County Commission See’s Regional Potential for Lawrence-Smith Memorial Airport

By Brian L. Baker

The seven last words of a community or organizations are “We never did it that way before!” Let it be said that in Cass County we are laying aside the word “can’t” and picking up the phrase “nothing is impossible.”

In many ways, Cass County is a blank canvass where the people are the artists and have the chance to paint a wonderful work of art. Some brush strokes have already been seen as our county grows and progresses.

Growth has not been un-planned. Cities within Cass County have worked diligently to develop master-plans, citizen groups, and unity. There has been a focus on stability and establishing long-term goals that are focused and clear.

With all works of our art, the artist has assets…colors…and tools that enable him to carve out his masterpiece. Cass County has a unique tool that should be explored and built on. The Lawrence Smith Memorial Airport!

Just a stone’s throw away from the interchange at 7 Highway and 71 Highway stands the Lawrence-Smith Memorial Airport. It has a 4,000 foot runway with land around it that offers the potential for expansion. It has a number of hangers, all fully occupied with around 50 planes. Currently, there is a waiting list for hanger use as more and more groups are looking to use the airport.

It now sits just north of the largest Enhanced-Enterprise Zone in Missouri. Just across 71 Highway sits the Wal-Mart Regional Distribution Center. It is just 10 minutes from Peculiar. It is just 15 minutes from the Kansas City Intermodal Facility, ADESA Auto Auction, Quick-Trip Distribution Center, Belton, Raymore, Peculiar, and Pleasant Hill.

We have several quality golf courses such as Loch Lloyd, Eagles Landing, and Country Creek within 10-15 minutes from the airport. The KC Wizards continue to move forward on the development of the new Major League Soccer complex at Bannister, just 20-25 minutes from the airport. When construction at 150 is complete and lanes are opened, the airport will be approximately 30-40 minutes from the Plaza.

Cass County has been speaking with a number of companies who have visited our county. The issue that is mentioned in every meeting is the airport and the question always is asked if it will expand. As companies look at the Intermodal Facility in north Cass County, the issue of a regional corporate airport will continue to be of great interest.

A number of economic development “think-tanks” have studied the value of general-aviation airports. Nearly every model points to the fact that airports generate several levels of business activity and employment at the airport, adjacent to the airport, within 5 miles of the airport, and within the regional service area of the airport. Each area brings a different level of economic development. However, it is noted that the results are based on the mix of air services provided at the airport. Thus, the more services you provide the more economic development you will garner.

Studies show that well-managed airports bring industrial employment, gross and net regional and local income and added value, and floor space demand in terms of industrial, warehouse, office, restaurant, retail, hotel, and transport activities.

The study also showed that a general aviation airport brings a number of job fields to a region. Those fields include, but are not limited to agriculture, forestry, utilities, electronics, machinery, wholesale distributors, air taxi services, manufacturing, banking, corporate offices, educational establishments, and much more.

The Cass County Commission believes that the Lawrence-Smith Memorial Airport is a regional tool for Cass County. It has the potential to serve the entire area and bring jobs to all parts of Cass County.

Currently, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) has a 95% / 5% match-funding plan to help expand the runway capacity of general aviation airports. The Master Plan for Lawrence Smith calls for $20 million in improvements. The City of Harrisonville owns the Lawrence-Smith Memorial Airport. Like all cities, the budget is tight and finding that 5% match is extremely difficult. But let us never say “can’t.”

President Harry S. Truman once said, “You can always amend a big plan, but you can never expand a little one. I don't believe in little plans. I believe in plans big enough to meet a situation which we can't possibly foresee now.”

It is time for Cass County to dream big and recognize its potential.

One way we can begin to unlock the potential of the airport is to look for public-private partnerships with companies or groups that have experience and success in unlocking the opportunities of a regional airport. The Cass County Commission is asking an important question. “Are there private companies or investors willing to partner with the City of Harrisonville, help run Lawrence-Smith, and come up with a creative funding mechanism to develop the airport with the focus on bringing jobs and job opportunities to our citizens?”

