Star’s endorsement on Independence’s $197 million general obligation GO bond package | Opinion

Independence is nearly 200 years old and has never asked its residents to approve a general obligation bond for capital improvement projects, according to City Manager Zach Walker — at least until now.

General obligation bonds, commonly known as GO bonds, are used to fund projects such as the construction of public buildings, parks or roads.

“We are now 198 years old,” Walker said. “Since our founding date, we have never asked the community for a municipal general obligation bond. When we look at our peer cities this is very routine and common.”

On April 8, voters in that city will be asked to approve three separate measures totaling $197 million. The following questions are on the municipal ballot:

• Question 1: A $130 million public safety bond for a new justice center and regional animal shelter.
• Question 2: A $55 million bond for improved roads, bridges and sidewalks.
• Question 3: A $12 million bond for improvement at historic sites in the city and at the Independence Athletic Complex.

Voters could approve any or all three of these proposals. Each measure requires fourth-sevenths voter approval — or 57% — to pass. According to the city’s website, if all three initiatives were approved, property taxes would increase to $19.57 per month for a home in Independence valued at $150,800. The increases would not be immediate but phased in over time, city officials have said.

Because safe roads and bridges and a state-of-the-art criminal justice center are vital to all Independence residents, we recommend a yes vote on each question.

Q1: New $127 million justice center

If Question 1 is approved, $127 million would be used to build new headquarters for the Independence Police Department and a new municipal court. The additional $3 million would be used to purchase land from Jackson County to operate a regional animal shelter in that city.

The current police building, built in 1972 on one of the city’s original natural springs, is outdated. Water infiltration and leaks have been an issue since Day 1, according to city officials.

Over the course of the last five fiscal years alone, the city has invested a total of about $1.2 million — or about $225,000 a year — in unplanned emergency repairs trying to keep the building functional and safe, Walker told us.

Another point for voters to consider: The police department lacks dedicated locker room space for women officers, who have increased in number during the existing building’s 50-year period of time.

Because Independence police headquarters is in need of improvements, we recommend a yes vote on Question 1.

Q2: Sidewalks, roads and bridges

Some roadways in Independence are in disrepair. In fact, five bridges in the city were closed just days before the municipal election, according to officials. If approved, Question 2 would provide $15 million to fix these bridges.

An additional $10 million would go to build or improve sidewalks near seven schools in the Independence School District. Because families of Independence schoolchildren who live within 1 1/2 miles of a school must provide their own transportation, we find these improvements a worthy investment. City officials noted that it’s not safe for some kids to walk to school or ride bikes.

Independence has more than 500 miles of roads with more than $430 million of deferred maintenance on them, according to officials. If approved, $30 million would be used for street resurfacing projects throughout the city.

As with any city, repairing streets, curbs and other improvements are essential. We recommend a yes vote on this question.

Q3: Improvements at historic buildings, athletic complex

If voters approve Question 3, $5 million will go to upgrade the Independence Athletic Complex. The other $7 million would provide $2.2 million for upgrades at the historic Vaile Mansion, $3.8 million for improvements at the Bingham-Waggoner Estates, and another $1 million to upgrade the Truman Memorial Building.

Independence has a rich and unique history. To preserve this quality, we see no reason to oppose Question 3.

This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 12:50 PM.