[{"_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",6087539,"mediaKeyId","2889551-48fec67362b820c0de0d0a655daef2b5","parentId",2889551,"title","City manager presents $197 million general‑obligation bond package and tax impact ahead of April 8 vote","audioSeconds",2703,"startMs",2618410,"endMs",5322220,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889551-48fec67362b820c0de0d0a655daef2b5&start=2618&end=5322","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889551-48fec67362b820c0de0d0a655daef2b5/thumbnail_2618410.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6087539/Independence/Jackson-County/Missouri/City-manager-presents-197-million-generalobligation-bond-package-and-tax-impact-ahead-of-April-8-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087539-960ab933074c70232f869e1d86988fbd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751315&Signature=LHud9AvGTRM8k6LfM6uCo6oA0fp1HI--OrG-VlNbqguNzeGJhyrehgv2gDls~MwQRIBxqJuFF~I~KjAUP7xIee-z2WaCK85soYZYKzmMaF~UxwGpMt9GpyN9iFmiIwLKLPlCGoecZyZZ12ymErVZUOcqx43oZ8~R7klY3Jloin~w41NpnU807AmAjBf3eD5a892wCnQ0iFeLXKptUFBH0E0oQo131UWD98Iycc7ONPnQAK6WkJLufaPMKf~b74LJhKNdRhPq~Rj7dDFT~Pfmo8lKLiLe0ZqA4xYEW3~HbIldZSyWu02kiNdCaxDnIf9YbVWp-cFQ67dQwyF725fM9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Independence, MO","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","Zack Walker, city manager for the City of Independence, presented an overview of a three‑question general obligation (GO) bond proposal that will appear on the April 8 ballot if approved by the council. Walker described the proposals, explained how GO bonds function under Missouri law and detailed estimated costs, project lists and the tax impact if voters approve all three questions in full.

Walker said the three questions total $197,000,000: a public‑safety question ($130,000,000) that includes $123,000,000 for a new justice center, $4,000,000 to address the current police station site and $3,000,000 for the animal shelter; an infrastructure question ($55,000,000) that includes $30,000,000 for street reconstruction/overlay, $10,000,000 for sidewalks targeted to school corridors, and $15,000,000 for bridge repair or replacement; and a facilities question ($12,000,000) with $7,000,000 for historic sites (Truman Memorial Building, Vail Mansion, Bingham‑Wagner Estate) and $5,000,000 for the athletic complex.

Why it matters: Walker said the city faces roughly $430,000,000 in deferred maintenance across streets and other capital assets, maintains about 1,200 lane miles of streets, and has multiple bridges with restricted lanes or closures. Walker described the police headquarters, built in the early 1970s, as functionally obsolete and cited recurring maintenance costs averaging about $225,000 per year in recent years. He said comparable stations in neighboring cities were built or renovated more recently and that consolidation of police, court and specialized units onto a secured campus would improve safety and operations.

Tax impact and timing

Walker said, if all three questions pass in full, the city estimates a combined maximum levy of $0.82 per $100 of assessed valuation. He presented an example: using a county market value of $211,090 (assessed at 19% under state law yields $40,107 in assessed value), the annual tax liability at $0.82 per $100 assessed value would be approximately $328.88 for that illustrative property. Walker said the city expects a phased implementation of borrowing and project delivery over several years — his example timeline showed an aggressive six‑year phase in — and emphasized that not all of the levy would “hit” taxpayers at once.

Walker noted exemptions and rules: Jackson County’s property tax credit for seniors age 62 and older can exempt qualifying seniors from the bond levy; Walker said his financial estimate accounted for that exemption. He also explained that GO bonds must be repaid within 20 years of issuance and that issuance schedules will be tied to project needs.

Project details and alternatives

- Public safety: Walker described recurring building problems at the 1972 police headquarters (water infiltration, ADA issues, unreliable elevator) and space constraints for evidence and modern equipment. The proposal includes a new justice center and consolidation of related police units, plus demolition of the old police site to create a shovel‑ready downtown parcel.

- Infrastructure: Walker described the current street sales‑tax shortfall relative to $430M of need and said the bond would provide $6,000,000 per year over five years for accelerated street work, $10,000,000 for school‑area sidewalks (seven elementary schools prioritized with district input), and $15,000,000 to address 13 bridges that need repair or replacement.

- Historic sites and athletic complex: Walker said $7,000,000 would be allocated to maintain and repair the Truman Memorial Building, the Vail Mansion and the Bingham‑Wagner Estate and $5,000,000 would support reinvestment at the city’s 65‑acre athletic complex to attract regional youth sports events.

Oversight and next steps

Walker described three layers of oversight: quarterly reports to the council’s audit and finance committee, an annual public report to the full council and reporting to related sales‑tax oversight committees to show how bond dollars and sales tax maintenance funds are used together. He reminded the council the ballot question requires a 57% approval under state law, not a simple majority. Walker encouraged voters to use absentee voting and offered his email for groups seeking presentations.

