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[0:27]
Everybody knows.
[0:55]
Which also means
I think.
[1:32]
Okay, we'll go ahead and call tonight's
meeting to order. If you will, please
[1:35]
stand for the pledge of
>> allegiance.
[1:38]
Pledge
>> allegiance to the flag of the United
[1:41]
States of America and to the republic
for which it stands, one nation under
[1:46]
God, indivisible, liberty and justice
for all.
[1:55]
» Roll call. Madam clerk,
>> Mayor Pape
[1:57]
» here.
>> Council member Chevetto
[2:00]
» here.
>> Council member Kosmire
[2:03]
» here.
>> Council member Hans
[2:06]
» here.
>> Council member Caldwell
[2:08]
» here.
>> Council member Lehe
[2:11]
» here.
>> Council member Ryder
[2:14]
» here.
>> Council member Silvers
[2:17]
» here.
>> Council member Yadri
[2:20]
» here.
>> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh, next item up
[2:24]
this evening is public items. Uh,
members of the public are encouraged to
[2:27]
use this time to make comments about
matters directly related to city
[2:30]
programs and services. Comments related
to a matter or topic in the city council
[2:34]
agenda that is the subject of a public
hearing should be priorited during the
[2:38]
scheduled public hearing and not during
the public comment period. Please note,
[2:42]
individuals making public comments will
be limited to three minutes. The city
[2:44]
reserves right to refuse public comments
which are inconsistent with the
[2:48]
parameters established with the
governing body rules of procedures. We
[2:51]
did have a signup sheet here which is
blank. I don't know if you might was
[2:55]
unaware that was out there, but if
anyone out there would like to come
[2:58]
forward to the podium and make a public
comment, please do so at this time. Just
[3:03]
come forward, sir. Name and address for
the record.
[3:08]
» Billy Cron, 6633 Wet Street. Uh, stop
raising our taxes and telling us you're
[3:13]
not. Um, the mill rate is a matter of
deception. Uh, I don't appreciate it.
[3:17]
I'll comment more later. Thank you.
>> Okay. Is there anyone else that would
[3:21]
like to come forward at this time? Oh,
please, please come forward, ma'am. Give
[3:24]
your name and address for the record.
Thank you.
[3:30]
» Hi, my name is Jean Stevens. My address
is 10144 West 49th Place, Miriam,
[3:37]
Kansas. Um, I have the same issue um
about raising property taxes.
[3:45]
four years in a row mine has been raised
and I'm now a woman on fixed income
[3:52]
after being retired. And what I'd like
to say is that the more that you raise
[3:59]
that, the more that you get rid of
people that have been honest, wonderful
[4:03]
citizens of Miriam and who have paid for
their house and worked very hard to have
[4:10]
that house and then to lose that house
because the property tax is too high for
[4:15]
them to keep up on um is is awful. It's
not a way to treat senior citizens. um
[4:23]
the rate of social security is not
keeping up with how much property tax is
[4:28]
being raised. And also another thing,
the more that you raise the property
[4:33]
tax, and I want to remind everybody of
this, the more that you raise that,
[4:38]
people are trying to hold on to their
house, so they're going to try to pay
[4:42]
that personal property tax, but they
won't have money to keep up their
[4:46]
houses. So, you're going to have blight
on these houses because people are so
[4:51]
busy trying to save to pay for their
personal property tax that they let
[4:55]
things go that shouldn't be neglected in
these houses. And you don't want that to
[5:01]
happen to these beautiful neighborhoods
in our in our community. [snorts] So,
[5:06]
those are the main things. Also, I agree
with that guy. We have been told that we
[5:12]
do not have them raised and yet every
single year for the last at least four
[5:18]
years and maybe higher maybe more than
that. Time goes by fast. Um I have had a
[5:24]
raise on mine every single year. And
when I first moved to Miriam 27 years
[5:30]
ago, there'd be four sometimes five
years before a raise. So, um, it's
[5:37]
really ridiculous how much it's going up
now. Thank you.
[5:41]
» Come forward. Is there anyone else that
would like to come forward at this time?
[5:46]
» Okay, I see no one else coming forward.
I'll close out the public portion of the
[5:50]
meeting. Uh, next item up is the consent
agenda. All items listed under this
[5:54]
heading are considered to be routine by
the city council, may be enacted by one
[5:58]
motion. There be no separate discussion
of these items as council members so
[6:01]
request in which case that I'm be
removed consent agenda and considered
[6:04]
separately. We do have two items this
evening. Does anybody wish to have one
[6:07]
of those removed that way?
>> Okay. I would entertain a motion then.
[6:14]
Okay. Mr. Silvers.
>> Mr. Mayor. I'd like to move that the
[6:17]
council approve consent agenda items
number one and two.
[6:20]
» Okay. We have a motion. Do we have a
second? Go ahead. Meta.
[6:24]
» Mr. Mayor, a second.
>> Madam clerk, we have a motion. A second.
[6:27]
Council member Shaveetta.
>> I.
[6:30]
» Council member Kosmire.
>> I.
[6:32]
» Council member Hans.
>> I.
[6:34]
» Council member Caldwell.
>> I.
[6:37]
» Council member Lehei.
>> I.
[6:39]
» Council member Ryder.
>> I.
[6:42]
» Council member Silvers.
>> I.
[6:44]
» Council member Yadri.
>> I. Motion passes 80.
[6:49]
» Thank you, Madame Clerk. Um, next item
up this evening is the mayor's report.
[6:54]
Um, I have a proclamation that I get to
read this evening and I'm uh pleased to
[6:59]
do so. I'm I'm always honored to be able
to issue a proclamation, but this one's
[7:02]
special to me uh because of the
individual that it's uh it's it's for. I
[7:07]
want [clears throat] to read a little
bit about somebody that has devoted a
[7:11]
lot of years, not just he but his entire
family to the city of Mariam and um and
[7:17]
that is chief one of our fire chiefs who
was our volunteer division chief George
[7:24]
Kendrick Mallerie. We always call him
George but um our chief Mallerie. But a
[7:29]
little bit about um Chief Mallerie and
his family. Chief Chief Mallerie has
[7:33]
passed away for those of you that aren't
aware. Um, but he was born July 17th,
[7:38]
1942 and passed away July 3rd, 2026. He
was born in Dayton, Ohio alongside his
[7:44]
identical brother, uh, Steve Mallerie,
which is sitting in the audience this
[7:48]
evening, uh, moving to Mariam in the
late 1940s. George would join alongside
[7:53]
his father at the Mariam Fire Department
as a volunteer fireman in 1960. George
[7:59]
would serve the citizens of Mariam until
the disbandment of the volunteers in
[8:02]
2013. His years of dedication and
passion for the fire department made him
[8:06]
truly a pillar of the Johnson County
Fire Service. He become a mentor
[8:10]
advocate for new members as they joined
the department, making sure along the
[8:14]
way that they knew how to be an
aggressive firefighter and that the
[8:17]
history that came with it. Uh me members
of the family who also went on to be
[8:21]
firefighters. George K. Maui senior,
their father, uh Steve Maui, who I
[8:27]
mentioned was a twin identical twin
brother. Jeff Mauy, George's son. uh
[8:32]
Michelle Mallerie, George's daughter,
Heath Menchu, George's son-in-law. Uh
[8:38]
those were all members of the Marryiam
Fire Department, all volunteers with our
[8:42]
organization. Alec Menchu, George's
grandson, is currently an Altha Fire
[8:47]
Department firefighter. And uh and
Jillian Freeman, Georgia's
[8:51]
granddaughter, currently works for the
Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department. So,
[8:55]
uh that whole family has served the
community and communities for for many,
[8:59]
many years. um or over 53. George also
served his country in the United States
[9:04]
Navy during the Cold War on the USS
Enterprise. Uh George worked full-time
[9:09]
away from his family in the firehouse as
an airline mechanic for TWWA here in
[9:14]
Kansas City where he retired with 40
years working in the airline fuel tanks.
