On Nov. 2, Raytown voters will be asked to go to the polls and vote “yes” or “no” on a local use tax. This single ballot question will be a game changer. If passed it will generate an estimated $200,000 to $400,000 annually for our general fund. It would generate funds to help pay for such city services like street repairs, street maintenance, and additional police officers.
How will this be funded? Simply by doing what Raytown citizens are already doing, shopping online with certain out-of-state vendors. We all know the shift to online shopping reached an all-time high during COVID-19. In fact, nationally, consumers spent $861 billion online with U.S. merchants in 2020, according to Digital Commerce 360 estimates. That is a 44 % increase from the previous year. Consumers are using internet sales as their primary shopping method, and currently the City of Raytown does not receive sales tax on those purchases. That’s 2.5 % on each transaction that the city is not collecting. This small percentage adds up over time and across purchases.
Therefore, it is so important for our citizens to carefully consider this ballot question and what it will mean for our city.
I say this all the time. Raytown is a great town. Our city is rich in community spirit. We are proud of what our city offers. If we are to maintain our quality of life, we must level the field between local brick and mortar stores and online retailers.
Right now, the city is using its reserves to keep up with maintaining basic city services. City property taxes have remained the same since 1978. Most other taxes the city collects are dedicated for specific purposes and cannot be used in the General Fund. So, let’s just think about this. Are you making the same wage from 1978? Of course not. Why should the city be expected to try and meet current day expenses with a 1978 paycheck?
Many untruths and misperceptions are being circulated about the use tax. Here are the facts:
It’s Not a tax increase. The local use tax will not increase or change our local sales tax. It will only be applied to some out-of-state online purchases.
It is Not a double tax. A local use tax would only be applied to goods purchased, delivered and used in Raytown from certain online and out-of-state vendors, instead of a sales tax. You will never pay both taxes on a single transaction.
It is Not a new tax. Local retailers are already collecting a local sales tax. A use tax would allow the city to collect a use tax (sales tax) from out-of-state retailers or online vendors.
In simple terms, an online sales tax, better known as a use tax, simply requires online merchants to charge sales tax, which is then issued to the municipality in which the purchase was made. In Raytown, brick and mortar stores charge a 2.5% local sales tax, which is the exact same amount consumers would pay for online purchases if the use tax passes.
You see, it is the responsibility of your local government to offer services that citizens expect, like roads and public safety. In Raytown, those items, among many others, are paid for by sales tax dollars. The longer Raytown goes without a use tax, the harder it will be for the city to support economic development projects. If a city cannot provide support to economic development, then it will be more difficult to attract new businesses and new residents, as well as keeping the longtime residents here.
Let me say this. I am not a tax and spend kind of guy, but this city has done all it can with the resources we are given. Expenses keep going up, while the citizens keep expecting more and better services. These services take money to maintain and improve. We all want better roads, police and infrastructure. It takes money. We are losing or leaking tax dollars to internet sales at a rapid rate. It is time to make things fair for the brick-and-mortar stores that have a footprint in this city and must collect taxes on their sales. Please be educated on what this measure truly means for us now and on into the future. It is time to replenish the supply of tax dollars lost to internet shopping so that we may continue to support city services and keep this wonderful city moving forward, not falling behind.
This city is a wonderful place to live, work and play. Give your city government the tools to maintain services and move forward with projects to enhance our lives here. I am asking as your Mayor and longtime fellow citizen to please vote yes on this measure on November 2nd, 2021.
Thank you for your time and thank you for your vote for our town’s future. God Bless.
Reprinted FROM THE Kansas City StarOCTOBER 29, 2021
Raytown Voters do not need to handThe following is a Guest Editorial by Ward 1 Alderman Greg Walters. It was originally published on Ocober 29, 2021. Mr. Walters is serving in his 30th year as a member of the Raytown Board of Aldermen. He also publishes a weekly news/blog named the Raytown Report since 1997. The Raytown Report can be accessed at www.raytownreport.blogspot.com
over a blank check in Sales Use Taxes
On Tuesday Raytown voters will decide the fate of a new 2.5% Sales Use Tax. This Band-Aid approach of slowly ratcheting up the cost of living with a new sales tax is deeply flawed.
Pro tax forces have run a campaign of misinformation to persuade voters to buy into this unfair and regressive tax increase. They complain inflation is costing the city tax dollars, particularly in franchise tax fees.
That is nonsense.
Franchise taxes in Raytown are paid for by homeowners and businesses when they pay utility bills. These taxes are assessed on how much you pay for electricity, natural gas, telephone service (cell and landline), and cable services. Franchise taxes are tied directly to inflation. If the cost of your service goes up, so does the franchise tax you pay.
All sales taxes are tied directly to inflation as well. For instance, the more you spend on groceries, the more the city makes. The pro tax people claim the city has had declining revenues. That is simply not true.
In fact, in 2019/2020 (at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic) the city actually had a banner year. Sales tax revenues have remained robust into 2021. Because of inflation, city tax revenues will continue to rise.
Real estate and personal property tax revenue is on the rise as well. Want proof? Check out the increase of what homes are selling for in the Raytown area. There is a housing shortage. Demand has driven prices up. Higher values means more real estate tax revenue for the city.
Another falsehood being spread by the pro-tax people is that this new Sales Use Tax is a tax on internet retailers.
That is extremely misleading.
If this Sales Use Tax passes purchases from out of state internet sellers would be charged an additional 2.5%. The vendor does not pay the tax.
