Did you know?

KCMO Councilman Ed Ford (who may appear at the BOA this week) has opined if it were possible he would have Weatherby Lakeans pay for a portion of the new BRB.

Some facts about the KC earnings tax, paid by WLeans who work/own businesses in KCMO.

(Yael Abouhalakah, KC Star, August 28, 2008)
The 1% income tax on individuals and businesses (we have both) account for 45% of the KCMO general fund.

• As earnings tax revenues go up, most of it is diverted to pay for TIF projects.
  
• Earnings tax money is used to pay for street pavements, trash, cut weeds, maintain parks and pay for other city services.


• This is of course in addition to almost 8% in sales tax you pay when you shop in KCMO.

WLeans freeloaders? Ask Ed Ford.

The Meter Is Running

An initiative was begun by then Mayor York and the Board of Aldermen in 2006 to replace on existing homes or begin with new homes radio-read water meters. You probably are aware the current meters are read by hand held wand by city employees. This is fairly labor intensive for the city's small staff. The idea of radio-read meters had merit because: 1)many of the current meters are aging and will need to be replaced, 2) radio-read meters could be read from an electric device from a police car while on patrol, saving time and money. A $5 dollar meter fee was put on your water bill to begin to accrue monies to make the transition over time.

At the July 1st BOA meeting the decision was made to end the initiative. From the BOA minutes:
"Discussion followed about the advisability of continuing the radio read program for the water system. DeJong moved and second by Hoy to stop the replacement of radio read meters and return the meters. Yeas: DeJong, Hoy, White and Finn. Motion carried unanimously."

If you noticed your current water bill the $5 fee is still there. Matter of fact, it was there the last bill as well. If the meters aren't going to be purchased, where is the money going? Why? Should we expect a refund? You might ask your alderman or mayor, I'm sure they can explain.

Going Up!

Part two of the review of your property tax bill for 2008

City of Weatherby Lake
Raised levy by 14 cents from last year (8% increase). Better roads, right? No. New Police Car? Nah. More for sewer & water? Not a chance. AC for Community Center? Ask the Women’s Club.

As Paul Harvey says, “And now the rest of the story.”

It’s pretty simple, the City (Mayor and Aldermen) voted to take money from your bank and put it in their bank, the City’s that is. The increase in property taxes reflects a significant amount above projections to meet debt service of city bonds. The City already has $180,000 in reserves for debt service. The 14 cents will add to that total. The debt service is calculated by our financial adviser/bond underwriter Jack Dillingham of Piper Jaffray. There is an amortization table that shows the amount necessary year to year to service the debt. The funds dedicated for this purpose cannot be used for anything other than debt service. The calculation for 2007 was set using the table and based on tax collections and assessed value. It came in a little over projection for 2007. Why would the current administration increase the levy above the table and why would they not explain it? Neither the Mayor’s column in the September/October issue of Weatherby Lake Living nor Alderman Hoy’s meeting summary email (Sept 1) mentions the increase in debt service. I’m not sure what is worse, raising taxes or not owning up to it.

Property Tax Rates for 2008, Part One

As promised this is part one of two, reviewing the tax rates as set by key taxing bodies in our City.

Park Hill School District
They have lowered their levy by two hundredths of one cent, in effect no change from last year to this year. Accounts for almost 60% of taxes due.

Weatherby Lake Fire Protection District
Lowered their levy ten cents from last year

Platte County
Lowered their levy by one cent.

Southern Platte County Ambulance Distict
Raised their levy by one cent. This is a story of the initial year’s levy being too high, and subsequently spending down of the excess funds. Look for another increase next year and certainly more than one cent.

Next post, City of Weatherby Lake

Ft Riley Troop Presentation

If you went to the event yesterday, feel free to comment. I'm sure there are those who would like an update.