Blue Springs, Mo. – On April 4, the City of Blue Springs, Missouri will present a question on the General Election ballot for consideration.
There are approximately 35 million dollars of unfunded deferred maintenance needs in Blue Springs parks. If approved, this sales tax would fund approximately 40 percent – 15 million dollars – of the parks deferred maintenance needs over the 5-year sunset period.
The proposed 5-year dedicated parks maintenance ½ cent sales tax initiative will be funded by residents and non-residents making retail purchases in Blue Springs. The ½ cent sales tax adds 25 cents for every $50 spent in Blue Springs and would raise approximately $3 million dollars annually.
Revenues from the dedicated parks sales tax are only to be used for deferred parks maintenance and renovation purposes. This proposed funding would not replace current General Fund allocations for parks and cannot be used for parks operations, including the Blue Springs Fieldhouse.
Parks Maintenance Proposed Projects Include:
- Major Renovation of Burrus Old Mill Park
- Construction of a new Splash Pad
- Renovations to the: playground, basketball court, baseball field, volleyball court, skate park, shelters and restrooms.
- Major Renovation of Wilbur Young Park
- Renovations to the: playground, basketball courts, softball field, tennis courts, volleyball courts, shelters and restrooms.
- Deferred maintenance repairs at every park in Blue Springs.
To see a complete project list with cost estimates, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/parkssalestax.
Trails Maintenance Proposed Projects Include:
- Repairs to segments of Adams Dairy Parkway Trail
- Repairs to segments of Duncan Road Trail
- Repairs to Woods Chapel Park Trail
- Replacement of Rotary Park Trail
- Repairs to 5 additional trail sections in Blue Springs.
To see a complete trail list with maps, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/parkssalestax.
Facilities Maintenance Proposed Projects Include:
- Vesper Hall
- Replacement of the original roof
- Flooring replacement, building repair and repainting
- Adams Pointe Golf Course
- Replacement of the original roof
- Cart path replacement, bunker repair and replacement
To see a complete project list with cost estimates, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/parkssalestax.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Ballot Question Language
Shall the City of Blue Springs, Missouri impose a sales tax of one-half of one percent (1/2 of 1%) for five (5) years, for the purpose of providing funds for local parks for the City?
Resident Oversight
Revenues from the 5-year dedicated parks maintenance sales tax are only to be used for deferred parks maintenance purposes. This proposed funding would not replace current General Fund allocations for parks and cannot not be used for parks operations. No funding will be directed to the Blue Springs Fieldhouse.
The Park Commission, made up of Blue Springs residents and business owners, will be charged with oversight of the tax. If approved, the commission will make regularly scheduled reports to the City Council and all tax expenditure reports will be available on the City’s website.
What is the Parks Sales Tax?
The Blue Springs Parks Sales Tax would be a dedicated sales tax for local parks applied to all retail sales made within the city of Blue Springs that are subject to taxation under the provision of Section 144.010 to 144.525 RSMo. All revenue received from the local Park Sales Tax is used: “solely for local parks for the City, in order to purchase, improve and manage parks, trails and natural lands for water quality, wildlife, tree preservation and recreation purposes.”
What is the Park Sales Tax rate in Blue Springs and how much revenue does it generate?
The current Park Sales tax rate in Blue Springs is 0%. If passed it will provide ½ of 1% of one penny for deferred park maintenance.
How did we get here and can’t these renovations be funded with current tax dollars?
Addressing parks and recreation needs, especially deferred maintenance, without a dedicated funding source can create budget challenges; especially if the parks have to compete with other community priorities such as public safety, infrastructure, transportation, and ever increasing unfunded federal mandates.
Because the parks operation and maintenance budgets are funded through City general revenues it is subject to economic volatility as well as changing citizen expectations and priorities that may place less importance on parks. Historically, some park improvements have been funded through Federal and State grants. Recently however, grant funds have been on the decline and opportunities to use these for park needs is no longer a reliable option available to the City.
Finally, many funds currently allocated in the City’s Capital Improvement Program are dedicated and restricted for other uses such as the water and sewer fund, streets, sidewalks, and Community Development Block Grants. These funds cannot be used to support parks maintenance.
What will happen if the tax is not passed?
If the issue fails, Parks & Recreation will continue to deliver residents the best possible facilities and programs with the resources available. However, there will be challenges and changes are likely.
Parks staff would make ongoing assessments of the most critical areas of need and deferred maintenance. To ensure the safety of our residents, some parks and/or pieces of playground equipment would need to be closed to the public.
Current park amenity closures due to safety issues:
- Blue Springs Park Tennis Courts.
Future park amenities where closures could occur include the following:
- Baumgardner Park Trail
- Pink Hill Park Tennis Courts
- Rotary Park Playground #2
- Ward Park Playground
- Woods Chapel Park Trail
To see a complete list of potential park amenity closures, visit www.bluespringsgov.com/parkssalestax.
For more information, visit the City’s website or call 816-228-0137.
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