Luminary TV: The Public Service Commission on Parkville's Water Rates

It's not the sexiest topic but it has significance to your wallet. Missouri American wants to raise your rates by 26 percent (see the full story below) and the Chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission took the time to tell The Luminary about their process. See the video at your right, or, view it in our archives here.

The Inside Story: Missouri Water's Proposed Rate Hike

By Mark Vasto

Two years after receiving a 17 percent increase in water and sewer rates, the Missouri American Water Company is asking for yet another hike for its Platte County District customers, this time to the tune of 26 percent. If their rate request is approved it would translate into a $48.5 million revenue increase for the company – a 22 percent increase year over year.

If the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) approves Missouri American Water's full rate request, the average Platte County residential water bill (for 8,000 gallons of water per month) will increase by approximately $15.36 per month or 50 cents per day. If fully approved, the cost of water service for the average monthly customer will increase to about $70.63 per month.

Residents will get a chance to speak out on the proposed increase Monday, March 29 at a public hearing at the Riverside City Council Chambers at City Hall, 3000 NW Vivion Road. The hearing will begin with a brief question and answer period at 6 pm and a public hearing at 6:30 where residents can sign up to make a statement for or against the proposal to members of the PSC.

Roundabout Construction Will Close Brink-Meyer Road

The Missouri Department of Transportation will close Brink-Meyer Road between Union Chapel Road and Hidden Valley Road to construct a new, smaller roundabout south of the Route 45 and Route K roundabout in Parkville. Brink-Meyer Road will close beginning March 29 through August, weather permitting. A signed detour will be in place.


The smaller roundabout is needed to complete the project at Route 45 and Route K. This portion of the project includes constructing a new, relocated Union Chapel Road, tying new pavement into Brink-Meyer and extending the relocated Union Chapel north into the completed roundabout.

This project, which began in August 2009, has already completed a roundabout at Route 45 and Route K.

All work will be complete by August 2010, MoDOT said.

Vol. 8, Episode 33 is now in racks!

In this week's issue:

Top Stories:
Park Frosted With Nixon's Plan to Cut State Funds for Private Institutions
Public Hearing on Proposed Water Rate Hike at Riverside
Commissioner Knight's Final 'State of the County' Address

Commentary:
Dr. Lewis Roht breaksdown the Healthcare Bill
Bill Grigsby is the eternal Royal optimist
Steve Youngblood doesn't need no stinkin' Powerpoint
Mark Vasto on Armageddon

All that plus a community calendar, crossword, sudoku and a host of
other things to hang your hat on...

Volume 8, Episode 32 is now in racks!

In this week's inspired issue:

Top Stories:
Riverside Runs Red: Two Weeks, Two Homicides
Aldermen Approve Two Liquor Deals
Pitcher Perfect: Megan Walker Hurls a Perfect Game for Park

Commentary:
MoDOT's Peter Rahn talks about how he needs more money etc.
Mark Vasto regulates on those collecting unemployment for two years now
Steve Youngblood talks about peaceful journalism
Bill Grigsby says your guess is as good as his

Plus:
"The Eyes of Parkville" go on a culinary tour of Parkville Commons

All that, plus the crossword, suduko, comics and a few Easter eggs you're sure to enjoy with friends! Keep those cards and letters coming!

Park Hill Considering Tax Increase

By Mark Vasto

In the wake of the Kansas City School District’s decision to shut down 29 of their 61 schools, eliminating about 700 of its 3,000 jobs and reassigning thousands of students, Park Hill is leveling a concerned – if not worried – eye to their own balance sheet.

Unlike Kansas City, Park Hill has had reliable support from their tax base. Nearly 72 percent of their $120 million budget comes from property taxes and property values in Platte County have risen consistently over the years. And though commercial taxes have suffered during the recession, the volume of sales generated from retail developments has kept the county and school district out of the financial fiasco scenario neighboring counties and school districts have faced.

Still, in guarded comments made to media and Park Hill patrons, the district is hinting at a raise in the local tax levy from $4.69 to $4.76 per $100 of assessed valuation.

In a statement, Park Hill addressed the situation: “A slow-down in local growth and a significant reduction in the funds Park Hill hoped to receive from the state will mean no more funds coming into the district next year than this year. At the same time, Park Hill will see increased costs for necessities like school-bus fuel and classroom materials. In an effort to avoid cutting staff or programs, Park Hill will look for ways to save money and bring in a little more revenue."

Vol. 8, Episode 31 is now in racks!

This week's top stories:

Feds Bust Local Gambling Ring
Park Hill Trojans Win State Title
Park Hill Considering Tax Hike

Commentary:
Bill Grigsby Gets Tough on Teaching
Steve Youngblood Loves Him Some Newspapers
Mark Vasto Takes on the Downtown Instigators

All that plus your crossword, suduko and more...

Tornado Sirens in Parkville / Platte County

No need for alarm, folks...the sirens are part of an annual safety check. Plans were to conduct the tests on Tuesday but due to a small risk of mini-supercellular tornadoes Tuesday afternoon, the state-wide tornado drills for both Kansas and Missouri had been postponed until today.

From the Publisher: The Hutsler Gang's Anonymous Mailer

Several people in Parkville -- mostly public officials and Luminary advertisers -- received an anonymous mailer from a fictitious group begging people not to read, advertise or circulate The Luminary. The mailing alleged that a Platte County court called me a "stalker, abuser and bully." It also features an arrest report taken by Parkville police (I was arrested with Tom Hutsler when I confronted him about stealing newspapers), complete with my home address, social security and driver's license number.

Here's the real story:

Vol. 8, Episode 30 is now in racks!

Top Stories:
Parkville comes to its census
Two new candidates emerge for Commish, Rep seats
Saturation patrols promised

Columns:
A very special "From the Publisher"
A conservative rant
Steve Youngblood takes on Forbes
Dr. Roht talks healthcare
Grigsby is bummed the mike is turned off

All that and the usual goodness you expect to find each week in your local newspaper.