As with all sales taxes, the vendor acts as an agent for the taxing entity. The retailer remits the sales tax collected to the State of Missouri. The state redistributes the tax collected to local governing entities.
An interesting fact about the Sales Use Tax is that less than half the cities in the State of Missouri collect it.
There is also a question of what is fair and equitable for Raytown taxpayers.
The Use Tax is a regressive tax.
It hurts those most who have the least. It is a financial drain on low and fixed income households as compared to those with higher incomes.
A seatmate of mine on the Raytown Board of Aldermen, Derek Ward, has suggested the city should look at Municipal Bonds.
A Better Way.
Municipal Bonds would raise more money, more quickly, than levying a Sales Use Tax on Raytowners. Best of all, it would jump start long overdue improvements to city streets, particularly in our neighborhoods.
What Raytown really needs is more accountability from its elected leaders. The proposed 2.5% Sales Use Tax provides none.
All the money collected under the proposed Sales Use Tax will go into the general fund. No earmarks for improving our city’s infrastructure. No money set aside for improvements to neighborhoods.
A Municipal Bond is different because the money from bonds can only be spent on what the voters are promised.
Such bonds are valuable because they are enforced by Bond Covenants that are iron clad.
If voters approve the Sales Use Tax there is no guarantee where the money will be spent.
Therefore, no accountability.
It would be accurate to say you are writing a blank check to City Hall. Those blank checks to City Hall have not worked in the past.
Those blank checks will not work now.
VOTE NO Sales Use Tax
Special Election
Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Better yet, Vote No and remind your neighbors, friends and family to do the same.
Please note my new email address: greg@serviceprintingandgraphics.com
The proposed “Use Tax” is a tax on items you order shipped to you. I found it hard to find any information about the specifics, so I did a little research and found a copy in the Board of Aldermen packet for Aug. 17th and will include it in this post.
The city does need more income. This may help. I would suggest that more effort also be placed in getting real valuations for many business properties, especially on the 350 highway.
I assume that this will mirror Missouri in not taxing prescription medicine, but will tax food. Missouri being one of the few states that does not exclude food from sales tax, but does exempt drugs if they are prescription.
CITY OF RAYTOWN Request for Board Action
Date: August 12, 2021 Bill No.: 6579-21 To: Mayor and Board of Aldermen Section No.: III-A-9 From: Damon Hodges, City Administrator
Department Head Approval:
Finance Director Approval: ________________________ (only id funding is requested)
City Administrator Approval:
Action Requested: Request approval of ordinance to authorize a question regarding a use tax to be placed on the November 2, 2021 ballot.
Recommendation: Approve the Ordinance.
Analysis: Pursuant to the authority granted by the provision of Sections 144.060 through
144.761 RSMo., the City of Raytown is authorized to ask voters to approve a use tax.
A use tax applies to purchases from out-of-state retailers. Currently, someone making local purchases pays the City’s sales tax rate of 2.50% on every purchase (1% General Fund, .50% Transportation Fund, .375% Capital Fund, .50% Public Safety Fund .125% Park Fund). The City currently does not have a voter approved use tax; therefore, any items purchased from a business located outside of Missouri does not require the business to collect and remit the local sales tax.
Adoption of a use tax would require that the same tax rate is charged on items purchased locally or online.
The City of Raytown took similar steps in August 2016, when voters were asked to consider an initiative dealing with out-of-state motor vehicle sales, trailers, boats, outboard motors and RV’s. Voters approved the continuation of the tax by 72%.
The Missouri Municipal League in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Revenue, has completed an extensive analysis regarding the potential revenue being lost across the State in those cities that do not have a use tax. A use tax would generate an estimated $400,000.00 annually, dependent on the City’s gross receipts.
Alternatives: Failure to adopt this ordinance would leave the City without the funds.
Budgetary Impact:
Not Applicable
\\EDGE\administration\Board of Aldermen Meetings\AGENDAS-BOARD OF ALDERMEN\Agendas 2021\08-17-2021\Ord Use Tax 2021 RBA.doc
BILL NO. 6579-21 ORDINANCE NO. _______ SECTION NO. III-A-9
AN ORDINANCE IMPOSING A USE TAX AT THE RATE OF TWO AND ONE-HALF PERCENT (2.5%) FOR THE PRIVILEGE OF STORING, USING, OR CONSUMING WITHIN THE CITY ANY ARTICLE OF TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY GRANTED BY AND SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF SECTIONS 144.600 THROUGH
144.761 RSMO; PROVIDING FOR THE USE TAX TO BE REPEALED, REDUCED OR RAISED IN THE SAME AMOUNT AS ANY CITY SALES TAX IS REPEALED, REDUCED, OR RAISED; AND PROVIDING FOR SUBMISSION OF THE PROPOSAL TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY FOR THEIR APPROVAL AT THE GENERAL ELECTION CALLED AND TO BE HELD IN THE CITY ON NOVEMBER 2, 2021, AND PROPOSING THE FORM OF THE BALLOTS TO BE EMPLOYED AT SAID ELECTION AND DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO DO ALL THINGS CALLED FOR BY LAW IN CONNECTION WITH THE HOLDING OF SAID ELECTION
WHEREAS, the City has imposed local sales taxes, as defined in Section 32.085 RSMo., at the rate of 2.50%; and,
WHEREAS, the City is authorized, under Section 144.757 RSMo., to impose a local use tax at a rate equal to the rate of the local sales taxes in effect in the City; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed City use tax cannot become effective until approved by the voters at a municipal, county or state general, primary, or special election; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen of the City of Raytown, Missouri, has determined it would be in the best interests of the City of Raytown, Missouri to impose a use tax;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1 – SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS. Pursuant to the authority granted by, and subject to, the provisions of Sections 144.600 through 144.761 RSMo., a use tax is imposed for the privilege of storing, using or consuming within the City any article of tangible personal property. This tax does not apply with respect to the storage, use or consumption of any article of tangible personal property purchased, produced or manufactured outside this State until the transportation of the article has finally come to rest within this City or until the article has become commingled with the general mass of property of this City.