Instead of government trying to solve the issue of the Lawrence-Smith Airport alone, we can look to private industry and free-market principles to explore how to better use this asset and resource!

Lawrence-Smith Airport should be viewed like any other infrastructure service, such as roads. We have the opportunity to use this resource to help our county. Recently, it was reported that the state jobless rate stood at 9.3% and that Cass County’s rate was slightly higher at 9.8%. Using our tools and looking public-private partnerships is a way that we can use free-market

principles to bring quality jobs to our county.

Another idea is to create a regional airport authority that brings all the cities and the county together. This possible “Cass County Regional Airport Authority” could work with the City of Harrisonville to help promote the airport as a regional tool that would help all of the communities in Cass County. This is a chance to unite our county and work together to bring jobs and businesses to our communities.

The Cass County Commission is extending its hand of cooperation to Harrisonville and believes that we can accomplish some great things with the Lawrence-Smith Memorial Airport. Nothing is impossible!

Civility and Debate

By Brian L. Baker

Several months ago conservative talk-show host and former Presidential candidate, Governor Mike Huckabee, hosted Richard Dreyfus on his talk-show “Huckabee.” The two could not be more polar opposites. Dreyfuss is clear that he leans to the liberal view on many issues and Governor Huckabee is equally clear about his conservative beliefs.

Yet, Dreyfus agreed to be a guest on his show while at the same time turning down invitations to a number of other conservative hosts and conservative talk-shows.

Why?

The answer was at short term long forgotten today. “Civility.”
Dreyfus stated that Governor Huckabee had shown civility, a willingness to engage in polite, logical, and reasonable debate.

Dreyfus actually made a profound historical point. When Philip of Spain insulted Queen Elizabeth, it took her three weeks to find out about it. It took her six weeks or more to craft her response. His argument is simple…time has been removed the culture and we give less thought to how we address issues.

I have heard it said we are a 30 minute society. We want problems solved in the 30 minutes and we forget what happened 30 minutes ago. Dreyfus understands this concept. He warns that we need to take more time to make America work and that we need to not live our lives on sound-bites.

Dreyfus also stated that he was called “complex” by Neil Cavuto. Dreyfus actually implies that we need to be more complex. We need to take more time to talk and walk through discussions.

One can’t help but think that recent events make the call for civility in politics and governance more real and more important. The murder of Dr. George Tiller, an abortion provider, points to this issue.

There was, in America, a day where men could stand in the halls of Congress, our state capitols, or our city halls, and shout from the depths of our lungs the beliefs we hold dear. Yet, in those moments of heated debate, civility reigned. Even in anger, civility ruled the hearts of those founding fathers.

Adams and Jefferson would often engage in heated debate, but these men would take up arms and stand side by side in defense of their nation.

Make no mistake, I oppose abortion. However, I can sit down with an abortion advocate, have lunch, discuss the issues, shake hands, and walk down the street without malice in my heart. The policy discussions that surround abortion, the death penalty, prisoners at Gitmo, and other heated issues should be discussed with civility, with a remembrance of that which our forefathers fought for and a remembrance of God’s blessings in our lives.

During my last session in the Missouri House, as we were discussing policy issues on the House floor, Democrat Representative Mike Talboy and I had the chance to sit and visit. I went to the Democrat side of the House floor and sat with him for a moment and we discussed the issue of abortion.

There was no shouting. There was no yelling. I shared my view and he shared his. We discussed the adoption of my daughter and even discussed ideas on how to reduce abortions – a part of the abortion discussion we both agreed on. While we adamantly and seriously disagreed on many issues, the civility of the discussion is what is captured in my memory.

During my years in Jefferson City, after a long day of session had ended, Representative Talboy, several Republicans, and several Democrats would gather together for a game of basketball together at a local gym. Senator Ryan McKenna (D), Senator Jeff Smith (D), Representative Bob Nance (R), and many others would join us. After a long day of debate and disagreement, with no malice in our hearts, we would simply live together in this great nation.

