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Smithville administrator highlights federal funding outreach, retirements and a new rounding policy for cash utility payments
Summary
City Administrator Cynthia Wagner reported new development-reporting practices, outreach on federal transportation funding and the WRDA-supported pump station project, upcoming retirements including Capt. Tony Roetman, a placemaking grant opportunity up to $7,500, and a policy to round cash utility payments to the nearest nickel due to a national penny shortage.
City Administrator Cynthia Wagner told the Board on March 24 that development updates will now be included routinely in the Administrator's report to improve transparency and resident communication. She said the City has pursued federal transportation funding and met with a congressional aide to discuss support for the WRDA-backed 144th Street Pump Station Project and other funding opportunities.
Wagner said staff are in ongoing discussions with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about lease payments for Smith's Fork Park and that follow-up meetings are scheduled. She reported personnel changes: Captain Tony Roetman has moved his retirement date to June and the City expects three retirements in June; staff work with McGrath Consulting will guide recruitment, compensation planning and recommended changes to the Police Department command structure.
Wagner noted local infrastructure progress, reporting Commercial Street has reopened with only minor finishing work remaining. She also described a placemaking grant opportunity—connected through the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors and offering up to $7,500—that could fund portions of the Riverwalk project. Finally, she told the Board that, because of a nationwide shortage of pennies, the City will round cash utility payments to the nearest nickel and will credit any rounding difference to the customer's next bill; online payments will continue to be processed to the exact cent.
Wagner said staff will share details publicly so residents understand how rounding will be applied when paying in cash. The report prompted no formal votes at the meeting.
