The Raymore City Council voted Dec. 16 to place a proposed 0.25% public safety sales tax on the April 8, 2025 ballot to fund hiring, salaries, equipment and training for additional police officers.

City attorney Mister Zerr and staff explained the measure would authorize a sales tax of one quarter of one percent, with proceeds dedicated to public safety and required by statute to be placed in a separate public safety sales tax revenue fund so the revenue would not be commingled with general funds. "If placed upon the ballot, it would simply read, 'Shall the City of Raymore impose a sales tax of one quarter of one percent for the sole purpose of providing revenues for hiring, paying, equipping, and training additional police officers pursuant to section 92.500 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri...'?" Zerr said.

Council debate focused on whether the referendum should include a sunset provision. Councilmember Mills proposed adding language to limit the tax to a period not to exceed 20 years unless renewed by voters. "If approved by the voters this tax will continue for a period not to exceed 20 years from its adoption to sunset thereafter unless renewed by the voters prior to its expiration," Mills said as the proposed amendment. Councilmember Homan opposed the sunset amendment, arguing that employment funded by the tax are ongoing obligations and that a sunset could create layoffs or staffing instability. "If we're going to put people on, if we're going to hire people ... I'm opposed to it, sir," Homan said.

After discussion, the council voted on the amendment and recorded 2 yes and 6 no, failing the amendment. The council then voted to place the original ballot language on the April ballot; that motion carried unanimously, 8–0.

Staff told the council the tax rate proposed is within statutory allowances and that the revenues would be visible in a separate fund as required by statute. The placement on the ballot directs the city clerk and staff to prepare the referendum language and notice for the April election.

Next steps: If the ballot measure qualifies and voters approve it in April, the city would adopt procedures for a separate public safety sales tax revenue fund and begin allocating receipts per the ordinance language. The council did not adopt final tax language beyond approving placement of the measure on the ballot.