The City established a Citizens Task Force in January 2021 to address the future needs of our Parks and Stormwater systems. The group’s goals were to:
- Evaluate and review the City’s recent improvements to both our parks system and our stormwater management over the past ten years;
- Review the needs of citizens and groups in Joplin, focusing on new parks and recreational opportunities in Joplin, over the next ten years;
- Review and prioritize the stormwater master plan that addresses projects throughout the City
- Prioritize the identified projects in Parks;
- Determine the most appropriate funding ratio between Parks and Stormwater areas to pay for the proposed projects;
- Establish a strategy and action plan to educate and inform the residents of the transportation needs.
The Parks and Stormwater Task Force began meeting on March 2, 2021, and met numerous times throughout March and April. During these meetings, staff presented information regarding parks projects; stormwater issues and maintenance; City revenues and expenditures relating to parks and stormwater needs; public comments and survey results about the current City’s parks and ideas for the future; and the stormwater management progress made in the past ten years.
In conclusion, the Citizens Parks and Stormwater Task Force recommended a renewal of the ¼-cent sales tax for Parks and Stormwater Improvements Sales Tax for a ten-year period be placed before the voters for consideration. The ratio of the sales tax will be 55% dedicated to Parks and Recreation and 45% committed to the Stormwater program.
On May 17, 2021, the Joplin City Council voted to proceed with the Task Forces’ recommendations and submit a ballot question to the electors of the City of Joplin at an Election to be held in the City on August 3, 2021.