February 15, 2020

Mallory Herrmann
citydesk@lstribune.net

The city’s general fund budget for fiscal year 2020 is projected to fall short by just 0.06%.

Chris Clubine, management analyst for the City of Lee’s Summit, reported mid-year projections to the city council’s finance and budget committee this week. The informational presentation showed that the general fund’s approximately $80 million budget is projected to end up about $47,500 short.

While expenses are expected to be down by 0.30% (about $235,000) for the year, so are some of the city’s largest revenue streams. Property taxes, which account for about 30% of the city’s general fund revenue, are down approximately half a percent. And while Jackson County property taxes are up 1.20%, Cass County’s are down 3.50%.

Sales tax, which accounts for about 25% of the budgeted revenue, is essentially flat. Clubine noted that the city hasn’t had a year without local sales tax growth of at least 2.5% since fiscal year 2014.

“It could be the new normal,” Clubine said, adding that this level of growth, or lack thereof, is not currently uncommon for municipalities this size.

The city’s fiscal year ends June 30.

Since the presentation was for informational purposes only, no action was taken by the committee.

All four committee members (Councilmembers Bob Johnson, Diane Forte and Trish Carlyle and Mayor Pro Tem Beto Lopez) were present for the Feb. 10 meeting.