Kansas City — Taxing District Advances

May 2012

A judge helped clear the way for a referendum on a special taxing district for the planned streetcar line on Main Street. The action by Jackson County Circuit Judge Charles Atwell does not endorse the tax plan but confirms that backers have taken all necessary steps for the matter to be placed before the voters. His ruling also determines that the tax would not place an "undue burden" on residents as it would be paid by all property owners in the area.

According to the Kansas City Business Journal, the district covers areas on either side of Main Street between the Missouri River and Crown Center and would generate money to build and operate a streetcar line between the River Market and Union Station.

The actual vote will be held by mail ballot, with all ballots due in by July 31. If this vote approves creation of the tax district, a subsequent vote will be held later in the year to determine the exact mix and level of property and sales taxes.