There is a need for us to return to civility. As President Abraham Lincoln so eloquently stated, “…with malice toward none, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see right…let us finish the work we are in.”

America is work. You do not solve in a “twitter-moment.” It cannot be simply “face-booked.” It cannot be rescued by sound-bites. It is hard work that deserves the thoughtfulness that our founding fathers gave it. Let us speak our hearts and minds with civility. When our blood boils in disagreement, let it not burn away that which we cherish, but let it simmer our resolve to stay engaged and willing to stand firm in civility.

County Commission DC Report

The Cass County Commission Pleased with DC Efforts;

Federal and State Grants Announced

Harrisonville, Missouri - The Cass County Commission has had a few inquiries regarding the commissioner's travel to Washington DC this past March. All three commissioners are pleased to provide citizens with information about their business in Washington DC.

The National Association of Counties (NaCO) holds their annual legislative conference in Washington DC every year. County officials from around the nation attend the event to discuss federal legislation and budget issues that will impact local governments.

Some facts about the trip:

• Commissioners arrived in Washington DC on Thursday evening (March 5) and prepared for meetings with Senator Bond, Representative Emmanuel Cleaver, and Representative Sam Graves on Friday morning. Commissioners also registered for the NACO Legislative Conference on Friday.


• Topics of discussion with Congressional leaders included...a foreign trade zone in Cass County that would work to create jobs; federal dollars for upgrading 71 Highway to Interstate status (I-49); the unfunded-federal mandate to upgrade all police, fire, and emergency communications by 2013 - this is a $15 million to $18 million cost to upgrade all police, fire, and emergency services in Cass County); discussion on federal grants to help Cass County compete for new businesses and jobs.


• On Saturday and Sunday, NaCO began sessions for county officials. All three commissioners attended meetings that included the following topics: improving technology services and providing information to citizens; public-private partnerships; agricultural issues both at the federal and state level; FEMA and how to acquire federal grants to improve emergency services; a special technology summit focused on efficiency in government services; energy resources and information; senior & health issues facing county governments; and much more.


• The Commissioners visited with Senator Claire McCaskill's staff and Representative Ike Skelton on Monday (March 9). That same day, the NaCO general session began with speakers from the White House, the Department of Energy, and various government officials presenting to the county officials.


• On Tuesday, the NaCO general session continued...with the Commissioners leaving on Tuesday morning and afternoon.

Cass County covered the hotel, meal, airline, and transportation costs of the all three County Commissioners with the total being $5,509.24. All three commissioners also stayed in regular contact with their local offices through email and phone.

Soon after the Commissioner returned it was announced by Representative Cleaver that Cass County would receive $378,500 for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Congressman Cleaver announced the grant to Cass County on April 2. Cass County is also pleased to get the Historic Preservation County Courthouse Grant that totals $80,000. Detailed information on these grants is coming soon.

The County Commission noted that this is the first time in recent history that Commissioners had met face-to-face with all the Congressional leaders who actually represent Cass County all at the same time. "We were able to sit...share our issues...and give a clear message to each of our leaders," stated Presiding Commissioner Gary Mallory. "Their staff members talk to each other and they will be discussing the needs of Cass County because we took the time to share with them directly."

Cass County Commissioner Brian Baker stated that it takes visits to Jefferson City and Washington DC to advocate for tax dollars that will improve our county. "Building relationships with our elected leaders both and the state and federal level allows the voices of Cass County to be heard. When we have the chance to apply for grants and bring our hard-earned tax dollars back to Cass County, then it is imperative we go to our state and national leaders and make our voices heard and build those relationships. When you look at the investment it takes to make that journey...and the result generates success like the Energy Efficiency Grant or the Historic Preservation Grants...then I can look the tax-payer in the eye and say we are working hard to bring your tax-dollars back home," stated Baker.

Baker noted that the Cass County Commission is working very hard to be an open-book. "We are glad to visit with citizens and share with them what we are doing...the question is 'How can we serve you today?'" Baker also invites citizens to call all three County Commissioners if they have questions about their efforts. "Gary and Bill and I have all agreed that we have a wide-open door for citizens. Come by and visit us anytime or give us a call."