[9:18]
Uh George would marry Sharon, who's in
the audience this evening with us in
[9:22]
1965, and they would have the two
childrens, Jeff and Michelle. Uh George
[9:26]
was a lifetime hot rodder and an active
participant in local car shows and
[9:31]
cruise nights in Mariam. His wife Sharon
and him could be found with their custom
[9:35]
1941 Ford. Um and also Steve is a hot
rider as well. The whole family is
[9:40]
virtually. And there they've been at
every car show that I can remember. I
[9:44]
don't think they've missed one. Uh what
what are we at 26 years this year?
[9:48]
director of Stokum for 26 years. They've
also been had that that passion and been
[9:54]
been with Mariam. Um,
you know, like I say, [clears throat]
[10:00]
you know, 50 53 years, that's a that's a
long time. I mean, I was when I came on
[10:04]
as a volunteer in 1976, he already had
16 years as a volunteer on the fire
[10:09]
department when I when I joined in 76.
So, um, so I've known him virtually most
[10:14]
of my life. Um, you know, over 50 years.
the uh so anyway I have this
[10:19]
proclamation that I'd like to read and
then I will come forward and present
[10:22]
that to the family in just a moment. So
uh whereas [clears throat] the city has
[10:28]
learned with profound sorrow of the
passing of George K. married on July
[10:31]
3rd, 2026. And whereas George was a
devoted public servant serving his
[10:36]
country in the US Navy during the Cuban
Missile Crisis and Cold War. And whereas
[10:40]
George continued to serve his community
as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with
[10:44]
the city of Mariam for 53 and a half
years, retiring as volunteer division
[10:49]
chief. And whereas George, an avid car
enthusiast and talented aviation
[10:53]
mechanic, shared his passion and talents
with others, helping to restore the
[10:57]
classic cars. And whereas George and his
twin brother Steve were often seen at
[11:01]
local car gatherings and shows around
the Kansas City area and rarely missed
[11:05]
Miriam's Turkey Creek car show, proudly
displaying his restored 1941 Ford coupe,
[11:10]
winning the Mirror's Award in 2021. And
whereas George will be remembered as a
[11:15]
great storyteller, proud supporter of
the firefighter community, and a fan of
[11:19]
plaid shirts. And whereas the passing of
George represents a great loss to all
[11:24]
who had the privilege of knowing him.
[clears throat] Excuse me. Now
[11:28]
therefore, the city of Mariam would like
to honor the memory of George K. Mary
[11:31]
and extend our deepest sympathies and
condolences to the Mallerie family
[11:34]
during this time of morning.
Respectfully submitted by the city of
[11:38]
Marryiam, Kansas, Bob Mayor. So, uh
anyway, I'd like to present this to uh
[11:43]
to the Mauy family. If they just come
forward, I'll I'll meet you down.
[12:04]
together.
Staying kind of close.
[12:22]
» [snorts]
[12:29]
» You roll in.
>> Y
[12:50]
» [laughter]
[13:10]
» All good.
[13:13]
» [applause]
[13:19]
[applause]
[13:24]
[applause]
>> Thank you.
[13:47]
Well, it's it's an honor to present that
to you guys. Um, other things, I guess,
[13:53]
as far as um I I saw somebody just walk
in. I'd just like to acknowledge the two
[13:58]
gentlemen in the back row there, the
Beaver family. John and John were
[14:03]
working and we're going to be presenting
his Eagle Scout award some before too
[14:07]
long. Anyway, that's that's coming. So,
uh, thanks for coming. Okay. The, uh,
[14:15]
other things, uh, I always like to give
a little bit about what's been what I've
[14:18]
done and what the council's members have
been doing over the past couple weeks.
[14:22]
Uh, so I'll cover that at this time. I
and several council members got to join
[14:26]
our city employees for the city selfie
day, and we got to see the new drone in
[14:30]
action. Um, I and a council member
attended the gathering of residents in a
[14:34]
block party that allowed Johnson County
Commissioner Becky Fast to speak on
[14:37]
county issues, allowed me to speak on
what's happening in Mariam. And I can
[14:41]
tell you there's a lots of excitement
out there about Trader Joe's and allies,
[14:44]
which at that time I couldn't tell when
either was opening, but u September 2nd
[14:48]
for Trader Joe's. Uh, I and several
council members attended the downtown
[14:52]
planning meeting. Uh, there was a lot of
good discussions concerning what people
[14:55]
would like to see downtown and basically
three different options and what each
[14:59]
option would allow us to do. Uh there's
an online survey available that uh shows
[15:03]
the three vision options and I encourage
everyone to take the survey and give
[15:06]
your feedback on what direction you
believe the city should pursue. Uh I and
[15:10]
a council member went with Miss Guard to
develop tonight's agenda. I attended a
[15:14]
Kansas legislative town hall meeting via
Zoom. All of our northeast Johnson
[15:19]
County representatives and senators gave
updates on state issues. Uh several
[15:24]
council members attended the IWPA,
Inspiring Women in Public Administration
[15:28]
Workshop. It's my understanding that was
very informative and inspiring. Thank
[15:32]
you for attending that. Uh I understand
that Miss Shvetta has received a lot of
[15:36]
positive affirmation on the city's
direction on adding an additional
[15:40]
crossing guard to our budget and I'd
like to give you this opportunity to
[15:44]
just tell us a little bit about what
you've been hearing out there in the
[15:47]
community. Yeah, I I just wanted you
guys all to hear this like chief and
[15:50]
everyone that worked on approving the
additional crossing guards at Crest, not
[15:54]
at Crescu, but at um Johnson Drive and
Goodman and then Johnson Drive and
[15:58]
Masten for Marian Park and Hawker Grove
students. Um I've heard parents um at
[16:03]
Cresview obviously, but some of them
have Hawker Grove students as well and
[16:06]
they've been excited to see students
using that in the mornings. Um Amy, I'm
[16:10]
sure you've been seen a lot of kids
using it too and or students using it as
[16:14]
well. And um I was at back to school
night last week and I just heard from a
[16:18]
lot of people that are just so happy
that we can let our kids feel safe
[16:21]
walking to school and have that
independence. Um and personally my kids
[16:25]
been using it and she's loving it. So um
thank you guys and just thought that
[16:29]
would be a fun thing to give you an
update on.
