THE WARRENSBURG LEGEND
IN THIS ISSUE
OCTOBER 2024 | ISSUE THREE
3
WCVB COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM A NOTE FROM THE CITY
4
RESPONSIBLE YARD WASTE MANAGEMENT
5
RECENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
6
NEW APPROACH TO CODE ENFORCEMENT
BUSINESS & LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALS
SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSING PROGRAM
7
RESIDENT’S GUIDE TO PROPERTY TAXES
9 PROMOTING TRAFFIC SAFETY
10 ENHANCING NETWORK SECURITY
11 FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY POINTERS
CONTACT US
City Hall
CityAdministration,HumanResources,utility collections,businessandpetlicensing
8a.m.to5p.m.Monday-Friday
660.747.9131
102S.HoldenSt.
Police Department
Crime prevention and incident response, police reports, traffic safety, school resource officers
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
660.747.9133 (non-emergency)
102-B S. Holden St.
Fire Department
Fire prevention and incident response, fire extinguisher training, fire inspections
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
660.747.9136 (non-emergency)
102 S. Holden St.
Parks & Recreation
Programs and classes, events, park maintenance, facility and shelter rental, pools
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
660.747.7178
445 E. Gay St.
Community Development
Buildingpermits,nuisanceviolations,new development,planning,zoning
8a.m.to5p.m.Monday-Friday
660.747.9135
102S.HoldenSt.
Public Works
Street maintenance, snow and ice removal, stormwater drainage, traffic management, sanitary sewer
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday
660.747.9135 (non-emergency)
102 S. Holden St.
Municipal Court
Pay a ticket, court record search, victims’ rights
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday
660.747.9132 (non-emergency)
102-B S. Holden St.
On the cover: University of Central Missouri broke the world record for the largest parade of mules during its 150th anniversary and homecoming celebrations Table of contents: The Warrensburg High School Marching Band drumline Above: The International Student Organization
Want more information about what’s going on in the city? Follow us on Facebook @cityofwarrensburggovernment
The Warrensburg Legend is published three times a year by the City of Warrensburg Please send questions or comments to communications@warrrensburg-mo com
Warrensburg Convention and Visitor Community Support Program
Are you part of a nonprofit hosting a new event in the Warrensburg area that will utilize the services of the Warrensburg hotels? The WCVB offers a community support program (grants/sponsorships) funded by the lodging tax paid by those staying in Warrensburg hotels.
The WCVB has awarded almost $60,000 in eight years to area nonprofits including: Johnson County Cancer Foundation, Johnson County Historical Society, UCM Alumni and Foundation, Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, Warrensburg Main Street, and the Whitworth Go Big or Go Home Foundation.
The 2024-2025 program will open in September 2024 The first application deadline is Friday, October 4, 2024 There may be additional application reviews if funding allows For more information contact Marcy Barnhart, WCVB Director, at marcy barnhart@warrensburgmo com
Warrensburg Visitors Center 205 North Holden Street 660-262-4611
VisitWarrensburg.com
Fallisagreattimetocelebrateourcommunity! Studentsarereturningtocampusandclassrooms, readytoembarkonnewadventuresandchallenges. GettheRedOut,BurgFest,andtheUCMhomecoming paradearejustaroundthecorner. Let’stakeamomenttoappreciatethebeauty ofthe seasonin our amazingtown.Welook forwardtoseeingyouatthevariouseventsand It’stimetorevelinthejoyousatmospherethat makesWarrensburgsuchaspecialplacetolive.
festivitiesthatmakesthistimeofyearso special.Here’stoafantasticfall! CityofWarrensburg
The Importance of Responsible Yard Waste Management
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the crisp autumn air fills with the scent of bonfires and pumpkin spice, we’re reminded there’s a special magic that comes with fall There's nothing quite like spending a cool fall day hiking through Culp Park or fishing in Lion’s Lake surrounded by the beauty of the season However,asweenjoythesefallmoments,it'simportant to remember the impact our actions have on the environment, especially when it comes to managing yardwaste.
Whenyardwastelikegrassclippingsorleavesendsup in creeks or lakes, it can cause serious damage. Decomposing yard waste depletes the oxygen that fish and other aquatic creatures need to survive Additionally, fertilizers or pesticides on yard waste can pollute the water, foster noxious weed overgrowth, and harmwildlife.
