The Platte County Commission has tapped a Parkville resident to help with the path forward for the possible renewal of the county’s roads tax, which is set to expire next year.
An agreement with Gordon Cook was approved at the Monday, March 7 administrative session, held at the Platte County Resource Center. Cook was a part of the 2020 committee that recommended the reduction in the parks tax and implementation of a law enforcement parks tax.
Before the vote to approve Cook’s consulting services, presiding commissioner Ron Schieber wanted to go on the record about his opinion of the 3/8ths cent roads sales tax, which was approved by voters in 2003 and has funded infrastructure improvements throughout the county.
After hearing from an acquaintance who said he knew Schieber would not support renewal of the tax, Schieber admitted he was “a bit miffed,” as he had not yet made a decision.
“I want good roads, great bridges and safe bridges and safe roads, but I do not want to put three-eighths cent back on the ballot simply because that’s what we currently have,” he said. “That’s why we need this analysis to find out what are the county needs, and what are the road needs.”
He said public feedback will be accepted during the process and the county will partner with municipalities and road districts to determine what needs to be done. He said he considers roads a core county service.
Cook’s fee is $280 per hour, with the total costs yet to be determined.
Also at the meeting, district commissioner Dagmar Wood asked for public input on possible changes to certain business licensing rules pertaining to towing, liquor licensing and auctioneer licensing.