[16:32]
» Thank you for sharing. And then I
understand a council member attended the
[16:35]
Advent Health Championship PGA
tournament at the Blue Hills Country
[16:39]
Club. And would you like to speak to
that miss? Yeah, I just want to
[16:42]
congratulate Advent Health on hosting a
wonderful event all week and through the
[16:47]
weekend. And um surprisingly, not only
was Advent Health a sponsor, but another
[16:52]
Marry company, IBT Industrial Solutions
had a spectator dent on uh the back
[16:59]
nine. That was where the party was at
for sure. So, um congratulations to the
[17:05]
winner who shot 29 under and we had a
wonderful week. Yeah.
[17:10]
» Good. Thanks. for sure. Okay. Did I miss
anything up for any other council
[17:13]
members this evening that didn't know
that might have went on the last two
[17:16]
weeks? Okay. All right. Well, that will
conclude the mayor's report then. Um,
[17:23]
next item up, I guess, would be
about public hearing. Okay. And have
[17:29]
director at the podium.
[17:43]
You're asking me.
[17:47]
Thank you.
[17:54]
[snorts]
Good evening, Mayor and Council. So, uh,
[18:00]
tonight we are going to be having our
formal public hearing for both the 2027
[18:05]
[clears throat] budget as well as the
mill rate. Uh, this is statutoily
[18:09]
required, but you do not have to vote on
the actual budget tonight. If you do not
[18:13]
want to, we do have to do the mill rate
tonight, though.
[18:17]
So, um, everything in front of you is
the exact same as we have discussed.
[18:21]
Nothing has changed. The only difference
is that I have added those two funds
[18:25]
that I promised you, uh, which is the
new economic development fund and the
[18:29]
town center C fund. Um, nothing else has
changed from what we have talked about
[18:34]
in the past couple of meetings, but I'm
happy to get into anything specific if
[18:38]
you need. Sorry, I'll talk.
[18:43]
All right.
So, for budget highlights, um, in front
[18:48]
of you, this is going to be citywide for
all funds. Capital expenditures are
[18:52]
going to be our capital projects um and
our equipment. And so that is going to
[18:57]
be anything that is a major asset or
piece of infrastructure. Um and non-
[19:04]
capital expenditures are anything that
supports our ongoing city operations and
[19:08]
services. Um a lot of that is housed in
the general fund, uh which is one of the
[19:13]
things that you're voting on tonight
because that is partially funded by
[19:16]
property tax.
The current budget supports uh services
[19:20]
for our population of 11,560
which did slightly go up. Um and our
[19:27]
primary focus for this year as you're
all aware was to maintain existing
[19:31]
services um but also try and continue
our significant investment um in areas
[19:37]
that whatever council deemed a priority.
[19:42]
So our proposed uh mill rate is the same
that ended up being assessed. If you
[19:47]
remember last year, we believed we were
doing 26.412.
[19:52]
Uh what was actually assessed is that
number in front of you. We have not
[19:55]
asked for an increase or a decrease. Um
however, this does obviously generate
[20:00]
more revenue than the revenue neutral
rate, which we'll get into a little bit
[20:03]
more later. Um the budget, we did not
ask for any new employees. Um there are
[20:09]
no major changes to staffing levels.
And then um we do continue to see a
[20:16]
really diversified and strong revenue
base. Our primary revenue here is our 1%
[20:22]
city sales tax. Um which means that
Mariam Maria is significantly more on
[20:28]
its commercial activity um more than
just our property taxes. And we are
[20:33]
seeing unlike many of the other
communities around us, our sales tax is
[20:37]
staying very strong. Um, so a lot of our
neighbors had to look at increasing
[20:42]
either their mill levy or other fees um
because they are anticipating a pullback
[20:49]
on their sales tax revenue. Uh we are
showing that we are very strong and I
[20:53]
don't share these same concerns based on
all of our projections. Um primarily
[20:57]
that's due to our um car dealerships
staying very strong and those uh sales
[21:03]
not declining at all.
[21:10]
So, we do have a large CIT or CIP uh
investment for 2027. It is one of the
[21:17]
heavier years that is in your plan that
was in the packet and we've discussed.
[21:21]
Um much of this is going to be funded by
uh transfers in or fund balance. Some of
[21:28]
it though we really try and emphasize
our grants here uh or working with other
[21:33]
government agencies. Um
we also this is the area where our bond
[21:39]
proceeds are housed and so all of our um
different development that is coming and
[21:45]
our expenses are coming from this fund
as well. So if you look at that fund
[21:50]
balance and you look at planned
expenditures it does include restricted
[21:54]
funds. Uh we cannot use bond proceeds
for miscellaneous projects. It has to be
[21:59]
restricted based on what was um approved
by council.
[22:04]
I will also say, you've already heard
this, but our uh CIP this year does look
[22:09]
heavier just because we had a lot of
carryover projects. Um so you'll see
[22:12]
many of them are from either the year
before or we're seeing them from this
[22:17]
year. We expect they will carry on to
2027
[22:25]
for the general fund. Um again, there
was no major shift in any of our
[22:29]
revenues. Um we are expecting everything
to stay very much on trend. Um
[22:36]
some of our major sources include the
community center, franchise fees, and
[22:39]
other court fines. Uh the way that we
try and project these different revenues
[22:45]
is just based on historical collections
and current trends. We do try and go
[22:49]
more conservative. Um, which is why in a
little bit we'll see that our fund
[22:53]
balance typically increases
year-over-year because we go more
[22:56]
conservative on revenues and then we
over project slightly on expenditures.
[23:01]
Um, because we would rather at the end
of the year see a little bit of extra
[23:04]
versus the opposite
[23:10]
for your general fund expenditures. Um,
this shows a breakdown from all of our
[23:13]
major uh general fund departments. Um,
and so like I said, this is where prim
[23:19]
primarily all of the property tax goes,
which you'll be voting on tonight. Um,
[23:22]
this is also where a large majority of
our sales tax is housed. We do have a
[23:27]
policy that dictates that some of our
sales tax um can be transferred to other
[23:31]
funds like the CIP. Um, and so that is
done every year as well, which is in
[23:35]
your packet under as a transfer.