Gary Mallory 816-380-8160 or garym@casscounty.com
Bill Cook 816-380-8158 or billc@casscounty.com
Brian Baker 816-380-8159 or brianb@casscounty.com

Cass County Road & Bridge Update

Road & Bridge Task Force Continues Work...

Harrisonville, Missouri - The Cass County Commission is releasing recommendations being made by the Cass County Road & Bridge Task Force. Task force members have been meeting since January to look at the construction, quality, and services of the Road & Bridge Department of Cass County. The task force was made up of citizens representing every corner of Cass County.

Two major recommendations made by citizens involved quality control and training. Task force members believed it was essential that Road & Bridge employees receiving certified training in every area of service they provided, such as gravel grading and equipment operations.

The other major recommendation was to hire a part-time employee strictly involved in dealing with quality control. Their role would be to examine road projects and make sure that the county did not cut corners. The quality control employee would report to the County Commission and inform them of progress in improving the quality of road and work to make sure proper practices are used in building roads.

One of the more controversial recommendations is acquiring 60 ft. right-of-way on county roads (30 ft. from the center line on each side of the road). The Road & Bridge Task Force believes that a quality road involves plenty of room for water flow, ditches, and safety. However, the County Commission and task force members want to work with citizens on this issue. "We would exempt that right-of-way from property taxes and we would not seek rights to the 60 foot until we were actually going to build the road," stated Commissioner Bill Cook. "To build a quality road that is safe and sound, we have to move in this direction."

Other recommendations included:

• All county roads need the ditches cleaned out and have a road width of 22 feet minimum with a 4 inch-plus crown and graded from ditch to ditch with no build up of sod or debris on the roadway. Ditches should be variable in depth from a few inches at the crown of a hill to 18 inches maximum.


• All future bridges need to have at least 40 tons carrying capacity.


• Create example roads to show citizens and developers exactly how roads should be built and use these models in future developments.


• No new hard surface roads in 2009 - focus on strictly maintaining and repairing current roadways. Develop long-term and short-term plans for 2010 and beyond.


• Attach GPS tracking devices on all trucks, maintainers, and loaders so that we can track work and efforts for the department. This will also enable the county to send the nearest road crews to areas of concern that require immediate or emergency attention.


• Develop a public-private partnership with a rock quarry that will lower the cost of our gravel purchases.


• Improve overall communication and customer service quality within the Road & Bridge Department.

The Cass County Commissioners have also begun work in developing public-public partnerships with the cities in Cass County. Commissioners are advocating that the county and cities align their road standards and bid all of their road projects together rather than separately. The focus is to get more road work done for the dollar. The plan would also include working with the Mount Pleasant Special Road District.

Commissioner Brian Baker said the focus needs to be on using the tax-payers dollars in the most efficient way. "It is really simple. If we combine our road projects, we can use economy-of-scale to get more road work done. We are simply looking to work with the cities to use the tax-payers dollars in a more cost effective way. The goal is to help cities increase their ability to improve roads in their city limits and the county to improve their roads county wide.”

Mayor Ernie Jungmeyer has been selected by the County Commissioners and area mayors to head up the project of organizing road projects county-wide. Commissioner Gary Mallory cited Mayor Jungmeyer's civil engineering background as the reason for the selection. "Mayor Jungmeyer and the other city mayors agreed that this is a prime opportunity to unite and work together. His background will enable us to accomplish this task and in 2010 we can simply do more with the dollars we have and improve our roads in both the cities and the county."

Mayor Jungmeyer was glad to lead the initiative to work with the cities and Cass County. "This is a chance for us to unite and simply provide better service to the citizens. We are coming together to find ways to get the most out of our tax-dollars." Jungmeyer noted that since most bids and projects have already been accepted for 2009, the focus will be on making sure our standards work together and then moving forward in 2010.