Yard waste in stormwater infrastructure can lead to significantproblems.Whengrassclippings,leaves,and other organic materials clog storm drains, it can cause blockages that lead to localized flooding This not only damages property but also increases maintenance costs for the city You should never put leaves, grass clippings or brush limbs down storm drains or in open storm drainage systems Keeping yard waste out of storm drains and drainage ways is essential to maintaining effective stormwater management and protectingournaturalresources
To help protect waterways, consider composting your yard waste in a bin or in a safe area away from floodprone spots or waterways You can also use grass clippings and leaves in your garden as natural fertilizer ormulch,whichbenefitsplantsandreducestheneedfor chemicals. Using a mulching mower is another smart choice, as it chops grass into tiny pieces that break down quickly and naturally nourish your lawn This keeps nutrients in your yard or garden where they belongandoutofourwatersources
RECENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
The City of Warrensburg is experiencing a steady flow of building activity and permit issuance in 2023 and the first half of 2024 Total construction value in 2023 was $18,353,000 At $12,486,300 in the first six months, construction value in 2024 is on track to meet or exceed 2023
Prairie Mental Health Clinic
Warrensburg Visitors Center
My Little Town
Mystic Mountain Compass Health
Green Truck Delicatessen
Alley Cats
311 Broad Street
Kansha Hibachi Sushi
7 Brew
A new approach to Code Enforcement
Earlierthisyear,CommunityDevelopmentwelcomedTiffany BurrandJessieStouttotheCodeEnforcementteamThe newdynamicduoistakingoverforJoeClifford,former PropertyMaintenanceInspector,andJaneHeavin,former NuisanceCodeEnforcementInspector TiffanycamefromtheSedaliaSchoolDistrict,andsheisthe newCommunityDevelopmentOfficeProfessionalSheis takingyourcalls,complaints,inquiriesandscheduling inspections.
JessieistheCodeEnforcementInspectorandishandling inspectionsfornuisances,suchastallgrassandtrash,and propertymaintenance.YouwillseeJessiedrivingaround Warrensburgmonitoringreportedissues,completing inspections,andmeetingwithcitizens.Knownforher enthusiasmandfriendlysmile,Jessiealsocontributestothe communityasayouthsoccercoachthroughParksand Recreation.
Tiffany and Jessie are dedicated and excited to serve the Warrensburg community. Please give them a big welcome.
Time to Renew Business and Liquor Licenses
Avalidbusinesslicenseisrequiredtooperateabusinesswithin thecity,andtheBusinessLicenseOfficewillbemailingrenewal reminderlettersthroughtheendoftheyear
Ifyouneedalicenseapplicationoraninspectionchecklist,you canpickoneupatCityHallorrequestthembycalling660-7479131oremailinglicenses@warrensburg-mocom
Startingin2025,theCityofWarrensburgisimplementinga licensingprogramforshort-termrentalsandbedandbreakfast inns.
Ifyou’reopeninganewbusinessorneedtorenewyourliquor licenseorshort-termrental/bedandbreakfastlicense,schedule yourinspectionbeforeJanuary1.Inspectionsheldbetween January1andFebruary28areFREE.StartinginMarch, inspectionswillcost$225each.Remember,inspectionsare scheduledonafirst-come,first-servebasis.
RESIDENT’S GUIDE TO RESIDENT’S GUIDE TO PROPERTY TAXES PROPERTY TAXES
It’s that time of year again! Johnson County property owners will soon receive their property tax statements in the mail. This guide is meant to help our neighbors understand how property tax is calculated and how your tax dollars are used to better our community
What are property taxes?
Property taxes are taxes paid on both real property (i e a house) and personal property (things such as vehicles or equipment) The value of the property along with the tax rate determine the total tax bill you pay. Tax rates are established by several different entities including school districts, libraries, and city/county governments.
What is property tax revenue used for?
Your property tax dollars go directly towards funding vital local services including public safety, parks, ambulance service, education, libraries, roads, and much more!