[23:43]
Okay. So now to discuss the mill rate in
a little bit more detail. Um so
[23:50]
like I said our mill rate is not
projected to change. Obviously it may go
[23:55]
down or up a little bit once final
assessments come out but what we have
[23:59]
presented to you is 26.406.
Uh it is the same that was assessed for
[24:04]
the year we're currently in. Um I will
say that the difference between this and
[24:08]
our revenue neutral rate which is 25.855
855 is a $1.75 per month or $21 a year
[24:16]
for the average home in Marryiam. This
is sub a substantial amount for some
[24:20]
people. However, we have seen a huge
increase in our property tax rebate
[24:24]
program. Um and if you recall, we had to
increase that by 20,000 from 50,000 to
[24:29]
70,000 um for 2027 because of its
utilization uh and how successful that
[24:35]
program has been. So I think there are a
number of people that qualify that are
[24:39]
utilizing that program. Um
we do also u Miriam I'd like to point
[24:47]
you to the bottom. We only get about 24%
of what are on people's property tax
[24:51]
bill and we cannot control how other
agencies assess. So our portion of that
[24:55]
is 24% and it would be at that mill rate
[25:02]
for the average home. It's on here, but
um if you were to go with this mill
[25:05]
rate, it would be about $1,000 annually
or $84 a month.
[25:14]
This is going to be for all funds
combined. Um so we'll talk a little bit
[25:18]
about fund balance just because you do
see that uh here revenues are a little
[25:22]
less than expenditures. Um so our
beginning fund balance is like I said
[25:26]
this is for citywide uh is at about 66
million. This is from audit numbers. Um,
[25:32]
and that includes estimates for 2026.
Um, transfers are set in stone based on
[25:38]
the budget you approve for 2026. Um, and
so we have to guess with revenues and
[25:42]
expenditures, but this is probably a
pretty good ballpark. Um, everything on
[25:46]
here is for 2027. So the revenues, like
I said, we try and go more conservative.
[25:52]
Um, and then for expenditures, we try
and just add a tiny buffer in there. Um,
[25:58]
but I will say that staff, everyone
that's responsible for each line, we do
[26:02]
I've explained our process in depth, but
we um, whoever's responsible for every
[26:07]
department and every accounting line, we
go through and we audit every single one
[26:11]
of those every single year since I've
been here. Um, so it's something where
[26:15]
we are trying to trim as much fat as
possible. We're trying to make sure
[26:18]
there's not excessive spending, that
things are being charged where they're
[26:20]
supposed to be, um, that we don't have
something in one fund that should be in
[26:24]
another. So that is something that we
review with every uh responsible party
[26:28]
throughout the year. Um and then I do
our revenues on my own um based on the
[26:34]
projections and historicals. Um but so
when you see that we are going to be
[26:41]
using a little bit of reserves at the
end of the year. Typically historically
[26:46]
here in Marryiam it is not always the
case that we end up using as much fund
[26:50]
balance as we do because of the
philosophy of trying to be more
[26:53]
conservative. Um, but the way that I try
and budget things, um, is that
[27:01]
looking at the need for all
expenditures, making sure we do our
[27:04]
assessment, and then the revenues. I
like to do both of those independently
[27:07]
of one another. Um, so we're not trying
to make expenditures match revenues, and
[27:12]
we're not trying to make revenues match
expenditures because I think that's when
[27:14]
you get in trouble at the end of the
year. Um, instead, what we do is let
[27:19]
those act independently of one another,
see what we're left left with at the
[27:22]
end. Um, then I start looking at our
five-year projections and make sure that
[27:27]
no fund that gets any of the general
fund money, um, which also includes our
[27:32]
CIP and our equipment reserve and our
risk management fund, um, that all of
[27:37]
those also have nice five-year
projections and that none of them are
[27:41]
dipping too low in fund balance or we're
going to have to make an excessive
[27:44]
transfer, not be able to do a project
you may want to do. um and that anything
[27:48]
that we have planned for is going to be
able to be funded even five years down
[27:52]
the road. So after we look at fund
balances, uh council does have a policy
[27:57]
with the general fund target of 30 to
35%. Um this includes the risk
[28:02]
management fund which is also in your
pocket. Uh we don't typically have to
[28:06]
use too much. That's a safe safety net
for insurance or other risk items. Um
[28:12]
but just the general fund on its own
after everything um even using a little
[28:17]
bit of that reserve at the end for
transfers out to the CIP and the
[28:20]
equipment replacement fund um we are
still at 35%. And then when you add in
[28:26]
risk management we go up to 40%. So part
of my assessment and why I feel
[28:31]
comfortable using that fund balance a
little bit um is because we're still
[28:36]
well within our cushion range and well
within what council and all the
[28:41]
standards and guidelines that are out
there that we're aware of uh say is a
[28:44]
healthy reserve balance. So we're still
at or exceeding that. Um and then also
[28:50]
our other funds are in the same
position. So, it's not just that we're
[28:54]
worried about the general fund and how
those fund balances may play out, but we
[28:58]
really take into account all of the
other funds as well. Um, so the CIP is
[29:02]
funded through its full 5-year.
Equipment is funded through its full
[29:05]
tenyear. Um, effectively, we're able to
do everything um service level that
[29:12]
council uh has indicated they want, but
also provide the same equipment and
[29:17]
infrastructure that's needed to provide
to do those services.
[29:24]
So with that, I'm happy to go into
detail with any specific fund or
[29:28]
department um or revenue source. Uh but
this evening, we are asking you to um
[29:35]
consider after the public hearings the
mill rate of 26.406.
[29:40]
Uh what you would be indicating though
is that you're okay approving the
[29:43]
revenue neutral rate or sorry exceeding
the revenue neutral rate. Um, and then
[29:47]
if you're comfortable after that, uh,
you would approve the budget which
[29:51]
includes that rate. So, I'm happy to
answer any questions that you might
[29:55]
have.
>> Any questions? Dr. B.
[30:01]
» Go ahead, Mr. R. I know you already went
over this, but can you
[30:08]
» reiterate how it is possible to exceed
the the revenue neutral rate and still
[30:14]
keep taxes low or decrease them like we
did a few years ago?
[30:19]
» Yes. So, um, do you mean last year when
we were able to lower the mill rate? Uh,
[30:24]
so last year we were able to cut the
mill rate by about a quarter. Um, I
[30:28]
think it ended up being a little over a
quarter. Um, this was primarily due to
[30:33]
the fact that this year we lost both the
courthouse sales tax, uh, which was the
[30:39]
literal difference in us being able to
stay with the revenue neutral rate at
[30:43]
400,000, um, or us having to keep our
mill rate where we're at now. So the
[30:48]
loss of that revenue source which goes
directly into the general fund meant
[30:52]
that in order to maintain our current
service level and be able to provide the
[30:57]
transfers that we needed to the general
fund and the equipment reserve fund um
[31:02]
we were not going to be able to go to
revenue neutral rate at that point. So
[31:05]
something would have to give because of
the loss of that revenue source the
[31:08]
400,000 um in order for us to just
maintain what the priorities seem to be.
