Question One calls for 1/2 cent sales tax for parks, roads in KC

KANSAS CITY - The first question on the August 7 ballot asks Kansas City voters to approve the elimination of three property taxes and a motor vehicle renewal fee and the creation of a new half-cent sales tax.

City officials say the tax is expected to create $30 million a year, which would fund the city's 220 parks and 10 community centers.

"It will allow us to continue at a high quality level, the mowing that we do at our parks, on our boulevards, the maintenance of our fountains, which is extremely important to this city," Parks Board President Jean-Paul Chaurand said. "Tree trimming, trash pick-up, additional services at our park system over all."

Question 1, if approved, will also move 7.5 percent of the city's existing income tax to a separate fund for street maintenance. This would be the first fund created specifically for potholes and resurfacing.

"If we don't find a dedicated source to take care of the roads, the problem that we have today is just going to continue to get worse," Superior Bowen Asphalt vice president Trey Bowen said.  "We're spending less and less on a bigger and bigger problem."

While critics may oppose raising the sales tax, supporters say Question 1 is exchanging three taxes for one.  41 Action News was unable to locate any organized campaign against Question 1.