By Laurie Bassett-Edmonds
RAYMORE – The Raymore City Council gave final approval to placing a Use Tax on the April ballot during its regular meeting Monday evening.
This tax would allow the City to collect sales tax revenue from online purchases at the same rate as the current sales tax. It is expected that this new tax would generate $1 million annually, and it would be used to fund new personnel.
Staff said $445,000 would go toward four new officers and one detective for the Police Department. Five new maintenance workers would be hired for $300,000 in the Public Works Department. And the Parks Department would hire three maintenance workers and one facility/event coordinator for $255,000.
In other business, the council approved a one-year preliminary plat extension for Estates of the Good Ranch. A segment of right-of-way at the intersection of 58 Highway and Prairie Lane was transferred to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for planned improvements to that intersection (first reading). Ross Nigro was reappointed as Municipal Judge (first reading).
Council heard a Progress Overview for the Tax Increment Financing Plans and Redevelopment Projects within the City. The included areas were: Foxwood Village Shops, Highway 58 West Extended Redevelopment, Good Ranch Redevelopment Area, and Highway 58 and Dean Avenue TIFs. There were no comments during the related public hearing.
A second reading was also approved on an ordinance calling for the April 6, 2021, Municipal Election.