SECTION 2 – RATE IMPOSED. The rate of the tax shall be two and one-half percent (2.50%). If any City sale tax is repealed or the rate thereof is reduced or raised by voter approval, the City use tax rate also shall be deemed to be repealed, reduced or raised by the same action repealing, reducing, or raising the city sales tax.
SECTION 3 – BALLOT FORM. This tax shall be submitted to the qualified voters of Raytown, Missouri, for their approval, as required by the provisions of Section 144.757 RSMo., at the General Election hereby called and to be held on the 2nd of November, 2021. The ballot of submission shall contain substantially the following language:
BILL NO. 6579-21 ORDINANCE NO. _______ SECTION NO. III-A-9
FOR GENERAL ELECTION IN THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021
“Shall the City of Raytown impose a local use tax at the same rate as the total
local sales tax rate, provided that if the local sales tax rate is reduced or raised by
voter approval, the local use tax rate shall also be reduced or raised by the same
action?”
¨ YES ¨ NO
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS
If you are in favor of the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “Yes”. If you are
opposed to the question, place an “X” in the box opposite “No”.
SECTION 4 – ADMINISTRATION. That any sales tax imposed pursuant to this ordinance shall be computed, imposed, reported, administered, collected, enforced and shall operate in all respects in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri and upon such forms and under such administrative rules and regulations as may be prescribed by the Director of Revenue, any provision of this ordinance notwithstanding.
SECTION 5 – NOTIFICATION OF DIRECTOR OF REVENUE. Within ten (10) days after the approval of this ordinance by the qualified voters of Raytown, Missouri, the City Clerk shall forward to the Director of Revenue of the State of Missouri by United States Registered Mail or Certified Mail, a certified copy of this ordinance together with certifications of the election returns and accompanied by a map of the City clearly showing the boundaries thereof.
SECTION 6 – EFFECTIVE DATE OF TAX. That any sales tax imposed pursuant to this ordinance shall be effective on the first day of the applicable calendar quarter after the director of revenue receives notice of the adoption of the sales tax.
SECTION 7 – REPEAL OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT. All ordinances or part of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION 8 – SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any provision hereof is declared invalid, unconstitutional or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this ordinance.
SECTION 9 – EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its passage and approval.
BILL NO. 6579-21 ORDINANCE NO. _______ SECTION NO. III-A-9
BE IT REMEMBERED that the above was read two times by heading only, PASSED AND ADOPTED by a majority of the Board of Aldermen and APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Raytown, Jackson County, Missouri, 17th day of August, 2021.
Alderman Walters escaped censure by his fellow Aldermen by one vote. The final vote was 7 to censure, 2 against censure, and one abstention. The ethics rules require 8 of the 10 aldermen to vote to censure.
Voting for censure of Alderman Walters:
Alderman Frank Hunt
Alderman Jason Greene
Alderman Jim Aziere
Alderman Janet Emerson
Alderman Ryan Myers
Alderman Mary Jane Van Buskirk
Alderman Bonnaye Mims
Voting against censure of Alderman Walters:
Alderman Derek Ward
Alderman Greg Walters
Abstaining from voting:
Alderman Bill Van Buskirk
R-3373-21: A RESOLUTION CENSURING ALDERMAN GREG WALTERS AS
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI.
Point of Contact: Mayor Michael McDonough and Mayor Pro Tem Ryan Myers.
To the best of my knowledge Alderman Walters is the first to have a censure resolution directed at him. The full list of charges and evidence is part of the web packet on the city website. Skip to page 322 after you download the packet by clicking HERE.
Included are the 5 pages of the resolution, but without the over 100 pages of supporting evidence. Please forgive the loss of formatting of this document.
RESOLUTION NO: R-3373-21
Page 1 of 5
A RESOLUTION CENSURING ALDERMAN GREG WALTERS AS APPROVED BY THE BOARD
OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI
WHEREAS, the City of Raytown (herein “City”) has a Code of Ethics and Conduct For
Elected and Appointed Officials (herein “Code of Ethics and Conduct”) that governs the conduct of
City Officials, to include the members of the Raytown Board of Aldermen (herein “Board”); and
WHEREAS, the Board members are bound to review this document, inform themselves of
its contents and to abide by its provisions in all interactions and communication with and about
other Board Members, City Staff, Mayor, and members of the public, including conduct during
Board of Aldermen meetings; and
WHEREAS, excellence in performance by Board members, City employees, and other
appointed board members, is the best way to achieve our common goal of ensuring quality of life in
Raytown. To be most effective, the efforts of all must be integrated. A special obligation of the
Board is to set a leadership example to promote cooperation. The public expects the best
communication, planning, and decision-making possible from its representatives and employees.
The Board must strive for high standards of behavior and performance to benefit all City residents.
