Kansas City, Missouri City Council members who represent the area that includes the Martin City neighborhood joined the Martin City Community Improvement District’s January 8, 2026 board meeting to share updates on major City issues expected to shape the year ahead.
Johnathan Duncan and Andrea Bough focused primarily on the upcoming City budgeting process and the renewal of Kansas City’s earnings tax. They discussed how both the budget and the earnings tax affect City services, staffing, and long-term financial planning.
Martin City’s representatives are 6th District Councilman Johnathan Duncan and 6th District At-Large Councilwoman Andrea Bough.
City Budget Conversations Ahead
Council members explained that Kansas City is entering a budget year that will require closer review of spending priorities. Expenses are rising quickly in key areas. Public safety staffing, employee compensation, and pension obligations were cited as examples of costs that continue to grow.
The message was consistent. Kansas City is not facing a financial crisis, but careful choices will still be required to protect services, retain employees, and maintain long-term financial stability. Rather than using across-the-board cuts, City leadership expects to rely more heavily on priority-based budgeting. This approach evaluates programs based on how essential they are to residents and core City services.
“We’re still showing pretty strong revenues through this fiscal year, but our expenses are increasing faster than revenues in some areas,” explained Council Member Bough. “That means we have to take a hard look at how we spend our dollars and focus on what’s essential.”
Council members encouraged residents and neighborhood business leaders to follow the budget process closely. Public meetings and opportunities for input will be announced as the budget moves forward.
Rosehill Winery at Rosehill Gardens hosts monthly MCCID Board meetings.
Earnings Tax Renewal on the April 2026 Ballot
Council members also discussed the Kansas City earnings tax. Voters will consider renewal of the tax in the municipal election on April 7, 2026. The earnings tax has played a critical role in the City’s budget for decades. State law requires it to be renewed periodically by voters.
“The earnings tax is a significant portion of our general revenue,” said Council Member Duncan. “Without it, we can’t maintain basic services like police, fire, and street maintenance at the level residents expect.”
If the earnings tax is not renewed, the City would face a substantial revenue gap. That gap could not be easily filled through other taxes without action by the state legislature.
Additional information about the earnings tax renewal is expected in the coming months. This will include public education efforts and formal ballot language.
Staying Engaged
Council members thanked the Martin City CID for hosting the discussion. They emphasized the importance of neighborhood-level conversations, especially in Martin City, which maintains a strong profile within South Kansas City.
As budget negotiations and the earnings tax renewal move closer to formal action, residents and businesses will have more opportunities to stay informed and participate.
MCCID Manager Vickie Wolverton and Board Vice Chair George Farrill of Rosehill Gardens led the meeting.