Bryan Stalder
Contributor

Voters in Northeast will head to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, for a municipal election that, while limited in scope, carries significant implications for both city services and local higher education leadership.

Northeast voters will see two primary items on their ballots: a renewal of the city’s earnings tax and an unopposed seat for the Board of Trustees of the Metropolitan Community College.

The earnings tax question appears as Question 1, asking voters whether Kansas City should continue its 1 percent tax on income earned within city limits. Under Missouri law, the tax must be approved by voters every five years. The ballot language is straightforward—“Shall the earnings tax be continued?”—leaving voters to weigh the broader implications behind a simple yes or no choice.

If voters choose not to renew the earnings tax, it will not immediately disappear but will begin a 10-year gradual phase-out, reducing by one-tenth of a percent each year starting in 2027.

For decades, the earnings tax has served as a cornerstone of Kansas City’s budget, helping fund essential services such as public safety, trash collection, and neighborhood programs. Supporters argue that allowing the tax to expire would create a substantial hole in the city’s finances, forcing difficult cuts or shifts to other forms of revenue. Because the tax applies not only to residents but also to those who work within city limits, proponents say it spreads the cost of maintaining Kansas City’s infrastructure across a broader base.

Among those supporters is 4th District Councilman Eric Bunch, who emphasized the tax’s importance to core services and neighborhood stability.

“As an urban planner and the council member who represents the Historic Northeast, I’ve seen firsthand how critical city revenue is to keeping our neighborhoods strong,” Bunch said. “The earnings tax funds nearly half of our general fund. Without it, we’d be looking at devastating cuts to the services that Kansas Citians count on: streets, sidewalks, public safety, and the programs that make neighborhoods like the Northeast thrive.”

Opponents, however, contend that the tax places an undue burden on workers and may discourage people from seeking jobs within the city. Patrick Tuohey, a senior fellow with the Show-Me Institute, argues that the city’s financial struggles stem from spending decisions rather than a lack of revenue.

Tuohey points to a recently announced city deficit estimated between $55 million and $100 million. He also highlights ongoing subsidies for private development projects and long-term financial obligations, including costs associated with the Power and Light District and potential future downtown stadium investments.

“Many municipalities just like Kansas City are able to meet the public service demands of their residents without levying an additional income tax,” Tuohey said. “Phasing out the earnings tax over 10 years won’t solve all our problems. But it will force Kansas City to make better choices with taxpayer funds.”

In 2021, 77% of Kansas City voters approved renewal of the earnings tax.

Alongside the tax question, Northeast voters will also help decide who represents them on the Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees. In Sub-District 2, former Kansas City Third District Councilman Jermaine Reed is running unopposed for a six-year term, with only a write-in option listed alongside his name.

While the ballot may be shorter than in past years, the decisions remain consequential. The outcome of the earnings tax vote will shape the city’s financial outlook for years to come, while community college trustees elected this spring will help guide educational opportunities for thousands of students across the region.

Absentee Voting Options Begin March 24

The Kansas City Election Board (KCEB) has announced that no-excuse absentee voting for the April 7 municipal election begins Tuesday, March 24, at seven locations across the city.

All locations will use ballot-marking devices that produce a paper ballot. Voters who prefer a pre-printed paper ballot must vote at their assigned polling place on Election Day. Voter Notification Cards have been mailed with polling location details, and voters can also confirm their information at kceb.org.

For Northeast residents, the most convenient option is likely the Garrison Community Center, located at 1124 E. 5th St. The site will be open weekdays from March 24 through April 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Note: this location will be closed on Saturday, April 4.)

The main KCEB office, located at 4405 E. 50th Terrace, will offer extended hours, including weekday voting from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday hours on April 4 from 8 a.m. to noon, and final voting hours on Monday, April 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additional satellite locations are available throughout the city. Voters seeking more information about absentee voting sites and hours can visit kceb.org.

Polls across Kansas City will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, April 7.