Adherence to the City’s Code of Ethics and Conduct will ensure effective guidance and operation
of this Board of Aldermen and will accentuate a positive, open, and productive environment for all;
and
WHEREAS, each Alderman is required to keep an open and receptive mind toward the
views and opinions of others, raising concerns in private on a one-to-one basis before making
public comment; and
WHEREAS, each Alderman is expected to practice civility and decorum in discussions and
debate, be respectful of diverse opinions, honor the role of the Mayor, voice objections to the
Mayor or Chair’s actions politely and with reason, following parliamentary procedure, stay focused
and act efficiently during public meetings, refrain from politicizing procedural or ministerial actions,
and be courteous and respectful to City Staff; and
WHEREAS, governance of a City relies on the cooperative efforts of elected officials, who
set policy; and City Staff members, who analyze problems and issues, make recommendations,
and implement and/or administer the Board’s policies. Every effort should be made to cooperate
with and show mutual respect for the contributions made by individual City Staff members for the
good of the community; and
WHEREAS, a member’s responsibility does not entitle any Board member to monopolize
the City’s resources, usurp the judgment of the City Administrator or interfere with a City Staff
member carrying out his or her duties; and
WHEREAS, Board members should treat all City Staff members as professionals, channel
communications and concerns through the City Administrator, never publicly criticize individual
Staff or officers—instead, directing such concerns to the City Administrator—avoid involvement in
administrative functions, be cautious about communicating the City’s position on policy issues, and
rely upon City Staff to respond to citizen complaints and concerns; and,
WHEREAS, each Board member is accountable to the full Board for his or her actions; and
RESOLUTION NO: R-3373-21
Page 2 of 5
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Board that Alderman Greg Walters has
engaged in a pattern of conduct that is or may be in violation of the Code of Ethics and Conduct
provisions set out above, among others, as it regards his interactions, in public and private, with
City Staff, fellow Aldermen, and others; and
WHEREAS, such conduct or pattern thereof is inappropriate; and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to express its condemnation of the conduct and make clear
that all City Officials are bound by the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN OF THE CITY
OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI, AS FOLLOWS:
THAT, the Board finds that Alderman Greg Walters has engaged in acts that violate the
obligations of the Code of Ethics and Conduct in his interactions with the Board, City Staff, and
others over a period of months, as set out in Exhibit “A”; and
FURTHER THAT, Alderman Greg Walters is hereby censured for his conduct in violation of
the provisions of the Code of Ethics and Conduct as set out herein; and
FURTHER THAT, based on input from Aldermen, City Staff, and personal observations, the
assembled board finds the conduct of Alderman Greg Walters, as it regards fellow Aldermen, the
Mayor, the City Administrator, City Staff, and Citizens, to have violated the Code of Ethics and
Conduct as follows:
Recently, a complaint from a City employee was filed with the Mayor and City
Administrator in regard to your recent behavior toward them. The complaint indicates
that you have had communication with the Jackson County Board of Election
Commissioners regarding an incident that occurred in the City Administration office while
a candidate was filing for office. It is my understanding that you were not in the room at
the time of the incident. To send such a complaint, in such a manner, is in direct violation
of the City of Raytown Code of Ethics and Conduct, passed by the Board on November
19, 2019 as Resolution R-3254-19. Your actions violate Section B, Conduct Guidelines,
3. Elected and Appointed Officials’ Conduct with City Staff, Subsection C, “Never
publicly criticize an individual employee” (See Exhibit “B” and “C”).
To Wit: Alderman Walters communicated his complaint to the Jackson County Board of Election
Commissioners, instead of addressing the issue through the chain of command, through private
correspondence, to the Mayor or City Administrator Damon Hodges. This is unacceptable.
FURTHER THAT, in addition to the above violation, since joining the Board, Alderman
Walters has regularly violated other items from the Code of Ethics and Conduct as referenced
above. The Mayor has sent numerous memos/emails to Alderman Walters about how City
business is to be run. The Board has one City employee that answers to the Board: the City
Administrator. The City Administrator was hired by the Board of Aldermen to run the day-to-day
operations of the City. The Mayor has, on numerous occasions, written to Alderman Walters via
email of the need to follow the Board’s procedure for good governance (See Exhibit “D”). It is a
standard that is recognized by Fourth-Class cities with a City Administrator form of government
(See Exhibit “E”). The continuation of this behavior is unacceptable.
RESOLUTION NO: R-3373-21
Page 3 of 5
FURTHER THAT, since being elected, Alderman Walters has chosen to call City
Department Heads directly to ask questions. Even after multiple warnings, Alderman Walters has
ignored this request (See Exhibit “F”). The City Administrator has informed Department Heads, and
Department Heads are instructed, to contact the City Administrator and the Mayor should
Alderman Walters breach the chain of command in the future. The continuation of this behavior is
not acceptable.
FURTHER THAT, Alderman Walters has a propensity to show a pattern of behavior that
violates multiple sections of the Code of Ethics and Conduct document referenced both in letter
and spirit of the code. Below is a summary of each item within the Code of Ethics and Conduct
concerning Alderman Walter’s behavior to aid in ease of edification.
A. ETHICS
• Comply with both the letter and spirit of the laws and policies affecting the operations of
government; and
• Are independent, impartial, and fair in their judgement and actions; and
• Use their public office for the public good, not for personal gain; and
• Conduct public deliberations and processes openly, unless required by law to be
confidential, in an atmosphere of respect and civility.
