City officials have crafted responsible plans to improve sewers and roads in Blue Springs. Voters have good reasons to approve two questions on the Aug. 5 ballot.
If Question 1 passes, the city could use a Missouri low-interest loan program while issuing up to $35 million in bonds. The city would upgrade and expand its sewer treatment plant, partly to comply with new federal and state environmental rules.
Higher sewer rates would be used to pay off the bonds.
If Question 1 is rejected, the city would still make the improvements but would pay millions more for bonds to complete the projects. Sewer rates would rise far higher than they would if the city participated in the state’s low-interest loan program.
Essentially, Question 1 would reduce the annual increase in sewer rates.
If voters approve Question 2, the city has pledged to issue up to $28 million in bonds for four specific road projects.
Taxes would not increase. As old bonds were paid off, the city would issue new ones for the promised road upgrades.
All are high priority needs, identified by a community group and the city staff. They include widening Woods Chapel Road south of Interstate 70 and extending Moreland School Road to Liggett Road.
Questions 1 and 2 would be wise investments for the fast-growing suburb.
