KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Sewers, increased crime and property value were all brought up at the first public budget hearing on Saturday.
A room packed with community members explained the issues they want addressed in the $1.66 billion budget.
Public safety, which is made up of fire, police and municipal courts, is getting a $14.3 million increase, which is the largest spike.
"They're willing to do things the rest of us aren't willing to do. they're running where the danger is," explained Stacey Johnson-Crosby.
Johnson-Crosby said her nephew is a firefighter, which has changed her perspective.
The most common issue community members brought up was making sure the police force is funded, coming off a year the city saw a staggering number of homicides.
149 people were killed in the metro in 2017, which is near the record.
Next year, police will get a $5.6 million boost. That allows Police Chief Rick Smith to hire 15 more patrol officers and 8 more dispatchers.
"We certainly understand there is one pot of money at the city, and we are trying to work through it the best we can," said Smith.
Smith requested 30 officers and 21 dispatchers.
"Our city needs to have the perception of being safe but actually be safe," said Johnson-Crosby.
Residents also brought up the land bank and dangerous buildings that need to be torn down.
"Infrastructure is really important to our neighborhoods. We need to make sure they are appealing to live in," said Johnson-Crosby, who is a realtor.
By the spring 850 properties will have been torn down.
GO Bonds, matching federal dollars and other funds are working to fix storm and sewer issues near 103rd and Wornall that reached historic flooding last year.
"Combined with public safety and infastructure those are the things to create the foundation of a neighborhood. We need to make sure both are in order," said Johnson-Crosby.
Water services makes up $410 million of the budget.
Public meetings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:
- Saturday, Feb. 24 from 9-11 a.m. at Guadalupe Center Auditorium, 5123 E Truman Rd.
- Saturday, March 4 from 9-11 a.m. at R.B. Doolin Center, 1900 Northeast 46th St.
- Thursday, March 8 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the KCPD Community Room, 1111 Locust St.
