budget

Hickman Mills, Independence and other school districts got the green light from voters to improve school buildings and pay off debt in the April 7 municipal election. Some passed measures that will let them pay teachers and staff more.

Kansas City's spending will remain relatively flat compared to previous years as the city tries to rein in its deficit. Still, some areas, like police spending, have continued to increase.

Kansas City recently passed a $2.6 billion spending plan that keeps expenses relatively flat. But, some departments like police are still seeing growth, despite some opposition. We'll break down the city's spending and why you should care about it.

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 million bond and free up more money for operating expenses like teacher pay, staff benefits and more.

The Hickman Mills School District is trying to help fill its budget shortfall by asking voters to approve a $20 general obligation bond, and allow it to shift 30 cents of the district’s debt service levy into the operating levy. Voters will decide both questions in the April 7 election.

The 1% earnings tax provides nearly half of Kansas City’s overall budget. Voters will decide April 7 whether to extend it for another five years.

After Kansas City's finance department warned of a $100 million budget deficit, city leaders made some trims to spending. But tough decisions lie ahead, as Kansas City opens budget hearings to the public this week.

The Kansas City Police Department paid nearly $11 million to settle lawsuits over police misconduct and wrongful deaths during this fiscal year. As Kansas City faces budget issues and World Cup security demands, some city leaders want to exert more control over these growing legal costs.

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has proposed having citizens vote to phase out the state income tax over the next five years. But is that a viable option for the state budget?

At his State of the City address, Mayor Quinton Lucas detailed his priorities for the end of his term and previewed the city’s budget for the next fiscal year, which will see cuts or stagnation in most departments but a major increase in police funding.

As a state audit continues, the Hickman Mills School District is approving cuts and restructuring to improve its financial sustainability by the end of the 2027 school year.

If Missouri lawmakers agree to all of Kehoe’s proposed supplemental spending, that would represent a year-to-year cut of about $600 million. The future revenue picture is also clouded by the governor's efforts to eliminate the state income tax.