[31:17]
But if it was possible, we would have
tried to lower again.
[31:21]
» Yes, sir.
>> Mr.
[31:23]
» And just to clarify, losing that um
courthouse
[31:27]
» fee was something that came down from
the county and it was not in our uh in
[31:34]
any way our ability to make that
decision.
[31:37]
» Correct. And that's why a lot of our
neighboring cities are also in the
[31:40]
either the same position of not being
able to lower or they're having to raise
[31:43]
their mill rate this year. Um because we
all lost pretty heavily on that revenue
[31:47]
source.
[31:50]
» This way.
>> Okay. Go ahead. M
[31:54]
» you didn't have the chart, but um
usually like Miriam usually falls pretty
[31:58]
low relative to our neighbors that our
mill rate for our city is in the bottom
[32:04]
third compared to the rest of the
surrounding Johnson County.
[32:07]
» Yes. and we're still at the same level.
Um, if anyone from the public wants to
[32:10]
know, we're about fifth to sixth on the
peer rate and there's about 15 people on
[32:15]
the chart that we have. So, it's all of
our peers in the area. Um, some of them
[32:18]
have fire that they have to account for,
but our total is typically in the bottom
[32:22]
third. You're correct.
>> If I could [clears throat] also add,
[32:27]
just cities in Kansas, as I'm sure
you're aware, broken up into different
[32:31]
classifications. First class cities,
second class cities, third class cities.
[32:34]
First class cities are your biggest
ones. Second class cities are your
[32:36]
middle, third class cities are your
smallest cities. There are 96 uh
[32:41]
secondass cities in the state of Kansas.
If you take the total mill rate in the
[32:45]
city in the city of Mariam, which is to
say all of those taxing entities, Mariam
[32:50]
is the lowest mill rate in the state of
Kansas for secondass cities. So
[32:54]
something we should be proud of. uh
always looking to do more, always
[32:58]
looking for opportunities to make sure
that we are um making our uh residents
[33:04]
put them in an affordable situation. We
have grants as uh director Borth pointed
[33:08]
out that we have lots of people are
taking advantage of the opportunity that
[33:12]
the council has provided to offset those
uh property tax uh city property taxes
[33:18]
where appropriate and were available.
So, uh, just wanted to point that out
[33:21]
that I think it is something that, uh,
is that the fact that we're able to be
[33:26]
the lowest total mill rate in the state
of Kansas for secondass cities is
[33:29]
something that I think we should
acknowledge. But thank you.
[33:33]
» And I will say that staff puts as much
emphasis since I have started here on
[33:37]
that priority of councils to lower the
mill rate when possible.
[33:42]
» So, if we would have been able to fit
that into our proposed budget this year,
[33:45]
it would have taken just as much of a
precedent as the others.
[33:52]
to school.
>> Is it appropriate to say that the issues
[33:56]
that caused this year were kind of
one-time things and we should be back on
[34:01]
track in future years of having
>> 100%. Uh the one thing that we didn't
[34:06]
discuss which I'm going to talk to you a
little bit more about in my financial
[34:09]
report later is the transient guest tax
loss. Um because one of the other major
[34:13]
impacts to this is we had to transfer
out from the a different fund that does
[34:19]
not usually use any sort of property
tax. Uh we had to transfer out personnel
[34:23]
and other costs into the general fund.
So that was also a one-time. Hopefully
[34:28]
we can transfer it back if transient
guest tax uh gets back to where it
[34:31]
should be.
>> You know, the other side of the coin is
[34:34]
we also want all of our residents home
values to keep going up. So, it's kind
[34:41]
of hard to keep all this in balance.
[34:46]
» Any other questions?
>> Okay. All right.
[34:50]
» Thank you.
>> With that, uh, where is there anyone
[34:53]
from the audience that would like to
come forward and speak to this issue?
[34:56]
Please come forward, sir. Just for the
record.
[34:59]
» Oh, I didn't I guess I didn't say it
when I hit the deal.
[35:04]
» Officially,
>> open the public hearing and please come
[35:06]
forward.
>> All right. Here we go. I'll be making my
[35:08]
comments in the form of a proclamation
of condemnation and demand for absolute
[35:11]
property tax relief. Whereas the primary
obligation of municipal leadership is to
[35:16]
safeguard local neighborhoods and to
ensure that long-term residents who
[35:19]
simply desire to keep their homes and
remain in their communities are not
[35:22]
priced out by an escalating property tax
burden. [snorts] And whereas the city
[35:27]
generates exceptionally strong
high-erforming sales tax revenues per
[35:30]
square mile due to a dense commercial
base providing unusually robust stream
[35:34]
of nonresidential public revenue, the
highest in Kansas per square mile. And
[35:40]
whereas despite this massive sales tax
advantage, Mayor Bob Pape and the city
[35:45]
council, city administration, I should
say, have repeatedly chosen to exceed
[35:48]
the revenue neutral rate over the last
four years, continually extracting
[35:52]
additional advalorum property taxes from
residential homeowners. And whereas the
[35:57]
city, which pays no property taxes
itself, has systematically and
[36:01]
aggressively purchased taxpaying
commercial properties, removing
[36:06]
removing [clears throat] those parcels
from the tax roles, and unfairly
[36:09]
shifting the remaining municipal tax
burden onto the shoulders of Miriam
[36:12]
homeowners. And whereas while everyday
residents manage rising valuations,
[36:17]
expanding tax assessments, and a
shrinking property tax base, municipal
[36:21]
leadership has simultaneously approved
over $100 million in tax subsidies,
[36:26]
abatements, and public incentives to out
of town development firms. And whereas
[36:30]
these multi-million dollar handouts have
been directly awarded to corporate
[36:34]
entities and developers who standed who
stood as Mayor Bob Pape's two largest
[36:39]
campaign sponsors creating an undeniable
conflict of interest and the clear
[36:42]
appearance of a pay-to-play municipal
system. Now therefore, be it resolved
[36:48]
that we, the concerned taxpayers, do
hereby issue this proclamation of
[36:52]
condemnation against Bob Pap and the
city administration for repeatedly
[36:55]
exceeding the revenue neutral rate,
redistributing the tax burden onto
[36:58]
homeowners, and rewarding top campaign
sponsors with public funds. Be it
[37:03]
further resolved that we demand an
immediate halt to city acquisitions of
[37:07]
revenue generating generating commercial
property that shift tax burdens onto
[37:11]
residents along with an immediate
cessation of exceeding the im the
[37:15]
revenue neutral rate. And be it further
resolved that city leadership
[37:19]
immediately end all tax abatement and
public subsidy programs granted to
[37:23]
campaign donors and out of town
development firms refocusing all local
[37:27]
pol all uh all local tax policy toward
long-term home preservation and and
[37:32]
residential relief. Thank you.
