Kansas City Council Meeting - March 26, 2026: Budget Adoption and Proclamations

The Kansas City Council met on March 26, 2026, to adopt the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget, consider multiple ordinances, and honor a kindness initiative. The meeting began with a prayer and pledge of allegiance, followed by roll call with 11 members present. The council passed over 20 ordinances, including the annual budget, tax levies, utility rate increases, bond funds, and development plans. A notable amendment to increase bus funding by transferring $5 million from the police department failed.

Special Presentation: Proclamation for Seven Days of Kindness

• Resolution 260289 was adopted unanimously, designating April 20–28, 2026, as "Seven Days of Kindness" in Kansas City. Mayor Pro Tem introduced the item. Sarah Johnson (intern) and Kelly Murphy (founder of 7 Days) spoke. Murphy noted the organization began after a 2014 hate crime in Overland Park, promotes K–12 programming, a kindness youth leadership team, an art competition, and a scholarship. The proclamation encourages random acts of kindness, especially ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved a consent docket of routine items without debate: plat approvals, street name plans, development plan amendments, and a grant acceptance (Ryan White HIV/AIDS grant). All passed 12–0. Items included: 260248, 260275, 260285, 260221, 260270, 260271, 260272, 260273, 260274, 260267, and others.

Discussion Items

• Budget Ordinances (Final Readings):
  • 260206 (Traffic/Parks Maintenance Tax): Set assessments at zero per voter-approved park sales tax. Passed unanimously.
  • 260207 (Ad Valorem Tax Levy): Levied at the same rate as prior year. Passed 11–1 (one nay).
  • 260208 (Water Rate Increase): Provided a 6% revenue increase for the water utility, effective May 1, 2026. Passed 10–2.
  • 260209 (Sewer Rate Increase): Provided a 6% revenue increase for the sewer utility. Passed 10–2.
  • 260210 (GO Bond Fund – Questions 1–3): Established funds for streets, bridges, sidewalks, flood control, and public bridges. Passed 11–1.
  • 260211 (2022 GO Bond Fund – Parks and Affordable Housing): Established funds for 2022 bonds. An amendment by Councilman Ray proposed swapping several park projects (e.g., Essex Park replaced with Hodge and Platte Purchase Park Signs, Garney Park Dog Park, etc.). The amendment passed 11–1, then the amended ordinance passed 10–2.
  • 260205 (Annual Budget Adoption): Adopted the FY 2026–27 budget. Councilman Duncan moved an amendment to transfer $5 million from the police department to bus service, arguing the mayor underfunded transit by $16.4 million. Councilman Willet opposed, stating police need funding and bus fares will increase safety. The amendment failed 2–10. The budget then passed 11–1. Several council members thanked Finance Chair Boo for her leadership.
  • 260287 (Police Overtime Funding): Appropriated $2 million from the general fund to the police department for overtime and patrol, to be reimbursed from the public safety sales tax. Councilman Duncan stated the funds would cover police lawsuits, calling it unsustainable. Passed 11–1.
  • 260065 (KCPD Overage Fund): Proposed establishing a fund for police costs exceeding the 25% state-mandated budget threshold. Debate centered on oversight and the name “overage fund.” Councilman Willet objected to the name. Councilwoman Robinson argued the council should not take on police liabilities without an MOU. Councilman O’Neill wanted a joint committee. The mayor recommended holding the item for two weeks to allow for further negotiation with the Board of Police Commissioners. No objection; held.
• Other Ordinances (Advanced Debate):
  • 260269 (Front Street Detention Facility): Authorized $1.3 million for site improvements. Passed 11–1.
  • 260524 (Industrial Development – North Congress Avenue): Approved after lengthy review to minimize truck traffic. Passed 12–0.
  • 260213 (Industrial Development – I-29/435 area): Added 167 acres to a previously approved plan. Passed 12–0.
  • 260220 (Major Street Plan Amendment – Mexico City Avenue): Routine alignment change. Passed 12–0.
  • 260261 (Rezoning for Grocery Store – Dillon’s): Allowed a new Kroger-brand grocery store. Passed 12–0.
  • 260280 (Mixed-Use Development – Linwood & Main): Approved a historic building conversion for mixed-use with residential and commercial. Passed 12–0.
  • 260281 (Signage Amendment for Major Events): Allowed projected image signs during designated major events, with public engagement process. Passed 12–0.
  • 260284 (Used Car Sales Rezoning – 135th & Warner): Passed 12–0.
  • 260282 (31st Street & Linwood/Brook Boulevard Project): Authorized $1.7 million for 90% roadway plan completion. Passed 12–0.

Key Outcomes

• The FY 2026–2027 budget was adopted (Ordinance 260205) with an 11–1 vote.
• The proposed amendment to increase bus funding by $5 million failed 2–10.
• Water and sewer rate increases of 6% were approved (10–2 each).
• The police overtime funding ordinance passed 11–1.
• The KCPD overage fund ordinance was held for two weeks pending further discussions with the Board of Police Commissioners.
• All other ordinances on the agenda passed, most unanimously.
• The council moved into closed session for legal matters and later adjourned.