Council interest and public engagement

Council members thanked staff for extensive outreach and presentations and asked about public tours of the police department; Deputy Chief Peterson confirmed two public tours (one weeknight evening and one weekend afternoon). No formal vote on the bond was taken at the study session; Walker’s presentation was an informational briefing ahead of the April 8 election.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Independence Study Session 3/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Zack Walker told the council the proposed three‑question general obligation bond package totals $197 million and described project lists and the estimated tax levy if voters approve all questions in full.","taxTitle","Independence, Jackson County, Missouri","taxId",2581,"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},6087544,"Independence reviews proposed Chapter 3 animal control changes including reckless‑owner rule and breeder licensing",826,1810120,2636410,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889551-48fec67362b820c0de0d0a655daef2b5&start=1810&end=2636","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889551-48fec67362b820c0de0d0a655daef2b5/thumbnail_1810120.jpg","/articles/6087544/Independence/Jackson-County/Missouri/Independence-reviews-proposed-Chapter-3-animal-control-changes-including-recklessowner-rule-and-breeder-licensing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087544-d537126db9dd095cd15ad6e87c23e1a8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751315&Signature=WgHfADPZzCD-0NKIeasrgLn4pVfk-5gODa93xWe43qcf4EU9rt9oRIsenp5IIKhv6bRtKEuuhhvPNpb1ejwjnqV7R0f8OoZVdU5KHVFQb7-YhysmyKtST26nXtOqn4~J2HXG0sEzrmA1vYmDHKr68DfT2KFxcpU6RtoBL0pELNDru8Z10FEUdR9NnCshM5irVMTGA3kugafCV1xoy~rAHCNPNKzHd75yjwN7Y-6xncQUub9LLsPHrPyDrCpbfAup~MJKtkF4yTQjF69jMIYB0TeBOUFXbGde4Ayr5lj6nR3ENdwLZcjmjQNlFyXIb8mASRn6fyNwSnzxDmG2gRVHfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Christina Heinen, director of Health and Animal Services for the City of Independence, presented proposed amendments to Chapter 3 of the city’s animal control code that would create a new “reckless owner” designation, change how hobby and commercial breeding are regulated, and lower the age at which young animals count toward a household’s pet limit.

Heinen said the proposed reckless‑owner standard would be met if an owner accumulates nine violations of any portion of the animal code within a 24‑month period, or three violations specifically for abuse or neglect within 24 months. Under the proposed rule, if a judge finds an owner guilty under the reckless‑owner standard, the owner would be required to surrender their animals to the shelter and would be prohibited from owning animals for a 24‑month period following conviction.

Heinen explained the numeric thresholds are intended to account for how animal control officers frequently record multiple citations in a single case (for example, an animal running at large plus an out‑of‑date rabies tag). “We wanted to be cognizant of that, and we wanted to make sure that we weren't moving directly to the reckless owner on the very first case that somebody had coming forward,” Heinen said.

The proposal would also clarify and tighten rules around commercial breeding and require hobby or show breeders to obtain a license, limit the number of litters, require microchipping and vaccinations, and specify minimum care and timing for rehoming. Heinen said city staff know of no commercial breeders currently operating within city limits but want to make the restrictions explicit in code.

Counting animals and timing: the draft would change the age at which animals count toward the city’s four‑animal limit from six months to three months of age. Heinen said the change is intended to avoid rapid, short‑term surges in animal counts (for example, a litter born to an in‑home pet that quickly multiplies) and to enable earlier intervention, spay‑neuter support and rehoming assistance.

Enforcement and outreach: Heinen described current enforcement practice that favors voluntary compliance and letters where witnesses are not willing to testify; she said the department sends informational letters explaining the complaint and the relevant code sections. Heinen said, where possible, the department seeks voluntary compliance before pursuing tickets or seizure.

Effective date and council concerns: Heinen noted standard ordinance timing would make changes effective quickly (attorney advised they could be effective immediately), but council members urged a delayed effective date to allow time for broad communication to hobby breeders and households with pregnant animals. Several council members recommended a three‑month delay to permit outreach, educational materials and allow residents to comply without undue hardship. Heinen said staff can work with communications to publicize changes via the shelter’s social channels, press releases and targeted outreach.

Shelter capacity and local context: Heinen told the council the city shelter was operating near capacity on the day of the presentation — “This morning, we had a hundred and seven dogs on‑site. We have 99 kennels,” she said — and noted a recent intake of six puppies found abandoned in a park. Those operational constraints were presented as part of the rationale for the proposed code changes and for continued emphasis on spay/neuter programs and community partnerships to address intake and rehoming needs.

Next steps

Staff asked the council for direction on whether to propose the ordinance with immediate effect or to include a delayed effective date; council members asked staff to return with draft ordinance language and recommended a public information plan if the council chooses a delayed effective date.