How to read your property tax bill
How to read your property tax bill
This section lists the assessed value by category (agricultural, residential, and commercial) for the property included in the description. Your property’s assessed value is calculated by taking the market value of the property multiplied by the assessment rate for the respective category. The market value is the price the property could be sold for The assessment rates for each category are: agricultural - 12%, commercial - 32%, and residential19%. For automobiles, the assessment rate is 33.33%. The assessed value is determined by the County Assessor.
2 Levy
The levy is the tax rate. The levy rate is used along with assessed value to calculate how much property tax you owe. For example, the City of Warrensburg’s levy rate is 1.1377.
3 District
The district is the entity levying taxes Property owners in Warrensburg pay taxes to various entities including the state, county, school district, city, library, and others. Each entity has their own levy rate that is part of the total tax levy. Below is an explanation of what each levy is for.
State: The STATE levy goes to the State of Missouri
County: The county receives tax revenue for general operations (COUNTY), for support of the Johnson County Board of Services (WKSHOP), and for the repair of county roads and bridges (RD & BR).
City: The City’s levy (CITY WR) funds parks, debt repayment, and the general fund The General Fund includes numerous departments such as police, fire, public works, community development, and other administration.
4 Tax Amount
Education: The Warrensburg R-VI levy (SCHOOL R6) primarily finances day-today operations of educational facilities in the district. The Trails Regional Library (LIBRARY) is also supported through property taxes.
Health/Medical Services: Three local taxing entities promote a healthy community in Johnson County The Western Missouri Medical Center (CO HOSP) is supported in part through property taxes, as well as operations for both Johnson County Community Health (HEALTH) and The JoCo Ambulance district (AMBL JC)
This is the amount of taxes paid to each entity based on your assessed value and the respective levy rates. The formula to calculate the tax amount is: (Assessed Value/100) x Levy Rate.
Promoting Traffic Safety: A Community Effort
Ensuring traffic safety is a collective responsibility Observing posted speed limits, wearing seat belts, and driving attentively are crucial steps in protecting ourselvesandothersontheroad
In Missouri, about 33% of all traffic fatalities involve excessive speed State and local agencies conduct speed studies to set appropriate speed limits, which, when followed, help ensure drivers reach their destinations safely WithinWarrensburg,speedlimitsareset at 25 miles per hour unless otherwise posted
Seat belts are one of the most effective safety devices in your vehicle Using them correctly on every trip significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in a crash Taking a moment to secure yourself and your loved ones greatly increases your chances of surviving an accident Seat belts, car seats, and helmets are vital in minimizing the consequences of crashes If all drivers and passengers in Missouri buckled up, anestimated235livescouldbesaved
each year. Additionally, motorcycle helmets save an average of 60 lives annually in the state. Always buckle up orwearahelmettoincreaseyoursafety
Texting and driving are extremely dangerousanddivertyourattentionfrom the road On August 28, 2023, the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law went into effect, prohibiting drivers from holding or using a cell phone This includes typing, sending, or reading text messages, recording or broadcasting video, and watching videos or movies. Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes in Missouri Remember: heads up, thumbs up, and phones down while driving
Attentive driving in work zones is crucial for the safety of both drivers and workers. Work zones are dynamic environments where unexpected changes, such as lane shifts, reduced speeds, and active construction, require heightened awareness Inattention in these areas can lead to severe accidents,injuries,andfatalities.By
staying alert, obeying posted signs, and reducingspeed,driverscansignificantly decrease the risk of accidents, ensuring that everyone, including road workers who are improving our infrastructure, remainsafe.
Missouri's Move Over law requires drivers to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle displaying red or blue lights, or another agency vehicle displaying amber lights, is stopped along the road On multi-lane highways, drivers must change lanes away from the emergency vehicle, if safe On twolane highways, or if unable to change lanes, drivers must slow down while maintainingasafespeed Violationscan resultinfinesorimprisonment
Let’s all commit to slowing down, buckling up, and staying off our phones toensureeveryone’ssafety
Enhancing Network Security
Networksecurityremainsatoppriority for the City of Warrensburg With the rise of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS), almost anyone can become an effective hacker. RaaS is a business model where ransomware tools are sold or rented to buyers, enabling individuals with little to no experience to deploy ransomware against targets This service provides attackers with multiple vectors, including compromised passwords, systems lacking multi-factor authentication, phishing emails, and maliciouswebsites
To bolster security, the City employs several strategies, including user training and testing, diversification, data reduction, and network monitoring
The first priority is training employees onawiderangeofcyberthreats
Staff are regularly tested with phishing emails, and additional training is provided if they fall for these simulated attacks.DuringCybersecurityMonthin October, daily training sessions on various topics are offered to help the team better identify malicious emails andwebsites.
