Frequently Asked Questions about the IndeGo Bond 2025

A General Obligation (G.O.) bond is a type of municipal bond that is backed by the full faith and credit of the issuing city, in this case Independence, MO. G.O. bonds are typically the most affordable way for local governments to raise money for capital projects such as road improvements, parks and public safety facilities.

The G.O. bond is intended to fund a variety of public improvements in Independence including:

• Street and curb infrastructure
• Sidewalks
• Bridge repairs
• Public Facilities
• Athletic Complex improvements
• Historic Sights

These project categories have been identified as critical for maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in the city. 

Click on the icons on this page to learn more about the projects.

The City of Independence has identified approximately $197 million in potential public improvement projects to be funded by the G.O. Bond over the course of 20 years.

If approved, the G.O. bond will fund the following key projects:

• Street and road improvements: Resurfacing and widening of major roads such as Noland Road, Truman Road, and others to improve traffic flow and safety.
• Repair and construct sidewalks surrounding seven different elementary schools to improve safety.
• Repair several bridges that are currently closed or in need of upgrades.
• Purchase of the animal shelter building from Jackson County.
• Renovation and construction of new Justice Center to house the Independence Police Headquarters and municipal courts to meet modern safety standards.
• Upgrades to the existing Athletic Complex including concessions and outdoor lighting.
• Repairs to several historic sites such as Vaile Mansion.
   

Click on the icons on this page to learn more about the projects.

Yes. Independence voters must support G.O. Bonds by a four-sevenths (57.14%) majority on April 8th for the measure to pass.

There will be three G.O. bond questions on the April 8th ballot for citizens to vote on.  The questions group the multiple G.O. bond projects into three topics.

Question 1 focuses on Public Safety.  Click here to learn more about the Public Safety projects the G.O. bond would fund.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND QUESTION NO. 1

Shall the City of Independence, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $130,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving and equipping public safety buildings, facilities and grounds including constructing, improving and equipping a new justice center, demolishing existing law enforcement facilities housing functions that will be moved to the new justice center and preparing such sites for alternative uses, and acquiring, renovating and equipping an animal control facility?
 

Question 2 is focused on infrastructure around Independence.  Click here to learn more about the roads, bridges, and sidewalks projects the G.O. bond would fund.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND QUESTION NO. 2

Shall the City of Independence, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $55,000,000 for transportation purposes, including acquiring land and rights of way, and acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, repairing and improving streets, roads, bridges, culverts and sidewalks throughout the City?

Question 3 focuses on the City of Independence historic sites and athletic complex.  Click here to learn more about those Parks and Recreation projects the G.O. bond would fund.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND QUESTION NO. 3

Shall the City of Independence, Missouri, issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $12,000,000 for the purpose of renovating, improving and equipping parks and recreation buildings, facilities and grounds, including historic buildings and the Independence Athletic Complex?

To read the ordinance authorizing the general obligation bond vote April 8 click here, or on the document below.

Go Bond April 2025 Ord. No. 19638.pdf

According to state law, the funds from the G.O. bond can only be used for the projects outlined in the ballot questions. Additionally, if passed, the City of Independence will issue a report every year about how G.O. bond funds are spent.

G.O. bonds are re-paid through a property tax levied on property owners within the city. This tax ensures the repayment of both the principal and interest on the bond over a period of up to 20 years.

The city has a maximum repayment term of 20 years for General Obligation bonds. During this time, the city will make regular payments using revenue generated from property taxes.

If voters do not approve the G.O. bonds, the identified public improvement projects will either be delayed, scaled down, or potentially may not happen. If the City waits, the current project escalation costs are about 6 percent per year. The longer the city waits to address these needs, the more costly they will become to repair or replace.

More detailed frequently asked questions about the IndeGO Bond financing can be found here.

For more information on Public Safety, Roads, Bridges, and Sidewalks or Historic Sites and the Athletic Complex, click the icons below.