“Therefore, the Mayor, members of the City’s Board of Aldermen, City Collector, and City Judge
and of all boards, committees and commissions shall conduct themselves in accordance with the
following ethical standards. For ease of reference the term “member” refers to any member of the
Raytown Board of Aldermen, Mayor, City Collector, Municipal Judge or city boards, committees
and commissions established by city ordinance or Mayor and Board of Aldermen policy.”
1. Act in the Public Interest.
• Recognizing the stewardship of the public interest must be their primary concern, members
will work for the common good of the people of Raytown and not for claims and
transactions coming before them (See Exhibit “G”).
Allowing accusations and misinformation to be posted on your blog about the parks
being unsafe or how employees do not do their jobs is not being a good steward of
the public interest.
2. Comply with both the spirit and the letter of the Law and City Policy
• Members shall comply with the laws of the nation, the State of Missouri, and the City of
Raytown in the performance of their public duties.
3. Conduct of Members.
• The professional and personal conduct of members while exercising their office must be
above reproach and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Members shall refrain from
abusive conduct, personal charges or verbal attacks upon the character or motives of other
members of the Board of Aldermen, Mayor, Boards, committees and commissions, the staff
or public (See Exhibit “H”).
RESOLUTION NO: R-3373-21
Page 4 of 5
4. Respect for Process
• Members shall perform their duties in accordance with the processes and rules of order
established by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen (See Exhibit “I”).
11.Use of Public Resources
• Members shall not use public resources which are not available to the public in general (e.g.,
city staff time, equipment, supplies, or facilities) for private gain or for personal purposes not
otherwise authorized by law. All request for legal opinions shall be remitted to the City
Administrator, who will determine if matter should be forwarded to Legal Counsel. The
Mayor and Board of Aldermen, not individual members, shall give staff direction
regarding the allocation of city resources for substantial projects and modification to
City code (See Exhibit “J”).
14. Policy Role of Members
• Members shall respect and adhere to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen-City Administrator
structure of Raytown City government as outlined in the Raytown City Code. In this structure,
the Board of Aldermen determines the policies of the city with the advice, information and
analysis provided by city staff, boards, committees and commissions, and the public. Except
as provided by the City Code, members shall not interfere with the administrative
functions of the city, the professional duties of city staff or consultants to the city; nor
shall they impair the ability of staff to implement Board of Aldermen policy decisions
(See Exhibit “K”).
15. Independence of Boards, Committees and Commissions
• Because of the value of the independent advice of Boards, Committees, and Commissions to
the public decision-making process, the Mayor and members of the Board of Aldermen shall
refrain from using their position to unduly influence the deliberations or outcomes of
Board, Committee and Commission proceedings (See Exhibit “L”).
16. Positive Workplace Environment
• Members shall support the maintenance of a positive and constructive workplace environment
for city employees and for citizens and businesses dealing with the city. Members shall
recognize their special role in dealings with city employees to in no way create the
perception of inappropriate direction to staff.
B. CONDUCT GUIDELINES
1. Elected and Appointed Officials’ Conduct with Each Other in Public Meetings
(a) Honor the role of the chair in maintaining order
Elected and Appointed Officials’ Conduct with City Staff
(a) Treat all staff as professionals
• Clear, honest communication that respects the abilities, experience, and dignity of each
individual is expected. Poor behavior towards staff is not acceptable.
RESOLUTION NO: R-3373-21
Page 5 of 5
(b) Do not disrupt city staff from their jobs.
• Elected and appointed officials should not disrupt city staff while they are in meetings, on
the phone, or engrossed in performing their job functions in order to have their individual
needs met. Do not attend City staff meetings unless requested by staff – even if the elected
or appointed official does not say anything, his or her presence shows partiality, may
intimidate staff, and hampers staff’s ability to do their job objectively.
(c) Never publicly criticize an individual employee
• Elected and appointed officials should never express concerns about the performance of a
City employee in public, to the employee directly, or to the employee’s manager. Comments
about staff performance should only be made to the City Administrator through private
correspondence or conversation. Appointed officials should make their comments regarding
staff to the City Administrator or the Mayor (See Exhibit “C”).
Allowing/Encouraging blog responses criticizing employees is a violation of the
adopted Code of Ethics and Conduct.
(d). Do not get involved in administrative functions.
• Elected and appointed officials acting in their individual capacity must not attempt to
influence city staff on the making of appointments, awarding of contracts, selecting of
consultants, processing of development applications, or granting of city licenses and
permits.
FURTHER THAT, the Board is expressing its condemnation of conduct of Alderman Greg
Walters and the said violations to the Code of Ethics and Conducts for Elected and Appointed
Officials adopted pursuant to Resolution R-3254-19 on November 19, 2019; and
FURTHER THAT, the Board calls on Alderman Greg Walters to refrain from such behavior
brought forward in this Resolution in the future and to act in a manner which is in accordance with
the Code of Ethics and Conduct and uphold the dignity of his office.
FURTHER THAT this resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of its
passage and approval.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Aldermen and APPROVED by the Mayor of the
City of Raytown, Missouri, the 13th day of April, 2021.
________________________________
Michael McDonough, Mayor
ATTEST: Approved as to Form:
____________________________ ________________________________
Teresa M. Henry, City Clerk Jennifer M. Baird, City Attorney
Hello, I’m Ian Scott. I’m running for Raytown Alderman in Ward 1 and I’d like to introduce myself a little bit.