County Commissioners have met with most of the city leaders throughout the county and the reception to the idea has been very positive.

Cass County Commission - The First 90 Days

by Brian L. Baker
Associate Commissioner ● District 2
E-Mail: brianb@casscouny.com
Phone: 816/380-8159

The First 90 Days – Cass County Commission

President Ronald Reagan said, “You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth….If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.”

The Cass County Commission has been moving quickly to improve access, service, and results in county government. From approving the 2009 county budget to forming new task forces made up of citizens, we have been working to make county government for the people and by the people.

We thought it might be helpful to provide you with a recap of our efforts in the first 90 days.

MAC – Missouri Association of Counties
Cass County is working with the Missouri Association of Counties which represents counties throughout the state of Missouri. The Missouri Association of Counties (MAC), founded in 1972 and celebrating its 37th year of service, is a nonprofit corporation established to provide assistance to its member counties in matters pertaining to local, state, and federal government activities.

There are 114 counties in the state of Missouri (only three states have more). The association membership numbers more than 1,400 county elected officials and is composed of presiding and associate commissioners, county clerks/election authorities, recorders, auditors, collectors, prosecutors, sheriffs, assessors, treasurers, public administrators, circuit clerks, and coroners.

MAC is a lobbying alliance that represents these local government elected officials, all of whom work to improve services for Missouri taxpayers and citizens.

Commissioner Brian Baker was appointed by the Cass County Commission to serve on the Board for the Missouri Association of Counties. Also serving on the Board are County Collector Pam Shipley and County Circuit Clerk Kelly Sue Elliott.

NACO – The National Association of Counties
Cass County is a member of the National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States Capitol. Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,066 counties. NACo's membership totals more than 2,000 counties, representing over 80 percent of the nation's population.

With its headquarters on Capitol Hill, NACo is a full-service organization that provides an extensive line of services including legislative, research, technical, and public affairs assistance, as well as enterprise services to its members. The association acts as a liaison with other levels of government, works to improve public understanding of counties, serves as a national advocate for counties and provides them with resources to help them find innovative methods to meet the challenges they face. NACo is involved in a number of special projects that deal with such issues as homeland security, drug abuse and broader access to health care.

Cass County Commissioners attended the NACo Legislative Conference in Washington DC this past month. Gary Mallory, Brian Baker, and Bill Cook met with Senator Bond, Rep. Cleaver, Rep. Graves, Rep. Skelton, and Senator McCaskill. Commissioners advocated for Cass County road and infrastructure needs. Commissioners also addressed unfunded mandates from the Federal government. Commissioners expressed concern about the 2013 deadlines to upgrade fire-police-emergency communications systems when no federal funding is available to assist with the cost. The Cass County 911 Advisory Board has been looking for ways to fund such a major transition for county emergency services.

The Commissioners expressed that Washington needs to look at real infrastructure needs and focus more on how their efforts will impact real citizens. One idea presented by the Commission was to limit bailing out executives and focus on helping working families by forgiving student-college loans to people who completed their degree(s) and are now working. The Commission feels that this would give immediate relief to families facing home foreclosures. It would immediately infuse real dollars into the economy. Families would take those dollars and put them into auto purchases, home purchases, renovations, education, and even healthcare. Further, it is a reward to people who went to school, completed their degree and now are working hard in their communities.

CASS COUNTY & LICENSE FEE OFFICES
Currently, there are two license fee offices in Cass County; one in Belton and one in Harrisonville. Commissioner Brian Baker stated that it was the Commission’s goal to keep the license fee offices open at both locations and use the revenue source to help assist three non-profit groups that serve citizens in Cass County. Those groups include CASCO Sheltered Workshop for the Disabled; Life Choice Center for Women, a crisis pregnancy center; and the Hope Haven Shelter of Cass County, a shelter for battered women and children.

The other program Cass County hopes to help is the county parks initiative. Currently, there is a Cass County Parks Board, but there is no funding for initiatives. The Cass County Commission would like to establish a fund to help develop a Cass County Parks & Tourism department. The goal would be to develop trails, access, and green space within the county that will connect communities.

