The Kansas City, Mo., city council votes Thursday afternoon on on ordinance that would keep a reserve fund for streetcar system expansion planning.
It is part of plans for spending more than $8 million left over from the $10 million it borrowed to jump-start a streetcar system expansion that voters rejected.
The ordinance would devote most of the unspent bond money to already planned projects including a community center tornado shelter and Bartle Hall roof repairs.
But it also sets aside $3.5 million for streetcar expansion planning. Some council members expresses surprise and concern.
For example, John Sharp told his colleagues, "I looked at the fact sheet and it said the city had decided to leave that $3.5 million in the fund for streetcar expansion ... I didn't remember us actually deciding that.”
City Treasurer Tammy Queen said it was not her suggestion. She said that the instructions to set the money aside came from City Manager Troy Schulte.
Mayor Sly James also favors leaving the possibility of another try at streetcar expansion open.