I’ve lived in the Kansas City area my whole life. I grew up in Belton and have lived in Raytown for the last 12 years. I’m a member of River Church Family, have an office in the River of Refuge building on Raytown Road, and live right in the heart of Ward 1. My wife, Maria, and I have a busy young family, with five children ages 9 to 4. Two of our kids are homeschooled, two attend Blue Ridge Elementary, and our youngest is not-very-patiently excited to start preschool later this year. When not in school, we love our Monday “adventure day” trips to nearby state parks, nature centers, the Zoo, and Science City. During the school year, we love the Chiefs and Royals, and Saturday “adventure days.”
Over the years, I’ve participated in numerous outreach programs and events through my church and River of Refuge including Summer Lunch Program; cleanups at local parks and public spaces; donation drives for school supplies and teachers’ resources; service projects such as mowing lawns, painting houses, and donating and delivering groceries. I’ve greatly enjoyed all these experiences and look forward to many more opportunities to serve my Raytown neighbors.
I’m a young man but I’ve held leadership roles throughout my life: youth leadership council of my high school youth group, editor-in-chief of the Longview Community College student newspaper, creative arts pastor, worship leader, retail department manager, head of White River Productions’ digital publishing department. I also currently serve on our church council overseeing the finances of River Church Family.
I have some ideas I’d like to see unfold in our city: more local business, communities coming together in friendship, safer streets and neighborhoods through improved infrastructure and crime prevention. More than my own ideas, though, I want to hear from you. I feel like elected leadership’s highest responsibility is to understand the needs of the people you serve and work to address them. So my platform is: Listen to people • Learn their needs and struggles • Solve problems and improve our community
Raytown is designated Brooking Township by the Jackson County Election Board. Polling locations are determined by what precinct in Brookings Township you live at. The map below will help you locate your precinct and the information below the map indicates where those precincts vote at.
Raytown Poll locations
1,2,3 Raytown Library 6131 Raytown Rd
4,8 Connection Point at First Baptist Church 10500 E State Route 350
5,7 Raytown Central Middle School 10601 E 59th St
6,9,10,20 Laurel Hills Elementary 5401 Lane Ave
11,15 Raytown South Middle School 8401 E 83rd St
12,13,14,17,19 Raytown South High School 8211 Sterling Ave
16,18 Southwood United Church of Christ 7904 Raytown Rd
SAMPLE BALLOT
CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI
GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021
FOR ALDERMAN – WARD 1
IAN SCOTT
JAYNE LOULOS
WRITE-IN
FOR ALDERMAN – WARD 2
TONY JACOB
LORETHA HAYDEN
WRITE-IN
FOR ALDERMAN – WARD 3
RYAN MYERS
WRITE-IN
FOR ALDERMAN – WARD 4
WILLIAM A. “BILL” VAN BUSKIRK
WRITE-IN
FOR ALDERMAN – WARD 5
BONNAYE MIMS
WRITE-IN
FOR MUNICIPAL JUDGE
TRACI FANN
WRITE-IN
FOR CITY COLLECTOR
LISA EMERSON
WRITE-IN
SAMPLE BALLOT
CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 2
FOR DIRECTOR (Vote For Two)
AMY TITTLE
NATALIE JOHNSON-BERRY
ALONZO BURTON
DONNA PEYTON
WRITE-IN
WRITE-IN
Candidates participating in this Forum Co sponsored by League of Women Voters and Raytown Chamber of Commerce and Tourism: Jayne Loulos, Ward 1 Ian Scott, Ward 1 Loretha Hayden, Ward 2 Tony Jacob, Ward 2 Ryan Myers, Ward 3 William “Bill” VanBuskirk, Ward 4 Bonnaye Mims, Ward 5
The city can improve its monitoring of the use of restricted city sales taxes used to subsidize the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) debt associated with the Raytown Live Redevelopment Area (Raytown Live). The city has not determined and does not monitor the restricted portions of the TIF debt to ensure the non-captured (city) portion of the restricted sales taxes contributed by the city to pay the TIF debt are used only for allowable purposes. The city is not monitoring the outstanding TIF debt related to transportation or stormwater projects and has not determined the outstanding portion of TIF debt related to capital improvements projects. The city provides accounting services for the Highway 350 Transportation Development District (TDD), but since the city is not tracking the balance of the TIF debt, the TDD sales tax could be improperly collected after the transportation portion of the TIF debt is retired. The contributions of the city portion of the Economic Activity Taxes collected within the Raytown Live TIF is not reported transparently in the budgets or financial statements. The city is not properly tracking the expenditures and balance of state motor vehicle related monies. The city has no documentation to justify the allocation of salaries and fringe benefits of several city employees.
The city did not solicit bids or proposals for some goods and services purchased in accordance with the city’s purchasing policy. The city made severance payments totaling $70,161 to 9 Police department employees during the year ended October 31, 2017, that were not necessary and reasonable. One of these agreements was not formally approved by the Board of Aldermen (Board). The city rehired 4 of these employees by December 1, 2017. The city did not have affidavits from some vendors certifying no conflicts of interest existed with any city officer or employee, appointed or elected, as required by the city purchasing policy.
City budgets do not include all statutorily required elements. City personnel do not account for the numerical sequence of receipt slips issued from the financial accounting system.
The city did not ensure compliance with the Sunshine Law for closed meetings held by the Board, the Park Board, or the BMX Advisory Board. The Board and Park Board did not maintain meeting minutes for all closed meetings, and discussed some items in closed meeting that were either not allowed by state law or were not cited as the reason for closing the meeting. The Board cited the same reasons for closing many of its meeting, but either did not discuss, or did not adequately document discussion related to some topics cited as the reason for closing the meeting. Park Board minutes did not contain all information required by state law. The BMX Advisory Board does not hold Board meetings consistently.