The County has already developed a management plan that divides up fee office revenues by giving 35% to social programs in our county to meet the needs of citizens. Another 35% goes to the county for resource development in the area of tourism and parks. The final 30% will go to a reserve fund for the office to make sure expenses and cost are covered. After expenses are covered, remaining revenue will be divided in half for the parks and the social programs for the non-profit groups.

CASS COUNTY ROADS
The County Commission is leading the charge to develop a quality road plan for the county. The County Commission is facilitating a citizen-led Road & Bridge Task Force to help examine how we can improve the quality of our road services. From certifying our road crews to looking at more efficient ways to maintain our roads, the Road & Bridge Task Force is working diligently to help Cass County meet the needs of families and businesses in Cass County.

CASS COUNTY BRIDGES
The County Commission has been working with MoDOT to identify bridge issues along state highway routes. Over the next five years, 18 bridges will have their decks completely replaced and face major repairs. This effort is part of the Safe & Sound Bridge program across Missouri.
Cass County promoted a recent public input meeting with MoDOT held at the Cass-Midway School District. We are working to promote these types of events so that we can receive more citizen input.

MARC – Mid America Regional Council
Cass County, as a member of MARC, is working to identify future transportation projects that need planning and funding. Recently, MARC held a hearing at Carnegie Village in Belton to garner citizen input about issues facing our county and cities. Citizens provided MARC with ideas and feedback about what projects they would like to see investigated in the coming years.

TECHNOLOGY TASK FORCE
In an effort to be more open to the public, the Cass County Commission is encouraging citizens to sign-up for the county information and email system. Citizens will receive updates and information about activities in Cass County.

Further, Cass County is looking at ways we can use technology to better serve citizens. A simple example would be improving our web presence and internet information access. Giving citizens the ability to send ideas and suggestions via the internet is just one idea. Offering citizens a chance to apply to serve on boards and commissions online is another goal. We want to improve our website and give citizens a clear access point for services.

Cass County has formed a Technology Task Force made up of citizens that work in the Information-Technology world. We are gathering their thoughts and ideas to help us move forward into a new era of providing service and information to citizens.

ENVIRONMENT
Just before the new county commissioners took office, the County Commission voted to enter into the Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday, allowing citizens to purchase certain energy-efficient appliances free of sales-tax. It is our hope that citizens will take advantage of this opportunity to become more energy efficient and save dollars. The Cass County Commission is promoting this effort.

MASTER PLAN
The County Commission has begun working with our Planning & Zoning Department to complete work on the Cass County Master Plan. It is our goal to develop a short-range and long-range plan that will help us in future economic development efforts and infrastructure efforts.

WORKING WITH OTHER OFFICES
The Cass County Commission holds monthly elected-official meetings so that we can coordinate services and information with other elected county officials. Your elected officials are truly working in a bi-partisan effort. We are truly thankful for their open spirit and willingness to work together.

We are also meeting with various county departments on a weekly or monthly basis. The Every Monday, the Cass County Commission has a public work-session where we look at roads, zoning issues, and other services.

It is our hope that we truly heed the words of President Reagan! In our efforts may our children and future generations say that we did all that could be done.

Cass County is taking the approach that we are here to serve you and work for you – the citizen! The question now is….How may we help you today?

Cass County Commission Approves 2009 Budget

Cass County Review – The 2009 Budget

President Thomas Jefferson once said, “Whenever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights.”

Nothing can be more productive than government providing its citizens with information about actions taken and efforts made. One of the most important aspects of the County Commission is to plan and approve the annual budget. It is our duty to make sure that local tax dollars are used in a wise and efficient manner.

GENERAL BUDGET INFORMATION
The Cass County Budget for 2009 was officially adopted on January 29th, 2009. This year’s budget for all fund categories is approximately $38.9 million, an increase of approximately 1.5% from the amended budget of 2008. Cass County expects a small increase in revenue and has essentially flat-lined most budget lines.

