April 4, No Tax Increase Bond Election

On April 4, Lee's Summit voters approved the issuance of up to $186 million in general obligation bonds to fund emergency preparedness ($74 million), transportation ($98 million) and city facilities reinvestment ($14 million)

General Obligation Bonds Fast Facts

  • A bond issue gives voters the power to decide if the City can use its taxing authority to borrow money through the sale of general obligation bonds to pay for major City projects that are not covered by the City’s operating fund.
  • Bonds pay for capital projects such as facilities and equipment, and cannot be used for operational costs like salaries and supplies. 
  • The City plans to maintain a steady debt levy of $.3697 per $100 assessed valuation which would not affect the tax rate. The other portions of the property tax levy are controlled by the Hancock Amendment and can have minor fluctuations based on changes in assessed values for property throughout the City.
  • In the last city-wide survey, residents identified the quality of police services, quality of fire and emergency medical services and maintenance of streets, municipal buildings and facilities as the highest investment priorities. 

Bond Funding Priorities

sales tax comparison chart

 


Bond Projects

Many of these projects are conceptual in nature and costs are an estimate at this time. The City will continue to refine project costs and gather feedback on final design decisions. The projects are estimated to begin within the next 10 years. All projects will follow the Capital Improvement Plan process, a public process for appropriations and sequencing, and be subject to City Council approval. 

If this question is approved, funding would be put towards extending facility use, enhancing service efficiencies and protecting the investment of our public and community spaces. Major building and technology improvements include HVAC, roofing, fire protection, security and exterior renovations.

Project / Initiative Estimated Cost
City Hall Renovations
City Hall is 17 years old and in need of modernization and a evaluation of how the space is utilized. A recent facility condition assessment recommended replacement of the roof, and the aging and inefficient HVAC and security systems. 
$9,300,000
    City Hall Technology/Layout/Safety $5,410,000
    City Hall Roof Replacement $750,000
    City Hall HVAC Replacement $3,000,000
    City Hall Access Control Replacement $140,000
Public Works Operations/Maintenance Facility Renovations
A facility condition assessment of the 23-year-old building recommended the replacement of aging and inefficient HVAC and fire safety systems, and the repair of the concrete in the interior bays. 
$410,000
    Maintenance Facility Fire Alarm Panel and System Replacement $110,000
    Maintenance Facility Concrete Repair Interior Bays $40,000
    Maintenance Facility HVAC Replacements $260,000
History Museum Exterior Restoration $150,000
Building Prep for Re-use of Former Water Operations Building (Chipman and Douglas roads) $350,000
Replacement of Existing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software (City Facilities Portion)
The ERP system is the backbone of the City’s Finance and Human Resource Systems however, the current ERP system is outdated and difficult to manage. Replace with a modern solution that will increase productivity and build resiliency within the organization. 
$3,790,000
City Facility Reinvestment Total $14,000,000

If Question 2 is approved, funding would be put towards critical investments in public infrastructure that directly affect safety, mobility and livability. Projects include major roadway improvements, shared-use paths, sidewalks, airport facility renovations and airport hangar construction

Project / Initiative Estimated Cost
Scherer Parkway - Sampson Road to M-291 
Multi-lane, reconstruction with curb, enclosed storm sewers, sidewalk, bicycle/pedestrian accommodations, lighting and turn lanes (similar to Ward Road south of Scherer Road). 
$35,750,000
Longview Boulevard - Longview Road to Scherer Parkway
Two lanes (partial long-term plan), turn lanes, curb, lighting, sidewalks and shared-use paths. Supports planned four-lane divided arterial extension to M-150 from Longview Road. as southwest Lee's Summit builds out.
$3,500,000
Todd George Parkway - Colbern Road to Woods Chapel Road
Multi-modal access/safety, multi-lane, medians, lighting, curbs, storm sewers and sidewalk/shared-use path (similar to Todd George Parkway south of Colbern Road). The project includes Strother Road improvements from Todd George Parkway to I-470.
$24,000,000
Douglas Street- Fifth Street to Blue Parkway
A complete street project for the downtown gateway corridor. Multi-modal access/safety, sidewalks, lighting, curbs and stormwater system.
$5,000,000
Lakewood Way - Bowlin Road to North City Limits
Improve safety and accessibility. Add turn lanes, sidewalks and curbs. No additional through lanes.
$6,400,000
Lakewood Way - Woods Chapel Road to Bowlin Road
Improve safety and accessibility. Add turn lanes, sidewalks and curbs or shoulders. No additional through lanes.
$4,350,000
Langsford Road - 291 Highway to East City Limits
Improve safety and operations along the corridor with access management, left-turn lanes and medians at key intersections (Noleen, Bordner, Brentwood, Winburn and Crestwood). Access and mobility improvements to areas impacted by restrictive medians (Fifth Terrace gap closure). Curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and lighting east of Blackwell Road within city limits to complete roadway improvements.
$5,000,000
Airport Hangar 2
Construction of an approximately 40,000-square-foot box hangar for the purpose of aircraft storage, office space, Fixed Base Operations and an interim terminal. Provides a unique partnership opportunity with the R-7 School District and may result in an Aviation Technology Center.
$6,000,000
Airport Property Acquisition
Acquire 1.3 acres at 2505 Douglas St. for a future air traffic control tower, consistent with the Airport Master Plan recommendations. 
$550,000
Sidewalk Gap Program Funding
Current funding of $2.5 million is insufficient to address over $20 million in sidewalk gaps. Would improve ADA compliance, and safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists to home, work, and school. Locations would be based on prioritization and guidance developed through City Council (focused on school, park and pedestrian activity areas).
$5,000,000
Facility Reinvestment $3,200,000
    Airport Hangar Roofs $600,000
    Airport Hangar Doors $2,500,000
    City Hall Sidewalk Replacement $100,000
Transportation Total $98,000,000

