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Independence budget committee debates levy and utility-fee options to keep library, museum and parks open
Summary
Budget committee members and residents debated levies, a monthly utility charge and voluntary donations as ways to close a projected shortfall that could affect library hours, the local museum and parks funding.
The Independence Budget Committee spent much of its meeting debating whether to pursue a ballot levy, a monthly utility fee or voluntary giving to preserve current library hours, the city museum and some parks programs.
The discussion opened with a public comment from Gabby Walden, who said she came as "a parent, a city volunteer for nonprofits and a small business owner" and urged clearer communication and broader engagement as the city considers revenue options.
City staff and committee members reviewed several revenue options. One scenario presented staff and several committee members ascribing dollar figures to possible approaches: a $5 monthly fee was discussed as an example; staff noted that, depending on other rate changes, a $5 fee could translate into an effective increase of about $2 per month for…
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