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Raymore council: tax levy set for first reading; bond defeasance, reserve and grant resolutions pass
Summary
At its Aug. 5 meeting the Raymore City Council approved a bond defeasance ordinance (second reading), set the 2025 tax levy on first reading, and adopted two resolutions on fund reserves and a highway-safety grant; several items were unanimous votes.
Raymore City Council disposed of multiple budget and finance items during its Aug. 5, 2025 meeting, approving a bond defeasance ordinance on second reading and taking initial action on the city27s 2025 tax levy. The council also adopted two resolutions: one adjusting the city27s restricted reserve policy and one accepting a roadway-safety grant for the police department.
Bond defeasance ordinance: Council approved the second reading of Bill 39-80, an ordinance authorizing redemption (defeasance) of outstanding general obligation bonds (series 2017). The motion to approve passed unanimously, 8-0. No further discussion was requested by staff.
2025 tax levy (first reading): The council held a public hearing on Bill 39-82, the ordinance levying general and special taxes for 2025 pursuant to Section 67.11 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. Finance staff (Miss Williams) explained the calculations required by the state auditor27s office; because the assessor reappraised values in this odd-numbered year, the city applied a Hancock Amendment adjustment and a partial voluntary rollback. The proposed rates presented for 2025 were: general fund levy 0.3702 ("$0.3702 per $100 assessed valuation"), parks levy 0.0996, debt service 0.7170, and a total city levy of 1.1868. A public comment period produced no speakers; council approved the first reading (motion moved by Council member Abella Gordon and seconded by Council member Holman) unanimously, 8-0.
Reserve-fund policy: Council adopted Resolution 25-38, adjusting the city policy for restricted reserve balances from 20% of operating expenditures to 17.5%, following guidance from the Government Finance Officers Association. Staff said the change reduces the policyed reserve by 2.5 percentage points; the resolution passed unanimously, 8-0.
Highway-safety grant for police: The council approved Resolution 25-37 accepting $6,811 from the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (Strategic Highway Safety Plan funding). The Police Department reported the grant will purchase high-visibility collapsible cones (20 sets) for patrol and traffic response. Resolution passed unanimously, 8-0.
Consent and housekeeping: The council approved the consent agenda (including meeting minutes and Arts Commission appointments) by unanimous voice vote. Staff reports earlier in the meeting highlighted building-permit activity (eight single-family permits in July across several subdivisions), the recent opening of Einstein Bros. Bagels, and continued construction progress at the Raymore Commerce Center.
Ending: Several council members encouraged residents to use the city27s communications channels for meeting notices and staff contact. Additional readings (second readings) and implementation steps will appear on future agendas.
