas City Fire Department EMS education program and the City of Belton to provide clinical experience for EMT and paramedic students. Vote: roll call recorded; motion carries. Outcome: approved.

4) Resolution 2025-014: Endorsement of application to the Missouri Main Street Community Empowerment Program (two-year, $45,000 grant with an approximate $14,000 match). Vote: recorded as unanimous on the voice/roll call taken. Outcome: approved.

5) First reading — Bill 2025-12: Ordinance adopting the FY 2026 proposed city budget as revised and appropriating funds. Vote: first reading approved on council voice vote; second reading required before final adoption. Outcome: first reading approved.

6) First reading — Bill 2025-13: Ordinance amending municipal water and sewer user rates and related code sections. Staff presented a net reduction in debt service; typical residential inside-city minimum bills will decrease by approximately $3.38 per month. Vote: first reading approved. Outcome: first reading approved.

7) First reading — Bill 2025-14: Ordinance authorizing a salary adjustment for the mayor effective April 15, 2025 (from $16,800 to approximately $21,720). Vote: first reading approved on voice vote; recorded support and opposition in the debate but final recorded voice vote was “Aye.” Outcome: first reading approved.

8) Resolution 2025-015: Amendment to the personnel policy to add a paid family leave benefit (staff presented a framework for six weeks of paid parental/family leave with final policy language to be developed). Vote: motion carried. Outcome: approved; staff to finalize policy language and implementation guidelines.

9) Resolution 2025-016: Contract for services with Tramark Contracting Inc. for marking and striping work in a not-to-exceed amount of $99,448.60. Vote: motion carried. Outcome: approved.

10) Consent agenda and other routine items: approved by voice vote.

11) Motion to enter executive session under Missouri statutes for legal, real estate and contract negotiations: motion approved by roll call. Outcome: council recessed to executive session.

These items were recorded on the council’s official meeting record; items that had only a first reading will return for a second reading or further action as required by city rules.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Belton City Council Meeting - March 11, 2025 - 6pm","oneSentenceSummary","The city council approved multiple ordinances and resolutions including changes to the unified development code, a development agreement with Chewy Inc., a clinical agreement for EMS training, utility rate changes, the FY 2026 budget (first reading), a mayor salary adjustment (first reading), paid family leave, and a street striping contract.","taxTitle","Belton City, Cass County, Missouri","taxId",71727,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6283114,"Belton council advances FY 2026 budget in first reading; staff outlines raises, water projects and rental-inspection revenue",889,2043000,2932000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2590893-13f6da78f2771e76419465970367dcc1&start=2043&end=2932","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2590893-13f6da78f2771e76419465970367dcc1/thumbnail_2043000.jpg","/articles/6283114/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Belton-council-advances-FY-2026-budget-in-first-reading-staff-outlines-raises-water-projects-and-rental-inspection-revenue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6283114-58d6d8d0c7a9705414eac4375361b2ed/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214677&Signature=eHDhmkHiJvuO-QNpzDkIA95ux9KmEly4~907iHvfpQnvWk3GGBsnSJthGnGQPcIgH75-m3T2VuDM00tgsV8f2xYWWOT8HXKtvuJJaecF9m8LuIlMTo-CRAdYjvvnL3japORPMyBcDPxB~TDVM-eTj3Wr6uhutHsgMe5amR2BNOcNZ5osNzR188OM5zIE18GKyb~EDxQQWkMytKKK7hu~xMuAwlHYstcXacPpSxAhiMR7y~wMNKrOIeQNNou2rcIrtZ~xvBvlw~Otg32qV6paOI~6ZtwEI7mQO1Xvet0gDYpTrBBzL6iX41tuvxt~LaPJSNQ~mPJcEKS8OgheY4ap6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Belton City Council approved the first reading of the fiscal year 2026 budget, advancing an appropriation ordinance that staff said contains a mix of personnel increases, utility capital spending and revenue adjustments.

City staff summarized the key assumptions for the FY 2026 budget: a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) plus a 2.5% merit pool for employees (5% total), an estimated 12–15% increase in health insurance premiums, an approximate 5% increase in water costs from Kansas City, an estimated 5% sales tax growth and a 15% increase for liability insurance. “The budget assumptions for FY ’26 include a 2.5% COLA and a 2.5% merit,” a finance staff member said during the presentation.

Notable items in the FY 2026 proposals include: a new IT position; a deputy police chief; rental-inspection revenue budgeted at $50,000 based on a $20 registration fee per rental unit; a $25,000 general-fund transfer to parks for the Carry Nation event downtown; and proposed water improvements totaling $6 million, which staff said include $1 million that could go toward an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) project.

