Endorsement: Star’s views on city buildings and convention center bonds | Opinion

This is an easy one.

Question 2 on the Kansas City, ballot asks whether the city should borrow $100 million to renovate some of its most important — and oldest — civic buildings. That includes City Hall, built in 1937, and the convention center’s Municipal Auditorium and Music Hall, both completed in 1935.

It should.

These buildings are historic and an essential part of the civic fabric. They have served generations of residents, but decades of use have taken their toll. It’s time to maintain and preserve them before neglect turns them into a bigger problem.

City staff have already tallied roughly $51 million in unmet repair needs at City Hall alone — failing heating and cooling systems, aging water piping, an outdated fire alarm system and leaky windows. Question 2 would send it about $25 million, only half of what’s needed. City workers deserve to do their jobs in a building that isn’t falling apart around them, and residents deserve a City Hall that reflects the dignity of the government it houses.

The bigger share, $75 million, goes to the convention center. That includes $49 million for structural and design upgrades, $23 million for a new heating and cooling system and $3 million for electrical upgrades such as conference center lighting. The convention center is one of Kansas City’s front doors. For many visitors, it is their first experience of the city. If Kansas City wants to compete for major conventions and the spending they bring, it needs facilities that make a good impression.

The financing makes sense. The city plans to phase in this new borrowing as older debt is paid off, meaning your property tax rate is projected to stay flat. While the ballot legally authorizes the city to adjust the tax levy if the economy shifts, this is a sensible investment to protect our most vital civic landmarks before they become even more expensive to fix.

Vote yes on Question 2 Aug. 4.