Excelsior Springs City Council addresses public safety tax framework, development fees, and contracts

Excelsior Springs, Mo. (December 15, 2025) — The Excelsior Springs City Council approved a series of ordinances and resolutions during its regular meeting Monday night, including changes to city code, infrastructure agreements, and development-related fees.

Public Safety Sales Tax committee codified

Council approved an ordinance adding Chapter 171 to the municipal code to formally establish the Public Safety Sales Tax Oversight Committee, a citizen committee that has operated since voters approved the tax in 2005 but had never been codified.

As part of the ordinance, council approved a change in how public safety sales tax revenues are allocated, shifting the split from an even 50/50 between police and fire to 60 percent for fire and 40 percent for police, while continuing to split the cost of shared dispatch equipment evenly between the two departments. The item prompted some back-and-forth among council members about rising equipment costs, long-term planning, and whether the revised split meaningfully addresses future funding needs. The ordinance passed on a 4–1 vote, with Councilman Stephen Spear voting no.

Wireless tower lease extended

Council approved an ordinance authorizing a first amendment to the site agreement with SBA Towers II LLC for the wireless communications tower at 781 S. Kansas City Avenue. The amendment extends the lease beginning in 2029, sets monthly rent at $1,680 with annual three percent increases, and includes a one-time $6,000 payment to the city. City officials said the extension provides long-term certainty for cellular carriers evaluating future equipment placement.

Site plan review fees adopted

Council adopted an ordinance amending the city’s planning and zoning fee schedule to establish site plan review fees that were never implemented when the review process was revised in 2022. The ordinance sets fees at $400 for major site plan reviews and $200 for standard site plans. City officials said the change allows the city to recover a portion of staff costs associated with complex development reviews.

Roosevelt High School press box demolition approved

Council approved a resolution selecting T-Mac Construction LLC to demolish the deteriorating press box at Roosevelt High School for $18,375. City staff said the structure has partially collapsed and poses a safety concern. The city plans to recover the cost through a lien on the property.

Board reappointments and financial review

Council reappointed Melinda Mehaffy, Dr. Nick Houk, and Charles Anderson to the Vintage Plaza Community Improvement District.

Council also reviewed the November revenue report and financials, which showed approximately $2.88 million in revenues and $2.46 million in appropriations for the month. No council action was required.

Additional updates and remarks

City staff reported two negative change orders on the Dry Fork project, reducing overall project costs due to quantity adjustments and changes to temporary seeding plans. Council members welcomed the reductions and expressed appreciation for change orders that lowered project costs rather than increasing them.

City Manager Molly McGovern also reported on a recent meeting between Clay County cities and State Sen. David Gregory, noting the discussion focused on legislative priorities and issues expected to resurface during the upcoming session. McGovern said the meeting provided an opportunity for local leaders to share municipal concerns and build relationships as the legislative session approaches.

During council remarks, members highlighted recent community events and initiatives, including the Excelsior Springs Police Department’s annual Shop With a Cop event, which several council members said appeared to be well attended and impactful based on photos and community feedback.

Council members also recognized long-term city employees, including Police Lieutenant Larry Tarrant, who recently marked 20 years of service with the city. Officials noted the importance of institutional knowledge and continuity within city operations.

Mayor Mark Spohn shared that the city recently received regional Keystone Awards recognizing the new VA medical clinic and the Dry Fork Greenway project. He thanked city staff and public works employees for their contributions to both projects and noted that the Dry Fork improvements are already being well used by residents.

Spohn also addressed recent criticism on social media regarding downtown holiday decorations, expressing appreciation for the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, the Christmas committee, and volunteers who helped decorate the community. He encouraged residents who wish to see changes or improvements to consider volunteering.

The meeting concluded with the council entering closed session.