Staff said the city had about $29,000 available in the economic development line from under-budget projects and that the approximate $14,000 local match for the Missouri Main Street grant could be covered from those funds without affecting the planned FY 2026 appropriations. The presentation also noted adjustments in how personnel costs are budgeted: billing clerks and other utility-related personnel moved into finance, which increases finance’s salary and benefit line but is offset by lower personnel in water and wastewater funds.

Council members asked follow-up questions about the water-rate assumptions, whether part-time employees would receive merit increases, and the city’s contingency plan if the Missouri Legislature preempts local rental-registration ordinances. Staff said the city had included a contingency in the budget to address a pending state bill that could preempt local rental registration.

The ordinance adopting the proposed FY 2026 budget passed its first reading and will return for a second reading as required before final adoption.","Council approved the first reading of the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget. Staff highlighted a 5% total employee increase (2.5% COLA and 2.5% merit), several capital water projects totaling $6 million, $50,000 estimated rental-inspection revenue and program changes reallocating personnel costs across funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6283120,"Belton council backs Missouri Main Street grant application after debate over nonprofit role and $14,000 match",1438,579000,2017000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2590893-13f6da78f2771e76419465970367dcc1&start=579&end=2017","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2590893-13f6da78f2771e76419465970367dcc1/thumbnail_579000.jpg","/articles/6283120/Belton-City/Cass-County/Missouri/Belton-council-backs-Missouri-Main-Street-grant-application-after-debate-over-nonprofit-role-and-14000-match","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6283120-2188780aed6c825f3bd6126c75f64c90/orig.mp4?Expires=1775214677&Signature=btO2vQSyByREpdi5upvMaPktHiHA-SvQHneY~CG8w15Zou~u9bNNlWUxFPKKNXPkLCQIf037gTUCUxF4PccYgyLxjxGa-d~twzUYGFnu9CUlmTjvp-~W1ohL2b6nior6NkuQcAkCDsChM-NPOcTCl6uTbgboF2aV3noNuFs6ACtpZul1I8LvxVsEnZ-SAflioRfkO5xHN6u0ztd1Mt4dR9R6LKJVwPl3HTPRamOsgXkuApDpZMZsqD96hOyjeHjok~~huMl4hFWJ5flJmymBTM8LRo4JbNwoEEyYuGce7JQjMPcQqlBYW14lAxgYR~AuDNeQc~IWkfBPx1bw2d9NHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Belton City Council voted to endorse the city’s application to the Missouri Main Street Community Empowerment Program, approving a resolution that allows staff to support a grassroots effort to rejoin the state Main Street network.

City staff described the Missouri Main Street program as a two-year initiative that provides a consultant, training and technical assistance, noting the program offers a competitive $45,000 grant and requires a local match of about $14,000. “We’re not asking the city to take charge of this. We’re asking for help to get started,” an organizer leading the effort said, adding that the new nonprofit would be the primary implementer and that staff assistance would be limited to usual event support.

Council members pressed organizers and staff for clarity on who would be part of the new nonprofit, the group’s relationship with the existing Downtown Belton Main Street, Inc. (DBMSI), and whether the city would be expected to run or underwrite ongoing operations. Council member Danesh said she was confused by records on Missouri Main Street’s website that listed a downtown organization as in good standing, and asked whether the city can have two different Main Street groups: “Can you have more than one downtown Main Street committee? If you can’t, how are you going to approach that?”

Staff replied that, according to Missouri Main Street, Belton currently is not an affiliate in good standing and that the previously affiliated group had been given a deadline to renew and did not complete that action. The organizer said that DBMSI president Gary Mallory and board member Art Ruiz had been consulted and backed the new effort but that the state affiliation had lapsed since February 2020. The organizer also listed proposed nonprofit directors by name and business affiliation and said articles of incorporation were drafted but not yet filed.

Some council members said they were supportive but wanted more time or transparency about board membership and city involvement. Council member White moved to postpone the vote to the next regular meeting so members could gather more information; the motion failed for lack of a second. After additional discussion and assurances from staff that the $14,000 match was available within the current economic development budget and that the city manager’s purchasing authority covered the match if needed, the council voted to approve the resolution.

The motion carried with the council voting “Aye” on the record. The resolution directs staff to provide the necessary support to apply for the Missouri Main Street grant and to assist the nascent nonprofit as it organizes.

Why it matters: Rejoining Missouri Main Street would make Belton eligible for state-supported downtown revitalization services and grant funding but raises questions about local governance of downtown development, the role of city staff, and whether existing local nonprofits and business groups will collaborate or duplicate effort.","The City Council approved a resolution endorsing a Missouri Main Street Community Empowerment Program grant application and signaled city support for a newly forming downtown nonprofit, despite questions about who will lead the group and whether the city should shoulder a $14,000 match.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Belton council actions on March 10, 2025

Belton council advances FY 2026 budget in first reading; staff outlines raises, water projects and rental-inspection revenue

Belton council backs Missouri Main Street grant application after debate over nonprofit role and $14,000 match