>> Okay. Would anyone else like to come
[37:37]
forward at this time?
[37:41]
» That's going to be a tough act to
follow. Um,
[37:45]
okay.
To address Bruce Cadell, um,
[37:52]
the problem may not be the 6.9. Maybe
you can claim that our property tax has
[37:58]
been 6.9, but every year when you get
appraised for a higher amount on your
[38:04]
home, then the property tax goes up. And
every single year, my house goes up 20
[38:11]
to 30,000. Okay, that means I cannot
afford to do a new kitchen. My kitchen's
[38:16]
from 1984 when the house was built
because I cannot afford to redo my
[38:22]
kitchen. But you guys think that my
house is now worth 30,000, another
[38:28]
20,000, another 20,000. Every single
year it jumps. It's not going to cuz I
[38:34]
can't sell it for that. There's no way
that somebody's going to come in and
[38:39]
look at an unendated kitchen that's back
from 1984 and pay $350,000
[38:45]
for the house. They're not going to do
it. So, that's the big problem.
[38:52]
Having our property go up every single
year by being appraised every single
[38:57]
year is killing the Miriam residents and
it's killing the houses because now
[39:03]
we're not fixing the insides. Thank you.
>> Anyone else like to come forward? Please
[39:10]
come forward, sir.
[39:27]
» And please give your name and address
for the record. The other two had
[39:30]
already given it earlier. So,
>> my name is Steven Allen. The address is
[39:35]
5031 Farley Street. Um, in regards to
the revenue neutral, um,
[39:43]
I am not sure I quite understand why you
cannot maintain revenue neutral based on
[39:51]
uh, the reserve
and the fact that if I Oops. If I look
[39:58]
correctly at what the county sent to us,
I'm sure probably all of you can see
[40:04]
this document here. Uh there's at least
$300,000 available
[40:10]
uh to you as a result of not maintaining
a revenue neutral stance. Now again,
[40:17]
that's just based on what I'm reading
here. I I understand there may be some
[40:22]
things that uh I'm not possibly seeing.
Uh but the point being is that um based
[40:31]
on your reserves and the fact that you
have dramatically increased your
[40:36]
expenses in some areas.
I I don't do not understand why you
[40:40]
cannot maintain the revenue neutral
position
[40:45]
that would be at least helpful to the
residents of this city.
[40:51]
So that there are other comments I have
but I'll wait until there's uh
[40:56]
discussion on the budget itself or the
proposal itself.
[41:04]
» Thank you.
>> Thank you sir. Anyone else like to come
[41:07]
forward at this time?
[41:12]
I see no one else coming forward at this
time for that. Um, I'll close out the
[41:19]
public portion of that meeting for the
reverend neutral rate. And u
[41:24]
unless anyone has any other questions
for Director Bor, I would entertain a
[41:27]
motion on this. Madridge.
>> Mr. Mayor, I move that the council
[41:31]
approve a resolution to exceed the
revenue neutral rate.
[41:33]
» Okay, we have a motion. Do we have a
second?
[41:36]
Red Mid
second.
[41:39]
» Madam Clerk, we have a motion to second.
>> Council member Kosmire,
[41:44]
» I.
>> Council member Hans,
[41:46]
» I.
>> Council member Caldall,
[41:49]
» I.
>> Council member Lehei,
[41:51]
» hi.
>> Council member Ryder,
[41:54]
» I.
>> Council member Silvers,
[41:57]
» I.
>> Council member Yodri,
[42:00]
» I.
>> Council member Cheveta,
[42:02]
» I.
>> Motion passes. 80.
[42:05]
» Thank you, Madam Clerk. Looks like next
item up would be the public hearing for
[42:09]
well for the 2027 budget. Got director,
I guess, is going to come give us that
[42:13]
information before we open the meeting.
Anyway,
[42:16]
» yes, I don't have anything more to
present, but I'm happy to answer any
[42:19]
questions you might have specifically on
the budget. Um there was the packet in
[42:24]
your uh in your file that had um all the
different departments and funds broken
[42:29]
out and I'm more than happy to answer
any questions about something specific
[42:33]
if if you have anything but nothing
changed from last time.
[42:36]
» Okay. Any questions director on the
budget itself that was presented
[42:41]
» that way. See nothing that way. Okay.
Thank you. We'll go ahead and open up
[42:46]
the uh public portion public meeting
itself. Give a public hearing for uh
[42:50]
concerning the budget. Anyone like to
come forward at this time to speak on
[42:53]
this topic?
Are you getting come forward, sir?
[43:02]
Nine of you up there. There's three
members of the public that showed up
[43:06]
today to speak to you to oppose resi
raising the rate and you ignored them.
[43:10]
You did it anyway. I don't think you
care much to represent us, frankly,
[43:14]
based on your actions just now. That uh
has conveyed to me. Um earlier it was
[43:18]
said that we have huge amounts of
reserves very strong and that the reason
[43:23]
we need to raise the mill rate this year
is because of a one-time problem that uh
[43:28]
isn't going to be a problem next year.
Well, if that's the case and let's use
[43:31]
those reserves, keep our our budget low,
keep it at the equal rate that we the
[43:36]
equal amount that we had spent last year
that's revenue neutral and then we can
[43:39]
ride it out in future years. Um that's
what I have to say. Thank you.
[43:44]
» Okay.
Sir, would you like to come forward
[43:47]
again? I know you said you want to speak
again.
[44:06]
» [clears throat]
>> Um,
[44:09]
one of the issues slashconerns that I
have is that I took from the uh website
[44:17]
the uh budget packet that I thought was
going to go to you. And I notice in the
[44:23]
presentation that there's a difference
that there's about a an additional
[44:28]
million or so dollars
uh that showed up on the presentation
[44:32]
versus what I got from the u from the
website. Uh but again it goes back to
[44:38]
the issue of the reserves.
um you have adequate reserves
[44:45]
and uh the reason why you've reduced
reserves from the prior years is because
[44:50]
of expenditures.
Uh and again I'm not quite sure I
[44:55]
understand like capital improvement with
a dramatic increase. Uh I did have the
[45:01]
chance to review the capital
improvements section of the uh document
[45:06]
but I would be extremely interested in
why capital improvements increase so
[45:12]
much. Uh I can understand some increase
but we we're talking about a pretty
[45:20]
substantial increase it looks like in
capital improvements.
[45:25]
So uh based on that information again I
do not understand why
[45:30]
uh reserves have gone
uh excuse me that reserves have to be so
[45:37]
high
and that expenditures themselves have to
[45:42]
be so high. Again, one of my concerns is
capital improvements
[45:47]
and if the money that's that's being uh
spent on capital improvements makes
[45:53]
sense.