If Question 1 is approved, funding would be put towards key public safety improvements that will provide public access and enhance safety and emergency services for the community. This includes land acquisition, renovations to existing fire stations and Police/Court Facility, development of a police substation and the Joint Operations Facility, and network infrastructure.

Project / Initiative Estimated Cost
Joint Operations Facility
Construction of a new facility with a weather-hardened lower level and standard upper level, to house Fire Headquarters, the Emergency Operations Center, network infrastructure, co-located fire and police emergency communications (911 dispatch), and traffic monitoring/management. A Joint Operations Facility would enhance the City's capabilities during emergency operations as well as day-to-day emergency response coordination. Proposed on property already owned by the City, located west of the Police/Court Facility. 
$35,750,000
    Joint Operations Facility Building $29,000,000
    City IT Network Infrastructure Improvements $2,000,000
    City Network Security Improvements (Server, Storage, Back-up) $1,750,000
    Technology for the Emergency Operations Center, Fire, Police and Traffic Operations $1,000,000
    Public Roadway and Infrastructure Safety and Security (camera systems, road temperature, flood sensors) $2,000,000
Fire Station No. 1 Remodel or Replacement
Fire Station No. 1 is the oldest City operations building (built in 1975). The building has aged to a point of repeated and consistent failures and requires major system replacements (roof, plumbing, electrical). The interior would be reconfigured to meet ADA requirements and future operational growth (battalion station). An in-depth study would be conducted to compare the cost of a remodel vs. a rebuild of the facility.
$18,307,301
Phase II Police/Courts Building Renovation
Address updates not completed from the prior bond issue due to budget (secured employee parking, loading dock, roofing, evidence bay addition, covered parking for emergency vehicles, security fencing, roof replacement). An important interior update is the renovation of the dispatch center to a real-time crime center that would provide intelligence and safety information to first responders from technological resources.
$6,000,000
Property Acquisition for Airport Fire Station (ARFF) - Address aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) capability at the Lee’s Summit airport and meet increased demands from development in the northern portion of the City with the addition of a fire station. Property would be acquired adjacent to the airport for the facility. The need for an additional fire station was identified in the Fire Department 2019 Standards of Cover Plan. $1,400,000
Airport Fire Station (ARFF) Design $1,080,000
South Police Substation (Fire Station No. 5 Renovation)
Renovation of the former Fire Station No.5 located at M-150 and Windemere into a police substation. A police substation would enhance police presence in the southern part of the City, establish better connections with the community, increase basic police services in the area and provide more convenient reporting and interaction with citizens and businesses. 
$3,200,000
Facility Reinvestment
The average age of the six buildings included in this reinvestment is 19 years old. Structural (roof replacement, parking lots, concrete) and mechanical system improvements including HVAC, security, fire protection and generators are necessary to ensure proper function and energy efficiency. 
$4,590,000
    Animal Control HVAC  $750,000
    Animal Control Crematorium $300,000
    Fire Station No. 1 Roof Replacement $475,000
    Fire Station No. 2 Fire Alarm Panel & System, HVAC Replacement $175,000
    Fire Station No. 6 Concrete Replacement $40,000
    Fire Station No. 7 Roof Replacement $700,000
    Fire Station No. 7 Concrete Replacement $50,000
    Fire Station No. 7 Generator Replacement $100,000
    Police/Court Facility Front and Back Lot Mill and Overlay $400,000
    Police/Court Facility Roof Replacement $600,000
    Police/Court Facility HVAC Replacements $1,000,000
Replacement of Existing Enterprise Resource (ERP) Planning Software (Emergency Preparedness Portion)
The ERP system is the backbone of the City’s Finance and Human Resource Systems however, the current ERP system is outdated and difficult to manage. Replace with a modern solution that will increase productivity and build resiliency within the organization. ​
$3,672,699
Emergency Preparedness Total $74,000,000

Frequently Asked Questions

A bond issue gives voters the power to decide if the City can use its taxing authority to borrow money to pay for major City projects that are not covered by the City’s operating fund. An authorization by voters to allow the City to raise funds through the sale of general obligation bonds.