The City also diversifies its primary applications by moving them to the cloud By hosting applications in different cloud repositories, the risk of a single cyberattack impacting the entire organization is reduced This strategy follows the principle of not keepingalleggsinonebasket
Personal information stored on technology systems is minimized. The goal is to retain only the essential information needed to serve citizens. Cybercriminals seek to acquire personaldatatoleverageransomsby
threatening to release it on the dark web By reducing the footprint of personal information, the risk of exposureintheeventofacyberattack islowered.
Network monitoring is another critical component of the City's security strategy It alerts technicians and allows the isolation of network resources during a cyberattack. Quick recognition of an attack is vital to minimizingdamage
Cyberattacks are a common occurrence today, and no technology system is entirely immune Educating employees, reducing risks, and early identification are key to ensuring resilienceduringanattack
Fire Prevention and Safety Pointers
October is National Fire Prevention Month! For 99 years, this commemoration has recognized the importance of fire safety education in order to keep communities fire aware. In honor of fire prevention month, your friendly neighborhood firefighters at WFD have rounded up some tips to help keep your household safe year round!
Top Fire Safety Tips
Did you know? If a fire starts in your home you may have as little as 2 minutes to escape.
During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a well practiced fire escape plan can save lives Learn what else to do to keep you and your loved ones safe!
Avoid Cooking Fire Calamities
The U S Fire Administration estimates that 170,000 cooking fires occurred throughout the U.S. in 2021, making it the leading cause of fires. Preventing cooking fires can be accomplished through simple actions you take while preparing your next meal.
1. Stand by your pan: If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
2.Watch what you’re cooking: Fires start when the heat is too high. If you see any smoke or the grease starts to boil, turn the burner off
3.Turn handles toward the back of the stove: This prevents kitchen helpers from bumping into a pan or pulling them down to see what’s cooking
4.Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby: Use it to cover the pan if it catches fire In most cases, this will put out the fire But if not, it will slow the spread of the fire so occupants can escape
5.Never attempt to carry burning liquids outside: Moving burning items from the cook top will likely cause burns and could potentially spread the fire
1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside of sleeping areas.
2. Test smoke alarms every month. Change the batteries if they are not working.
3. Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year
4 If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP! Never go back inside for anything or anyone
If you need assistance with smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, please contact the Warrensburg Fire Department at 660-747-9136.
May Your Days be Merry and Bright (and Fire Safe!)
It’s fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk for a home fire As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.
1 Inspect holiday lights each year before you put them up Throw away light strands with frayed or pinched wires.
2.Water your Christmas tree every day. A dry tree is dangerous because it can easily catch fire.
3.Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell, and feel like real candles.
4.If you do use lit candles, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked down easily.
Scan the QR code or visit the link in the image below to learn more and set up your Community Connect profile today!
Did you know? Nearly half of holiday decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source.
Additional Fire Prevention Resources
Warrensburg Community Connect
The Warrensburg Fire Department’s priority is your safety, and we are always looking for ways to improve our service Community Connect allows you to share critical information about your household with the fire crews responding to help you. The knowledge we gain will assist us when responding to an emergency at your residence.
Community Connect is a free, secure, and simple method to share information with WFD that you feel would be important for us to know during an emergency. The information you provide will help firefighters identify important locations or features, therefore saving time during an emergency
B e s t F r i e n d R o u n d
Warrensburg is home to many a legend (the inspiration for this newsletter), but the most renowned is the legend of Old Drum and his famous eulogy--A Tribute to the Dog by Senator George Graham Vest Senator Vest declared, “The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man has in this world is his dog ”
If you’d like to see your best friend featured in The Warrensburg Legend, send us a picture of your furry, scaly, feathery, slimy, prickly pet to communications@warrensburg-mo.com.