The City of Parkville is moving forward with plans to ask voters to reauthorize a special property tax levy it has collected for the past 20 years.
Aldermen at the Tuesday, May 6 meeting pointed out this would not be a new tax, merely an extension of an existing tax.
The question would appear on the Tuesday, Aug. 5 ballot, and covers the continued collection of a 16 cent property tax levy for an additional 20 years. It was first approved by voters in 2004.
The levy was established in in 2004 to address the city’s capital needs, including building repairs, maintenance, and land acquisition for improvements. In April 2004, voters approved a ballot measure to increase the operating tax levy by 19 cents, generating an estimated $2.7 million over 21 years. The final year for collecting the approved levy amount was 2024. The levy was adjusted down by three cents due to the Missouri Hancock Amendment, limiting government revenue growth.
The proposed ballot language is as follows:
“Shall the City of Parkville continue collecting its property tax levy of $.1665, which was levied through the year 2024 under voter approval from 2004, for another 20 years, to fund costs related to facilities and infrastructure provided by the city?”
The 2004 levy was established to help the city catch up with maintenance and cover project costs. However, according to city staff, the estimates used to arrive at the $2.7 million figure were far too low, as actual project costs forced the city to postpone or reduce several projects.
According to a staff report, funds generated by the renewed levy would address several urgent capital needs, including infrastructure (streets, curbs and sidewalks) maintenance and repair, as well as expansion or replacement of a 35-year-old city facility housing the transportation team. This building is outdated, deteriorating, and no longer meets operational requirements. In addition:
The building lacks water service and relies on water being shipped in and stored in a cistern.
It operates on a small, holding/septic system. o The structure is visibly failing — with rust, decay, and inadequate space for current needs.
Deteriorated retaining wall where police vehicles are parked
Major repairs to city hall, now approaching 20 years in age, are also needed.
The original roof and HVAC system have exceeded their expected lifespans and require replacement.
The surrounding concrete flat-work is extensively cracked, spalling, and degrading, creating both aesthetic and safety concerns.
Handrails are failing and rusted.
City hall is in need of substantial maintenance to preserve its function and public accessibility.
Final approval of the ballot language and authorization to send the question to the Board of Elections is expected at the Tuesday, May 20 meeting.
Also at the meeting, the board approved an ordinance dissolving the special allocation fund for the Parkville Commons Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Established in 2002, the TIF has run its course and aldermen noted it was one of the sometimes rare TIF success stories.