FAQs: No Tax Increase Bond Initiative for Street Improvements
Is this a new property tax?
No. Warrensburg voters will decide if the City should renew an existing property tax that is restricted for use on street improvements. Warrensburg voters first approved this property tax in 2017.
In 2017, two general obligation (G.O.) bond issuances were approved to fund the purchase of fire trucks and to build Veterans Road and upgrade the traffic signal system on Maguire Street. Both of these measures were approved by over 60% of voters.
What can the bonds be used to pay for?
Proceeds from the G.O. bonds issuance will be restricted. They can only be used for the purpose of improving streets and roads in the city. They cannot be used to pay for general operations or other special projects.
Eligible improvements include anything that improve the safety and traffic flow of streets. A sample of projects this funding can be used for include:
- Maguire/Highway 50 interchange
- Road resurfacing
- Intersection improvements
The actual list of projects to be completed each year and funded with proceeds from the G.O. bond issuance will be determined during the annual budget process.
What economic conditions have affected street maintenance from the general revenues of the City?
City street maintenance is primarily funded with the revenue collected from the Missouri gasoline tax and motor vehicle sales tax and fees. The revenue collected from these sources has increased 13% over the last ten years, but the price of asphalt has increased 23% over the same period. These funding sources are insufficient for large-scale improvements to the City’s street system.
What purpose does the street improvement program of the City serve?
Street improvement projects improve our community by providing safer streets and sidewalks and other critical improvements and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure.
How much more will this G.O. bond issuance cost the average Warrensburg resident?
Zero dollars. There will be no additional cost to Warrensburg residents. The street portion of the 2017 G.O. bond issuance expires in 2022, and the fire truck portion expires in 2027. Approving this G.O. bond issuance simply extends the existing property tax through 2042. It will be a dedicated funding source for key street improvement projects in our community.
What is the ballot language?
Shall the City Council of the City of Warrensburg, Missouri be authorized to issue its general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $17,000,000 to acquire rights of way, construct, extend and improve streets and roads in the City?
When will the City’s existing G.O. bonds be paid off?
The street portion of the G.O. bonds issued in 2017 will be paid off in 2022. The fire truck portion of the G.O. bonds issued in 2017 will be paid off in 2027.
If voters approve the initiative, will my property tax bill go up?
No – a “yes” vote will not cause the property tax rate to increase in Warrensburg.
The City will pay the bond payments from the tax revenues generated from the existing debt service tax levy of $0.59 that was established in conjunction with the 2017 bond issuance. The tax rate you pay for property in Warrensburg will remain the same.
How long will this property tax be in effect?
The tax will be in effect for twenty years, beginning January 1, 2022, and expiring December 31, 2042.
What will happen if the G.O. bonds are not approved?
If voters elect not to approve this G.O. bond issuance, the City will have to consider alternative ways to fund street improvements or elimination of projects. These projects are critical to the City’s basic infrastructure. This bond issuance creates a dedicated funding source to pay for these projects.
When is the deadline to register to vote?
The deadline to register to vote in the general municipal election is March 10, 2021. If you are not already, you can register to vote here.
For specific voter information, please contact Johnson County Voter Registration at 300 N. Holden, Warrensburg, MO 64093 or 660.747.7414.