[45:56]
And that's the key. Does it make sense?
And I hope you on the board
[46:04]
really raised those questions.
[46:08]
And again, I was in favor of at least at
the very minimum maintaining the revenue
[46:13]
neutral, but that's one of the reasons
why I think you guys can do that
[46:18]
because you have adequate reserves.
Although again, the reserves that was
[46:22]
shown on the presentation is less than
what was shown Friday. It's about again
[46:28]
another million million and a half less,
but it still should be adequate if
[46:34]
you maintain an intelligent
expenditure process.
[46:41]
Thank you.
>> Thank you, sir.
[46:44]
» And again, I I am very curious as to why
the change today versus what was uh on
[46:51]
the budget Friday.
>> Okay. I would suggest you email our
[46:55]
director Borth and and she'll get back
with you on that.
[46:59]
» One last comment.
>> Okay. Yes. You have not been up here for
[47:03]
this one. Please come forward, ma'am.
>> No.
[47:14]
Since this is a one-time thing that
we've had one-time expenditures, does
[47:20]
that mean that once we don't have these
expenditures and the budget goes back to
[47:25]
normal that we'll see a decrease in our
property tax? I don't think so,
[47:31]
unfortunately.
[47:35]
» Or is there anyone else that would like
to come forward at this time?
[47:39]
Okay, I see no one else wanting to come
forward this time or close out the uh
[47:43]
public portion of that. Um, I would
entertain a motion at this time. Mr.
[47:49]
Addri,
>> Mr. Mayor, I move that the council
[47:51]
approve a resolution adopting the 2027
operating budget.
[47:56]
» Okay, we have a motion. Do we have a
second? Mr. Lee,
[47:58]
» Mr. Mayor, I second that motion.
>> Okay, Madam Clerk, we have a motion to
[48:02]
second.
>> Council member Hans,
[48:04]
» I.
>> Council member Cald,
[48:07]
» I. Council member Lehei.
>> Hi.
[48:11]
» Council member Ryder.
>> Hi.
[48:14]
» Council member Silvers.
>> I.
[48:17]
» Council member Yodri.
>> I.
[48:20]
» Council member Shaveetta.
>> I.
[48:22]
» Council member Kosmire.
>> I.
[48:24]
» Motion passes. 8 Z.
>> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Next item up is
[48:29]
council items. Approval of a bond
ordinance. Who's going to remain? Looks
[48:32]
like we have Mr. Engel coming to the
podium.
[48:40]
Thank you, mayor and councel. Next item
on your agenda is approval of a bond
[48:42]
ordinance and accompanying documents for
the issuance of industrial revenue bonds
[48:46]
with the Walls are automotive group
project. As you'll recall, in August of
[48:51]
last year, the city council approved
resolution number 969 that expressed the
[48:56]
city's intent to issue taxable revenue
bonds to provide a sales tax uh
[49:00]
exemption uh in an amount not to exceed
$18,619,000
[49:05]
to uh Walar Automotive Group for their
um Genesis Automobile dealership project
[49:12]
at 7220 frontage road. uh sales tax
exemption would be on the cost of
[49:16]
constructing, equipping, and furnishing
that dealership. About a month later, uh
[49:21]
there there was a um city council
approved resolution 971, which assigned
[49:26]
all the benefits that were approved in
resolution 969 from Waler Automotive
[49:31]
Group to Waler Real Estate LLC, which is
their real estate development portion of
[49:36]
that automotive group. Uh so that is who
all of these documents are addressed to.
[49:42]
That is the Walls of Real Estate L Walls
of Real Estate LLC. Uh as you will
[49:47]
recall uh from industrial revenue bonds
passed, there is no obligation for the
[49:52]
city to pay any of those bonds. No of
none of those bonds come from general
[49:56]
tax dollars based on statute. There is
no uh risk to the city in issuing those.
[50:01]
What those do is they simply provide a
sales tax exemption. The way that works
[50:05]
is through a base lease whereas Waler
will lease their property to the city.
[50:13]
City issues a lease back to them. The
lease payments on that are actually what
[50:18]
covers the uh debt issuance for Waler.
Again, the city doesn't pay that, but
[50:22]
that is how the state uh legislature and
their infinite wisdom has decided they
[50:28]
want to um ride herd over the sales tax
exemption process that gets pres uh
[50:35]
presented to um third parties.
Um per city per city council policy,
[50:42]
company will pay all the origination
administrative fees upon issuance of the
[50:46]
bonds. Uh the company also has to pay
all expenses including the cost of
[50:50]
publication and uh any other fees
associated with that. You've got uh
[50:55]
about eight documents in your packet
that were created by Jacob Lowry and his
[51:00]
team at Coutek Rock who's our bond
council. He is in attendance this
[51:03]
evening and we'd be happy to answer any
of the more technical questions you may
[51:06]
have on the IRB process and how the
state of Kansas came up with that. But
[51:10]
again, we have done this in the past. Uh
but uh that being said, I'm happy to
[51:14]
answer any questions that you may have.
Any questions for Mr. Engel? Mr. Le,
[51:19]
» I just want to make sure because I don't
want anybody else to misunderstand or
[51:23]
misinterpret. This is just the financial
vehicle that we have to do in order to
[51:27]
give them the sales tax exemption
because it's the way the state set it up
[51:30]
for us. We are not giving the Wler
Automotive Group $18 million. We are
[51:35]
just helping them offset the sales tax.
>> Correct. It's it's a you absolutely
[51:40]
correct. As a little bit of background,
part of the reason that this comes down
[51:44]
from the state is that most of the um
taxes that are foregone are are state
[51:49]
taxes. The state the tax rate is 9.475.
Uh so 6.5% of that is the state. So the
[51:56]
majority of the incentive, if you will,
comes from the state, which is why the
[52:00]
state has authorized it per statute is
that it's really a state incentive. We
[52:05]
are giving up 1.5% if those goods were
to be bought in our community. the the
[52:09]
county is giving up 1.475% of their
sales tax if those goods used for
[52:14]
construction were to be bought within
Johnson County. But yes, you are correct
[52:18]
that we are not giving $18.619 million
to the developer.
[52:23]
Okay. Any other questions, Mr. Engel?
[52:29]
» Okay, see no other questions this time.
Um I would entertain a motion for waving
[52:35]
of that first reading.
>> Mr. I'd like to make the motion. Thank
[52:39]
you, Mr. Mayor. I move that the council
wave the customary first reading of a
[52:43]
bond ordinance issuing industrial
revenue bonds for the Wasler Automotive
[52:48]
Group project.
>> Okay, we have a motion. Do we have a
[52:50]
second? We have Mr.
>> Mr. May second.
[52:54]
» Motion second, Madam Clerk.
>> Council member Cald.
[52:57]
» I.
>> Council member Lee.
[52:59]
» Hi.
>> Council member Ryder.
