If you are a Raytown voter who supports parks, take heart: Raytown voters support parks by a 4-1 margin

Raytown is going through a tough time right now, thanks to decisions made years ago. We hear a lot of criticism and "how can we justify spending money on parks when we have other priorities". 

In online forums, the negative voices often drown out supporters and even reasoned discussion.

But if you support parks and trails in Raytown, take heart!  Because you are in the silent majority:

The vast majority of Raytowners will consider a good parks tax proposal if the Board of Aldermen allows it to be put before them.

That is a good-sized, random sample, scientifically valid poll of all Raytowners, and it is asking them about their support for a LARGE 1/2 cent sales tax increase (source information).

Raytown parks budget 1/4 that of our peer cities - Will the Board of Alderman give us a chance to vote to change that?

The Raytown Board of Aldermen is discussing a proposal to continue the parks and stormwater sales tax at the current 1/8 cent level. The Board has shown considerable reluctance to consider the 1/4 cent sales tax recommended by the recent Raytown Parks Master Plan and the Raytown Parks Board.

This raises the questions: 

• Does Raytown really need an increase in its parks budget?
   
• How does Raytown's parks budget compare to other similar cities around Missouri and around the metro area?

Raytown comes in dead last in parks investment among our peer cities.

Proposal to renew Raytown's 1/8 cent Parks & Stormwater tax at current level means Parks deficits inevitable

The Raytown Board of Aldermen is discussing a proposal to continue the parks and stormwater sales tax at the current 1/8 cent level, which will guarantee Raytown Parks run at a deficit for the next 10 year.

The alternative is a modest increase in the parks and stormwater sales tax to 1/4 cent. The 1/4 cent proposal

• Is very modest in cost - just  an extra 1.25 cents on every $10 spent, or 12.5 cents on a $100 purchase
• Keeps the parks budget out of deficit spending
• Allows very modest enhancements to parks
• Doubles stormwater funding from this tax 

Why is a modest tax increase needed now to keep Raytown Parks out of deficit spending? Because, in real dollars, Parks revenue is currently at 54% of what it was in 1995.

Raytown has real parks and recreation needs; The current lack of parks and trails affects the health and wellbeing of thousands of Raytown families

Raytown is discussing the renewal of Raytown parks and stormwater sales tax, which is currently set at 1/8 of a cent, and up for renewal soon.

I feel like the discussion is taking place in something of an information vacuum.  So I would like to present some basic information about Raytown Parks, as summarized in the recent Raytown Parks Master Plan, that can help inform citizens and decision-makers as we move forward with this issue.

If you feel that Raytown needs better parks, trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities, please take the time to contact your Raytown Aldermen now.  They need to hear from you!

A high percentage of Raytown residents need access to parks and outdoor recreation

The first thing the Parks Master Plan establishes is have a strong need for outdoor recreation--not just some or a few Raytowners, but the vast majority of the population:

ALERT: Please contact your Raytown Aldermen today to ask for better Parks and Trails; Attend City Council meeting Tues May 21, 2019

Citizens and Taxpayers of Raytown,

Would you call or email your Raytown Aldermen today, and consider attending the Raytown City Council meeting Tuesday, May 21st, 2019 at 7pm?

Why?

• Raytown has about 1/4 the parks budget of our peer cities.
  
  
• Our parks facilities are below national standards in 10 areas while meeting them in only 4, according to Raytown's recent Parks Master Plan--which proposes modest steps to address the shortfalls.
   
• The Raytown Parks budget has been steadily declining for the past 10-20 years, while expenses steadily rise.
  
  
• Some areas are extremely deficient--for example, trails are at less than 25% of recommended mileage. Even the forthcoming Rock Island Trail won't have enough mileage to completely address that deficiency.
   
• We'll need numerous local trail connectors to tie the entire community into the new trail. These local trail connectors are low cost, high impact facilities.
   
• Raytown's Parks & Storm Runoff sales tax is about to expire.