Kansas City Council Business Session – March 6, 2025

The City Council of Kansas City, Missouri, held a business session on March 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Council Chamber. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, a capital improvements overview from the Parks & Recreation Department, and a detailed discussion on the KCATA transit contract renewal, including funding shortfalls and potential service changes. The council later voted to enter a closed session to discuss legal matters, contract negotiations, and personnel issues.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the February 6, 2025 Business Session were approved by unanimous voice vote.

Discussion Items

Parks & Recreation Department Capital Improvements Overview

• Director Chris Cotton, Deputy Directors James Wong and Brad Clay, and Park Board member Michael Myers presented a 10-year strategic action plan update. Key projects included:
  • Upcoming pool openings (Tony and Gidrey Community Center pool by May 30, 2025; Arbovilla splash pad by 2026).
  • Completed or planned pickleball courts, playgrounds, trails, shelters, restrooms, and ADA improvements.
  • Since 2022, recreation programs increased by 409, with participation growth of 4,234 participants.
  • Removal of 149 houseless camps in the past year.
• Councilman Bunt requested an update on a federal grant for Blue River restoration (in partnership with Heartland Conservation Alliance). Parks staff committed to following up.
• Councilman Robinson raised concerns about project delays due to funding gaps when bids exceed allocations. He asked for earlier notification of underfunded projects to allow for adjustments.
• Councilman Willard inquired about tree impact fees (minimal funds so far), a community center needs assessment (final study expected in March), and restricted public access to the Central Bank Sporting Complex in the Northland. Parks staff clarified that the complex is not under their control and offered to research the operating agreement.

KCATA Contract Renewal and Transit Funding

• Jason Walder (Transportation Director) and Mike Shaw (Public Works Director) presented options to address KCATA’s proposed $71 million budget. KCATA CEO Frank White III and staff participated.
• Three options to balance the budget:
  1. Suspend the IRIS on-demand transit service (saving $7.6 million).
  2. Reduce routes and frequencies based on ridership data.
  3. Implement a “functionally free” fare system (as per Ordinance 240378), which could generate an estimated $10–13 million if reinstated, but would require 6–12 months to implement.
• Funding breakdown: The $71 million includes $40.7 million from the KCATA sales tax (3/8-cent) and $30.4 million from the public mass transportation tax (1/2-cent). The 1/2-cent tax generates about $48 million annually, of which $30.4 million is allocated to KCATA; the remainder funds other transportation programs (Vision Zero, traffic signals, street preservation, lighting).
• Cost of service: KCATA stated the cost to maintain current service levels is $85.1 million, but the city’s budget only provides $71 million. The shortfall is approximately $26–28 million due to the expiration of COVID-19 relief funds (which had provided about $50 million over prior years).
• Historical cost increases: From 2022 to 2024, costs rose by nearly $36 million, driven by IRIS ($7.6M), paratransit (from $11M to $18M), operator wages ($10M), vehicle maintenance, security (from 2 to 32 personnel, costing ~$2M annually), and inflation.
• Council concerns:
  • Councilwoman Robinson asked about the $85.1M cost and the feasibility of using more of the 1/2-cent tax to fully fund service. She noted the city’s 2013 ordinance intended to shore up KCATA while it diversified revenue, but that never happened. She emphasized the economic impact of transit cuts, especially in the 3rd District.
  • Councilman Ray proposed a budget amendment to redirect $2 million from the LED program (funded by the PMT tax) back to KCATA as a partial solution.
  • Councilman Duncan and others stressed the need for regional transit funding and re-engagement of former partner municipalities. Frank White committed to pursuing regional authority status and state funding.
  • Councilman Curls opposed cutting the Blue Ridge and 63rd Street routes, which would severely affect his 5th District constituents.
  • Councilman O’Neill questioned why costs rose 40% while service decreased (e.g., Main Street MAX headways from 10 to 20 minutes). He noted that despite increased city funding, services were cut.
  • Councilman Bunch asked for metrics on service quality per dollar spent.
• Personnel impact: If the full $85.1M is not provided, KCATA expects layoffs of 75 to 175 employees.
• The council debated whether to discuss route costs and service details in open session or closed session. After several rounds of open questioning, a motion to enter closed session (citing Missouri statutes for legal, contract, personnel, and real estate matters) was made by Mayor Pro Tem and seconded. The motion passed on a roll-call vote (majority in favor).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Parks presentation was informational; no formal action taken.
• KCATA discussion: No final decision on the budget or contract. The council will continue negotiations in closed session. A budget amendment to redirect $2 million from the LED program to KCATA was submitted by Councilmen Ray and Bunch but not voted on.
• Closed session: The council voted to convene a closed session to discuss the KCATA contract, legal matters, personnel, and real estate. The meeting then adjourned to closed session.