[53:02]
» I.
>> Council member Silvers.
[53:04]
» I.
>> Council member Yadri. Hi,
[53:08]
» Council Member Cheveta.
>> Hi,
[53:11]
» Council Member Kosmire.
>> I,
[53:13]
» Council Member Hans,
>> I.
[53:15]
» Motion passes 8 Z.
>> Thank you, Madam Clerk. Uh, having waved
[53:21]
that, I would entertain a motion for
approval.
[53:27]
» Mr. Mayor, I move that the council
approve the bond ordinance issuing the
[53:31]
industrial revenue bonds and authorize
the signing of the bond documents for
[53:35]
the Wesler Automotive Group project.
>> Okay, we have a motion. Do we have a
[53:38]
second? Mr. Lee,
>> Mr. Mayor, I second that motion.
[53:41]
» Okay, thank you, Madam Clerk. We have a
motion to second.
[53:44]
» Council member Lehei,
>> I.
[53:46]
» Council member Ryder,
>> I.
[53:49]
» Council member Silvers,
>> I.
[53:52]
» Council member Yodridge,
>> I.
[53:54]
» Council member Cheveta,
>> I. Council member Cosmier
[53:58]
» I.
>> Council member Hans I.
[54:02]
» Council member Caldwell
>> I.
[54:04]
» Motion passes 8 Z.
>> Thank you madam clerk. Looks like next
[54:08]
item up is community development update.
I know director Dyer is itching to get
[54:12]
to the podium.
Yeah I got got antsy there, didn't I? Um
[54:16]
good evening mayor council member Bron
Dyer community development director. A
[54:19]
couple of items to go over on the
community development side of things.
[54:24]
First of all, um, related to your
previous item, the Genesis Automobile
[54:28]
dealership, they are getting very very
close to having a CFO, they have just a
[54:31]
few more items left to go. So, they will
should be opening fairly quickly.
[54:35]
» I will say they're starting to stock the
lot.
[54:37]
» Yeah, they have they they are. Um, so
yes, they are getting very close.
[54:41]
Hopefully, very soon they will be
generating sales tax dollars uh for the
[54:45]
city's uh revenue. Um, then on the grant
side of things, we're getting very close
[54:50]
to the end of the end of our grant
season.
[54:53]
um we have a little bit of money left in
the exterior grant program. So again,
[54:57]
someone has some project they're working
on, um have them get it in uh sooner
[55:01]
than later so we can potentially get
them a refund on that uh on their work
[55:07]
there. And then also uh the driveway
grant program, believe our contractor
[55:12]
has or is getting very close to
completing all the driveways this year.
[55:15]
We have one more final inspection to do
with them and then we'll be able to
[55:19]
close those out. Um and then now with
the approval of the budget, we'll
[55:23]
immediately start jumping into next
year's driveway grant program. If you
[55:26]
all remember, we send out letters in
September, October to folks who have
[55:30]
gravel driveways. We concentrate on the
gravel driveways uh letting them know
[55:34]
the guidelines, requirements to
participate in the program. And then
[55:38]
with the idea of putting together a bid
packet and getting that bid packet out
[55:42]
the first of next year for next year's
2027 driveway grant program. So, we'll
[55:47]
be get starting work on that and be
sending letters out to those folks with
[55:51]
gravel driveways. Be happy to answer any
questions.
[55:54]
» Any questions for Director D?
I see none. Thank you, sir.
[55:59]
» Thank you, Mayor.
>> Okay, next item up is July financial
[56:03]
update. I've got Director Borth back up.
>> I have nothing major to report for
[56:08]
revenues, expenditures, or investments,
but I do have uh we've seen some
[56:12]
movement on transient guest tax that I
wanted to share with you. So, um last
[56:16]
month's remittance for transient guest
tax, we saw all hotels remmit some at
[56:23]
least um something. Um so, we knew there
was one that was not paying at all. They
[56:29]
remitted something. Um I'm not allowed
to say how much, but it was not um from
[56:35]
my examination, it was not a full
amount. Um and then uh on Friday the
[56:42]
state issued um a tax warrant to the
hotel. Uh these are public information
[56:49]
so I can share them with you um for both
transient guest tax and sales tax. Uh
[56:56]
but they have not concluded their formal
audit yet from the delinquent period.
[57:01]
This is for a new period. So on it
you'll see it is from March, April and
[57:05]
May of this year. Um, I encouraged them
that the feedback I got was that they
[57:11]
would not be able to continue paying.
So, um, they have continued to monitor
[57:16]
this hotel this whole time that they've
been auditing. Um, [clears throat] so
[57:20]
for those three months, there was about
a 100,000 that was just issued for
[57:23]
warrants for sales and transient guest
tax. Um, now we have something from two
[57:29]
different agencies from both the county
and the state uh, saying that this
[57:33]
property is delinquent. And so I'll let
um council let you know whether or not
[57:39]
we think that triggers our policy saying
that you could revoke at least have a
[57:43]
hearing on their business license if you
so choose. But I think at this time we
[57:46]
are we are probably pretty close if if
Ryan agrees um that you could
[57:50]
potentially act. So once their audit is
officially concluded, uh they will also
[57:55]
issue warrants for that period, any
delinquencies. Um but I believe it took
[58:00]
them a few months to get those three
months issued. Um, I believe it will
[58:04]
take a little bit more time to get
anything formal completed for that large
[58:10]
delinquent period.
Have any answer any questions?
[58:15]
» Any questions, Director Borth?
>> Okay. Thank you.
[58:19]
» I see no questions. Thank you. All
right. Uh, well, next item up would be I
[58:25]
see no executive session this evening.
Mr. Engel, do you have anything from
[58:28]
staff? Uh just at the Citizens Police
Academy starts Wednesday. There's still
[58:34]
a couple openings if uh folks uh in the
public or on the council would like to
[58:39]
sign up. [snorts] Uh next Tuesday,
September 1st, between 4 and 6, we'll
[58:44]
have the downtown master plan public
open house. That'll occur uh here in
[58:48]
city hall. Uh and then also for the
council, the NLC conference this year is
[58:54]
November 19th to 21st. The early bird
rate expires September 1st. If anybody
[59:00]
knows that they would like to attend or
would like more information, please feel
[59:03]
free to reach out to me. Happy to answer
any questions you may have about any of
[59:06]
those items or anything else. Any
questions for Mr. Engel? That way?
[59:12]
Nothing this way. Okay. Thanks, sir. Uh,
I have nothing else this evening. Um, if
[59:18]
no one else has anything, I would
entertain a motion. Mr. Andri,
[59:21]
» Mr. Mayor, I move that we journ.
>> Okay, we have a motion to journ. And Mr.
[59:26]
» Mr. May second.
>> Okay. Madame Clerk. All in favor?
[59:30]
» I.
>> Meetings adjourned.