A general obligation bond is a long-term borrowing tool up to 20 years secured by the City’s  taxing authority for the City to issue debt and pay off that debt over time. The bond pays for capital projects such as facilities and equipment, and cannot be used for operational costs like salaries and supplies. In Missouri, general obligation bonds require voter approval even if the bond issue will not raise the tax rate.

When voters approve a bond issue, the City sells bonds to a bond underwriter who offers the lowest interest rate. The underwriter markets the bonds to investors. These funds are used to complete the project and the debt is paid back over time. It is similar to a home loan. Generated from the sale of the bonds, bond financing is often used for capital projects that are above and beyond the scope of the annual operating budget or for projects that will benefit citizens for many years.

If bond issuance is not approved by voters, the debt levy portion of the property tax would be reduced. However, the funding needs would simply shift to other limited resources thereby causing reduced services from the City or a need for a tax increase in a different manner.

Using guidance from the City’s Ignite! Strategic Plan, Comprehensive Plan, Thoroughfare Master Plan, Airport Master Plan and Citizen Survey results, city leaders developed a plan to support long-term community growth, quality of life and expected levels of service while covering needs consistently prioritized by residents.

Facility reinvestment projects were derived from facility condition assessments that examined the condition of each facility and made formal recommendations for capital improvements.

City engineers reviewed transportation projects and gave conceptual cost estimates based on recent or similar projects.

A series of facility condition assessments were reviewed for expert analysis of replacement cost.

The total amount of the bond package is $186 million for all 45 projects.

Many factors go into determining when a project or program will begin, making it difficult to predict a timetable for each. The City could begin some projects that are part of the 2023 bond questions as early as late 2023. All projects are expected to begin within 10 years.

A Joint Operations Facility would enhance the City's capabilities during emergency operations as well as day-to-day emergency response coordination. The stand-alone structure would have a weather-hardened lower level and standard upper level and would house Fire Headquarters, the Emergency Operations Center, network infrastructure, co-located fire and police emergency communications and traffic monitoring/management. It would be built on property already owned by the City, located west of the Police/Court Facility. 

A police substation would enhance police presence in the southern part of the City which continues to grow. It would establish better connections with the community, increase basic police services to the area and provide more convenient reporting and interaction with citizens and businesses. 

The City’s targeted debt levy is expected to generate $285 to $400 million over the next 20 years to pay principal and interest based on expected growth in assessed valuation between 3% and 6% annually. The three ballot issues totaling $186 million (plus interest) leaves room for additional bonding needs during that same time period, particularly if assessed values grow more in line with the 6% growth estimates.

While 90% of the respondents in the last city-wide survey indicated they were “very satisfied” or "satisfied" with the quality of life in Lee's Summit, residents identified the following as the highest investment priorities:

  • quality of police services (80%)
  • quality of fire and emergency services (74%)
  • maintenance of streets, municipal buildings and facilities (57%)

The projects and needs identified are critical to the City's infrastructure and quality of life. If the bond questions do not pass, funding needs would simply shift to other limited resources thereby causing reduced services from the City or a need for a tax increase in a different manner.

There will be three separate questions on the ballot for voter approval.Voters can vote either for or against each ballot question. 

  • Question 1 - Emergency Preparednes
  • Question 2 - Transportation
  • Question 3 - City Facilities Reinvestment

Ballot Language

Question 1 (Emergency Preparedness)

Shall the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $74,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring land, acquiring, constructing, furnishing and equipping buildings and facilities, making certain renovations and improvements to existing facilities and acquiring equipment and network/ technology improvements for public safety and emergency preparedness purposes?

Question 2 (Transportation)

Shall the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $98,000,000 for transportation purposes including without limitation, acquiring land and rights of way, and acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, repairing and improving streets, roads, bridges and sidewalks throughout the City and acquiring, constructing, renovating, and improving the airport?

Question 3 (City Facilities Reinvestment)

Shall the City of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $14,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving and equipping municipal buildings, facilities and network/technology infrastructure and systems including renovations and improvements to city hall and maintenance facilities?

 

Paid for by the City of Lee's Summit | William A. Baird, Mayor | 220 SE Green St., Lee's Summit, MO 64063