The city does not have a contract or formal agreement with a local not-for profit (NFP) organization that documents the duties and responsibilities of each party. The Police department did not have a method to ensure all expenses eligible for reimbursement from the NFP were requested as applicable. The department did not follow, or did not properly document,
Parks and Recreation Department Policies and Procedures
the screening procedures for citizens applying to work in the department’s Volunteer Corp as established by department policy.
Receipt slips are not issued for any payments received or amounts transmitted to the Parks and Recreation department and the composition (cash, check, or credit card) of payments received is not compared to the composition of deposits by an independent person. The Park Board has not adopted specific policies and procedures to provide oversight of the BMX Advisory Board.
In the areas audited, the overall performance of this entity was Fair.*
*The rating(s) cover only audited areas and do not reflect an opinion on the overall operation of the entity. Within that context, the rating scale indicates the following:
Excellent: The audit results indicate this entity is very well managed. The report contains no findings. In addition, if applicable, prior recommendations have been implemented.
Good: The audit results indicate this entity is well managed. The report contains few findings, and the entity has indicated most or all recommendations have already been, or will be, implemented. In addition, if applicable, many of the prior recommendations have been implemented.
Fair: The audit results indicate this entity needs to improve operations in several areas. The report contains several findings, or one or more findings that require management’s immediate attention, and/or the entity has indicated several recommendations will not be implemented. In addition, if applicable, several prior recommendations have not been implemented.
Poor: The audit results indicate this entity needs to significantly improve operations. The report contains numerous findings that require management’s immediate attention, and/or the entity has indicated most recommendations will not be implemented. In addition, if applicable, most prior recommendations have not been implemented.
The link below is the full document in PDF format.
SAMPLE BALLOT CITY OF RAYTOWN, MISSOURI SPECIAL ELECTION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 QUESTION 1 Shall the City of Raytown, Missouri continue to impose an existing sales tax at a rate of one-eighth (1/8) of one percent for the purpose of funding Local Parks/Storm Water Control within the City for a term of five (5) years? The monies received from the Local Parks/Storm Water Control sales tax shall be distributed with Local Parks receiving seventy-five percent (75%) and Storm Water Control receiving twenty-five percent (25%) for their respective functions. YES NO
A recent article in Missouri Lawyers Weekly reports that the City of Raytown has been ordered to pay $42,550 for a violation on Missouri’s Sunshine Law. The suit was brought by the daughter of a woman who died in a car crash at 67th Street and Ralston Ave.
The City Clerk refused to release documents and cited a city policy closing records in cases involving potential legal action. The denial was issued 5 days after the request.
On an editorial note, it would be interesting to know who was responsible for the creation of that policy.
On April 2nd of 2019 there will be an election for Raytown, Raytown School District, Raytown Fire District and Jackson County water District #2. Filing for these elected positions closed on Jan. 15th.
City of Raytown 10000 E 59th St, Raytown
Alderman Ward I – 4 year term expiring April 2023 Joe Creamer Josh Bennett Greg Walters Quentin J. Brown
Alderman Ward II – 4 year term expiring April 2023 Jim Aziere Loretha Hayden
Alderman Ward III – 4 year term expiring April 2023 Janet Emerson Jeremy Utterback Otis Taylor III
Alderman Ward IV – 4 year term expiring April 2023 Bob Cochran Mary Jane Van Buskirk
Alderman Ward V – 4 year term expiring April 2023 Derek Ward
City Collector – 2 year term expiring April 2021 Kathie Schutte
Mayor – 4 year term expiring April 2023 Michael McDonough Tony Jacob
Raytown C2 School District 6608 Raytown Rd., Raytown
Two positions are open
Bobbie Saulsberry (incubant) LaShonda Orkes Rick Thode
Raytown Fire District 6020 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown
Barb Schlapia
Jackson County Water District #2 6945 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown
Sub district 3 Fred Hartwell Sub district 5 Jimmie McClanahan
Arimeta DuPree is running for the Democratic nomination for the Jackson County Legislature in the 2nd District. Raytown’s portion of that district is from Raytown Road West, with slight exceptions. I know Arimeta and have endorsed her. I admire her intellect, passion for justice, and ability to work well with people from all walks of life. Below is a video of her presentation to the Raytown Democratic Association at their July meeting. She received the organizations endorsement. I added a picture of her sign to cover my bad camera work in the last minute of the presentation.
The election is closing in on us, and I for one am thankful. I am aware all elections have their own smear component to them and one must be though if they are going to put themselves in the public eye. That being said the conduct of the two factions has been wholly different. A couple months ago the attacks started. The ProTax movement has repeatedly launched false accusations on community member who didn’t want to be bankrupted by wasteful spending.
They started by attacking local small business owners calling them degenerate parents, then they moved to accusations of criminal conduct including selling drugs. When they failed at their boycott attempt of these businesses they started in on residents, trying to advance that one was a wife-beater. And finally when they still weren’t gaining traction they went on a rampage against elected officials that refused to endorse either side but chose neutrality.
The attacks on State leaders who in the past have offered help, and small business owners who provide jobs and sales tax revenue is unconscionable. Meanwhile the groups supporting reasonable spending have attacked no one, sticking only to the facts at hand. There are no attacks on the Board members who put us in this position, or on those who have chosen to remain neutral. I believe trusting such leaders (who have already squandered) is a bad idea. Please, join me on August 7th voting NO to tripling property tax and bankrupting citizens.
