Finance director: municipal income tax supplies the bulk of Independence's revenue; debt down about $15 million since 2018

Finance Director Vernon Blaise presented a high‑level overview of the city's finances, emphasizing reliance on municipal income tax, the share of capital spending and a multi‑year reduction in debt.

Blaise told the audience municipal income tax typically accounts for between two‑thirds and three‑quarters of annual revenue and said it currently brings in about $35,000,000 a year. He noted that much of that tax is paid by people who work in Independence but live elsewhere and that the city provides a 100% credit to residents taxed by other cities.

Property tax, Blaise said, accounts for less than 2% of city revenue but remains a seven‑figure source. On spending, Blaise showed operating expenditures consume roughly two‑thirds to…