On April 5, Grandview voters will decide whether to pass a package of three no tax increase bond issues. The $21 million bond package called “Building Up Grandview,” includes millions of dollars for improvements to city streets and the Blue Ridge Boulevard corridor.

What is a Bond?

A bond is similar to a car loan or mortgage. The city borrows money and pays it back over time. In Missouri, bonds must be approved by voters. This bond is not a new tax or a tax rate increase.

What Kinds of Projects are Included?

If voters pass the decision, the city will receive funding for resurfacing an estimated 25% of all city streets. Blue Ridge Boulevard from Grandview Road to Third Street would be resurfaced and receive new sidewalks and new railroad bridge. The Grandview Fire Department would also renovate its fire stations and replace its aging fire truck. The Grandview police station and municipal services building would also be renovated.

City property tax rates would remain the same. If approved, the projects would start in 2023.

Voters will see three questions on the April 5th ballot, all of which must be approved by voters to pass:

Question 1: Shall the City of Grandview, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $6,000,000 for the purpose of renovating, equipping, improving, expanding and furnishing Grandview Municipal Services Complex/Police Station, including the adjacent city-owned building?

Question 2: Shall the City of Grandview, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $12,400,000 for the purpose of improving and extending the City’s transportation-related infrastructure, including streets, bridges, sidewalks, parking areas, and construction of a carport to shelter City street equipment?

Question 3: Shall the City of Grandview, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in the amount not to exceed $2,600,000 for the purpose of renovating, equipping and improving the City’s fire stations, as well as acquiring necessary apparatus for the Fire Department?

Why Now?

Grandview’s population grew 5.4% from 2019-2020. As the city has gained more citizens and businesses, the demand for city services has increased.

“Grandview has one of the lowest debt rates in the entire metro area, and has seen a building boom over the last six years, so this allows the city to propose this bond package with no tax rate increase for our hard-working community,” Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones told the Martin City Telegraph.

Grandview Municipal Services Center and Grandview Police Department buildings are also nearing 50 years old. In addition, the cost of maintaining 115 miles of city streets has doubled within the past 20 years. Supporters say the bond package will help prepare Grandview to meet current and future needs. 

The last time Grandview voters approved a bond package was in 2014 when voters approved a $13 million no tax increase bond package for public safety and parks improvements. Those projects have been completed.

Mayor Jones and City Administrator Cemal Gungor will talk more about the “Building Up Grandview” package at the monthly South Kansas City Alliance membership meeting at 6 p.m. Mon., March 14, in the community room of the front building at the South Patrol Police Campus, 9701 Marion Park Dr.