Citizens should note that specific fund categories must be used for their designed purposes per state law. While it would appear there is a great deal of revenue, citizens should understand that fees and state dollars received by these various funds must be counted as revenue, but those funds are designated and must be used as state law or county ordinance mandates. The elected officials who oversee many of these categories have agreed to take their surplus in revenue and help the county fund services and use tax dollars more efficiently. Specifically, the Assessor, County Clerk, Collector, Prosecuting Attorney, and Recorder of Deeds have agreed to take a portion of their surplus and provide the county with revenue needed to provide services.
This cooperative spirit of your elected officials is an example of government working for the people. We should also note that much of the revenue collected by the county goes to pay off voter-approved projects like the Justice Center.

The 2009 budget a 3% cost of living increase for regular county employees. The county only provides $300 per month to county employees toward their health insurance costs. County employees pay the rest of their healthcare costs.

DESIGNATED FUNDS PER STATE LAW
Of the 33 fund categories in the county budget, 28 of the fund categories are ruled by state law or county ordinance and must be used as designated. Over $16 million in county funds are designated by Missouri law and funds can be only be used for specific fund categories such as Assessor’s Office, Road & Bridge, 911, Delinquent Tax Fund, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, Recorder of Deeds, Elections, Grants, County Clerk’s Office, County Collector’s Office, Drug Court, and other services.

Within the general budget there are several funds that are controlled by county ordinance. For example, several years ago citizens approved a one-quarter cent sales tax for law enforcement and it must be used for those law enforcement funds.

DEBT SERVICE
The 2009 budget projects that the short-term debt will be approximately $600,000. Cass County’s long-term debt is for the cost of the Justice Center - $37 million. This debt is secured by a special one-quarter cent sales tax that voters approved in 1999. The county is in a good position to make payments on the Justice Center and maintains a good credit rating. Last year’s outside audit by Trout, Beeman, & Co. confirmed this.

GENERAL COUNTY FUND
The General County Budget makes up $10.6 million or 27% of the total budget. $7,869,407 makes up the largest portion of this budget and citizens should note that $4,359,888 of that $7.8 million is transferred to the Law Enforcement-Justice Center fund to help pay for law enforcement and the Cass County Justice Center.

Other parts of the General County budget include the County Commission, Emergency Management, County Clerk, County Treasurer, County Auditor, Health Department, Codes Department, Planning & Zoning, Maintenance, Information-Technology, Recorders Office, County Collector, Medical Examiner, University Extension, Environmental, WIC, Vital Records, Buildings & Grounds Maintenance, and other services.

Cass County voted to keep $1.4 million in reserves to insure that basic county services can continue if there further down-turn in the economy. This is almost 4% of the total budget.

LAW ENFORCEMENT / JUSTICE CENTER
The LEJC Budget Fund is over $10 million or 25% of the county budget. Included in this budget are the Public Administrator, Prosecuting Attorney, Child Support, Juvenile Department, Jail Services, Sheriff’s Office, Circuit Court, debt payments on the Cass County Justice Center, and other law enforcement related services.

Citizens should be aware that jail services, housing prisoners, payment of sheriff deputies, equipment, patrol cars, the prosecuting attorney’s office staff, juvenile officers, jail equipment, court security, and other law enforcement services are funded through this budget. As the metro area grows, Cass County is committed to funding law enforcement services and supporting our county sheriff, prosecuting attorney, and judicial system.

ROADS & BRIDGES
There are several funds that are used to pay for county road and bridge work. The County is required by law to use the Road & Bridge Tax for county road work. If you combine all Road & Bridge funds, the county is spending $9.1 million or 23% of the county budget on roads and bridges.

Several years ago voters passed a one-quarter cent Road & Bridge sales tax. One-third of that revenue goes to the cities and Two-thirds goes to the counties. Cass County will receive $1.9 million of these dollars for county projects and cities will receive $1.3 million for various city projects. Cass County receives some federal aid with $418,000 going toward the Federal Bridge Fund. The Road & Bridge also has a reserve fund of $163,848. The county will spend $77,085 on neighborhood improvement district bonds and $77,130 on the county “Impact” fund.

