KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Mayor Joe Reardon delivered his annual State of the Government address at noon Tuesday in downtown KCK.
The Unified Government of Kansas City, Kansas and Wyandotte County is in the middle of a tough budget year.
Revenue from the state is down, and employees have to take 15 furlough days during the current fiscal year.
During his speech, the mayor challenged the audience to spread a message that KCK's crime rate has dropped, and the city is safer than many people think it is.
He also pushed for passage of a three-eighth cent sales tax that is on the ballot in a special election on April 13.
Officials estimate it would raise an additional $6 million dollars in revenue for the Unified Government.
It would be a 10-year tax dedicated to public safety and neighborhood infrastructure needs.
The mayor says it will also help pay off bonds faster that helped build new development in western Wyandotte County, and help reduce utility bills.
But at a nail salon on 18th street, employee Celesta Baska, who is a lifelong KCK resident, says she pays enough taxes and she's against the proposed increase.
If it passed, the tax will go into effect in July.