John A Jacob “Tony”
Note from RaytownOnline. The only editing made to this submission was to break the text up into 3 paragraphs and to add Mr. Jacob’s name at the end. The submission was verified before publication to insure the validity of the source.
On July 19th at the monthly Raytown Democratic Association (RDA) meeting, Raytown’s Mayor spoke out in support of the three tax increases for Raytown on the August primary ballot. The RDA has already voted to not support the requested increases in property, gasoline, and internet purchase taxes. Below is the Mayor’s speech uncut.
On Friday April 6th 2018 the city manager of Raytown (Tom Cole) turned in his resignation. Mr. Cole indicated he had a desire to pursue other paths in life before it was too late. He will be missed.
The following is a list of some of the city employees that have quit since 2015.
Sources in the Raytown School District stated that the call for ambulance services went out at 7:12 and that video footage show the arrival of the ambulance at 7:27. By doing the math, and deducting the 7 minutes response time, we have 8 minutes for dispatch to take the call and relay it to a Raytown EMS unit.
Raytown broke a long loosing streak against rival Raytown South with a decisive 35 to 14 win on Friday.
RaytownOnline.com received multiple calls about the game, but not about the score. The calls were about the amount of time it took an ambulance to take an injured Raytown High player away for medical attention.
One call claimed it took 45 minutes for the ambulance to arrive, but research indicates that was not the case, closer to 20 minutes was the actual amount of time that passed. The injury took place 3 minutes into the game. The game started at 7:00 pm. Given this, the probable time of the injury was between 7:04 and 7:08, depending on how much time passed with the game clock not running.
Photos received from people attending the game show the ambulance at 7:28 pm. (see below)
Sources at Raytown City Hall report that the EMS log indicates a 7 minute response time. What is not known is how long it took the coaching staff to decide to call an ambulance. Requests to the School District for this information have yet to be responded to.
Normally 911 calls would be routed to the Raytown Police Dept. dispatch and they relay this to the EMS unit. Normally this would also be relayed to the Raytown Fire District and they also would respond. Sources in the Raytown Fire District have no record of a call coming in on this incident.
The Raytown Board of Aldermen moved their regular meting to 6:pm on Tuesday, Sept. 5th 2017 to have a town hall meeting on the proposed budget at 7:00 pm.
The town hall meeting was packed, with people seated in a spill over room, watching it on TV. At least 80% of the crowd seemed to be supporters. friends, police, or their family members. While the meeting at times got loud and there was some heckling, the actual numbers of disruptive people were a small minority of the people attending and the Mayor did a decent job of settling them down.
City manager Cole did an overhead projector presentation of the details of the budget and the information table had plenty of copies of data from past years. The audience submitted questions with the aldermen and Mr. Cole responding to them. After that there was a public comments and questions from the podium. You can view the meeting video by clicking HERE.
The almost sole issue in the town hall meeting was the reduction of the amount of funds the Raytown Police Dept. requested. The Raytown GeneraL fund has a projected income of 10 million and the police requested 7 million of it. The 7 million is above and beyond the 2.7 million from the Public Safety Sales Tax and the Capital Sales Tax.
The primary argument for the 7 million for the police was, give the police what they are asking for or we will not be safe. The primary position by the aldermen was, we don’t have the money. In truth the Aldermen could have given the police 2 million more, by draining the contingency funds, but that would have been a one year fix that would have left the City seriously weakened for any emergency that might occur. Once the fund is drained, there would be nothing left for the next year. Other areas addressed by the audience were crime rates and crime spillover (implied KCMO residents not staying in their area), low property taxes, TIF mistakes. I did not have enough battery power to video tape the entire meeting, but do have audio for almost all of the meeting, and probably better than the city’s recording. I will post the audio and may be able to post specific requested video if it is earlier in the meeting.
I am not interested in dwelling of all the negative statements about Raytown that were made to instill fear and justify expenditures. The bottom line is we cannot spend what we do not have. We need to work to promote Raytown and Raytown businesses to increase tax revenues and every department in the city needs to tighten it’s belt. Below are two charts that show the proposed budget and historical spending by department.
Parties unknown claimed to Facebook that my endorsements were abusing and managed to get them deleted. To read my Endorsements and decide for yourself if there is an iota of abuse or abusive language in my endorsements, you have to go to this website if you are reading this one facebook. Everyone else, please share my endorsement post.
Half of our Board of Aldermen are up for election next Tuesday, April 4th.
Ward I
No endorsement
Ward II
Loretha Hayden: Hayden`s real world business experience, pleasant nature, would be a great asset to the Board of Alderman. Hayden served as the Chair of the Raytown Chamber of Commerce.
Ward III
Ryan Myers : This is a tough call, as both candidates are good-natured and have good intent. Ryan add more energy and numeric analysis to the board and by that gets the endorsement.
Ward IV
Chuck Henss: Henss has education and experience in large international projects. His ability to work well with diverse people to a common goal (as in trans-Pacific telecom cables) would add needed skills to the Board.
Ward V
Bonnaye Mims: Mims probably has the most impressive set of skills, education, and experience of any candidate to run for the Board of Alderman. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Master’s in Government Business and two terms as a State Rep for a district that includes the lower west part of Raytown. She sat on the Appropriations Committee that oversees all State spending. Here skills in creating, overseeing and passing budgets is a skill Raytown is in need of. Mims also served 13 years on the Hickman Mills School Board and was elected four times in succession to the post of Board President.