There are approximately 1,000 miles of road in Cass County. 750 miles are made of gravel, 226 miles are “Chip & Seal”, and 24 miles are asphalt. It costs roughly $70,000 to “Chip & Seal” one mile of road. It costs approximately $160,000 to asphalt one mile of road. It costs $40,000 to create one mile of a new gravel road. It cost about $1,200 per mile to maintain a gravel road.

In order to “Chip & Seal” ten miles of new road it would cost the county approximately $700,000. Further, the cost of simply maintaining one mile of “Chip & Seal” road is $2,336 per mile on an annual basis. Combine the cost of bridge work, ditch work, and other services, citizens can see the high cost facing our roads department. We have also been informed that the 2009 pricing for “Chip & Seal” materials could increase 30%.

Thus, the County Commission has formed the Road & Bridge Advisory Board and the Cass County Roads Task Force will begin working to develop a clear and comprehensive plan to addressing our road needs. Citizen input will be used to determine need and create a Road & Bridge Plan for Cass County.

COUNTY OFFICES
As we face an economic down-turn, your elected county officials deserve credit for their willingness to work with the County Commission to reduce spending and flat-line budgets. For example, in order to curb spending, we took items like the purchase of new sheriff vehicles and put them on hold. Offices are working to curb overhead costs. We will do our best to use our current resources in an effective and efficient manner.

Further, as mentioned earlier, elected officials who have capital surpluses have indicated their willingness to put those funds into the General County Fund to help cover the cost of services. The goal is to make sure that we, as elected officials, use your tax dollars in the most efficient manner possible.

As our founding fathers sought to develop an open government that serves the people, we will remain open to the citizens of Cass County and provide you with the information you need to be involved and informed in your county government.

Cass County Seeks to Improve Customer Service

Cass County Updates & Adopts New Building Codes
By Brian L. Baker

Harrisonville, Mo. – This past December three public meetings were held to allow public input into county building codes and the adoption of new international codes. Commissioners Jon Seabaugh, Jim Meara, and Gary Mallory approved the new codes on December 30, 2008.

The County Commission adopted the 2006 International Codes and the 2005 National Electric code. These newly adopted codes will go into effect February 1, 2009. The specific codes that were adopted are as follows: 2006 International Building Code (IBC); 2006 International Fire Code (IFC); 2006 International Residential Code for 1 & 2 Family Dwellings (IRC); 2006 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC); 2006 International Plumbing Code (IPC); 2005 National Electric Code.

The new commissioners that took office at the beginning of 2009 are anxious to work with the Building & Codes Department to improve customer service and public relations with builders, developers, and citizens. Associate Commissioner Bill Cook stated, “We are working to improve our public services to the community. Updating our codes, improving safety, and communication are keys to improving how our codes department works with citizens and developers. We want to be approachable as a county.”

The County Commission sites their understanding that building codes provide protection from tragedy caused by fire, structural collapse and general deterioration in our homes, schools, stores and manufacturing facilities. Safe buildings are achieved through proper design and construction practices and a code administration program that ensures compliance. Home and business owners have a substantial investment that is protected through a sound codes plan.

While the need for sound codes is important, the Cass County Commission also understands that government should not be a burden. “Our goal is to help our codes department help the citizens. We do not want to be a hindrance to builders, developers, and families,” stated Presiding Commissioner Gary Mallory. “Our goal is to serve citizens.”

Associate Commissioner Brian Baker concurred, “The preservation of life and safety, as well as the maintenance of property values over time, is the intent of a sound uniform code. I hope that these changes are a positive step forward in serving our citizens in a more effective way and reduce the burden of ‘red-tape’ on builders and businesses.”

The adopted amendments to the referenced codes can be obtained from the Cass County Building Codes Department. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Cass County Building Codes Department during normal business hours at 816-380-8134. Traey Lambertz is the Cass County Director of Building Codes.