Ending

No formal vote was taken at the study session. The council requested further drafting and communications work from staff before any ordinance is scheduled for a formal reading or vote.","Christina Heinen, the city’s director of Health and Animal Services, presented proposed Chapter 3 changes that would create a ‘reckless owner’ designation, require breeder licensing and lower the age at which young animals count toward household pet limits.",{"_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},6087549,"Independence World Cup advisory committee outlines preparations for 2026 tournament",1314,1120,1315620,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889551-48fec67362b820c0de0d0a655daef2b5&start=1&end=1315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889551-48fec67362b820c0de0d0a655daef2b5/thumbnail_1120.jpg","/articles/6087549/Independence/Jackson-County/Missouri/Independence-World-Cup-advisory-committee-outlines-preparations-for-2026-tournament","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087549-89ea95349f31217f5f5606c90e0ff1e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770751315&Signature=oixswxKLGiB5vGUv43l1MshTDj-JZqWAApRzuko19tPRGiWI-z4omyNIcimtvxrXQEPEGx-2R1ynK9MUMfYdRpl3RyjUWlsGJoAsBZjp1aajvlweOs0sqrHNWxWFkOwuE7CX6V12bE2dA~HTgAw85Mu63ujel~AKP7Fr0hyyLVKOcyvsv8nLzek5UxsXX9LWDbSd2BcdbfoYByCmwa-fpbLAdvCrqhWLhe4xBLzBQ5g4~eZsJ21K-SYx097c4Q0OHyAVMQEismzbr-hq66do0EO9QrT6o9jVFfRJBbl061Lhffs1l7I0N0d-85qrnccDhD5n~4-GtOFCVJWivTOYNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sam Morris, chief of emergency operations for the City of Independence, told the council the FIFA World Cup will run June 11–July 19, 2026, and that federal, regional and local planning is ongoing.

At a council study session, Eileen Weir, chair of the Independence World Cup Committee, said the volunteer steering committee has formed three subcommittees — communications; public policy and logistics; and events and celebrations — and is working with city staff and regional partners to prepare for visitors, licensing, and legacy projects.

The committee and city staff emphasized the scale of the tournament and the uncertainties that remain. “The World Cup is coming June 11 through July nineteenth of 2026,” Sam Morris said, describing changes from prior tournaments including 48 teams, 104 matches and a longer event window. Morris said regional estimates show large visitor-day counts and that planning details continue to arrive from Visit KC and FIFA.

Eileen Weir, chair of the Independence World Cup Committee, summarized the committee’s work and planning priorities. “We are making tremendous progress,” Weir said. She told the council the committee has subdivided itself and meets monthly; subcommittees meet at least monthly and advise the steering committee. The communications committee is developing branding and a stand‑alone website, the public policy and logistics group is reviewing city codes and temporary adjustments that may be needed, and the events committee is focused on adapting existing Independence events for visitors and residents.

Why it matters: the 2026 tournament will draw regional and international attention and large numbers of visitors, which could affect hotel occupancy, traffic and local businesses. Committee leaders told the council they will ask the city for resources and possible funding to support information hubs, licensed “watch party” screenings and legacy initiatives.

Key details and next steps

- Timing and scale: Morris said the FIFA announcement of team allocations is expected in December; the committee expects host teams to choose base camps after that. The committee cited a regional estimate of about 2,100,000 visitor days and noted prior World Cups sold millions of tickets. Morris also told the council the city-area may need to support tens of thousands of hotel room nights during the tournament.

- Volunteers and information hubs: Weir said the committee expects to recruit volunteers to staff information hubs and act as local ambassadors. She said hubs would not be staffed 24/7 but would provide printed materials and phone contact information.

- Licensing and watch parties: The committee is discussing purchase of broadcast licensing for watch parties but has not decided which games or venues; costs have not been determined.

- Coordination and regional roles: Weir and staff said some regional transportation and mutual‑aid planning is outside the committee’s direct scope; staff (including Morris and city manager‑designated staff) will be the primary liaisons to regional planning groups and to the Kansas City FIFA organizing entities.

- Funding and legacy: Weir said the committee will request city funding for events and legacy projects; she said the committee “entirely hope[s] that the city will be repaid for the investment” from increased local sales tax revenue, but specifics were not yet presented to the council.

Council reactions and outreach

Council members thanked the committee and asked about volunteer sign‑up, sponsorship opportunities for local businesses, coordination with the Convention and Visitors Bureau and potential first‑responder mutual‑aid requests. Weir said a committee website and communications plan are being developed and that sponsorship opportunities are forthcoming. The committee said it is meeting community partners including the Independence Chamber of Commerce and community improvement districts to understand business needs and potential revenue impacts.

The committee’s immediate tasks include continued coordination with city staff and regional partners, finalizing branding and communications materials, planning watch‑party licensing decisions, and identifying facilities for information hubs. Weir said the steering committee will make final determinations on committee recommendations and will return to the council as specific requests — including funding requests — are developed.

Ending

Committee leaders and staff asked the council to expect continued updates as FIFA releases additional information, and to anticipate requests for city support, volunteer coordination and possible funding later this year.","City committee chair and emergency operations staff told the council the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring large visitor volumes and asked council to expect requests for city support, licensing for watch parties, volunteer coordination and a future funding request to create lasting local legacy projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City manager presents $197 million general‑obligation bond package and tax impact ahead of April 8 vote

Independence reviews proposed Chapter 3 animal control changes including reckless‑owner rule and breeder licensing

Independence World Cup advisory committee outlines preparations for 2026 tournament