City of Independence General Obligation Bond Question 1 — historic buildings (Jackson County)

What it does

Shall the City of Independence, Missouri issue its general obligation bonds in the amount of $19,900,000 for the purpose of renovating, improving and equipping historic buildings, facilities and grounds, and for the creation of a 20-year business plan for historic buildings, with priority given to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the Vaile Mansion, the Truman Memorial Building, the Old Fire Station One, and the 1827 Log Courthouse?

A YES vote means

Independence could issue $19,900,000 in general obligation bonds to renovate and equip historic buildings and grounds and create a 20-year business plan for them, with priority to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Mansion, Truman Memorial Building, Old Fire Station One and the 1827 Log Courthouse.

A NO vote means

Independence would not issue these $19,900,000 in bonds for historic buildings.

Needed to pass

A four-sevenths supermajority (about 57%): at least 4 out of every 7 YES and NO votes must be YES, so a measure can get a majority and still fail.

Left–right lean

Not a left–right issue: a procedural or local question that liberals and conservatives don't typically split on (AI read of the official ballot summary).

The YES and NO lines are SpectrumVote's plain-language reading of the official text above; the official text is what you vote on.

Official text: source

Background

According to the City of Independence, City Council earlier adopted a resolution stating its intent to keep ownership of the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and Vaile Mansion. The resolution directed the City Manager to explore ways to address significant deferred maintenance at City-owned historic sites.

The City says current General Fund resources are not enough to fully address that deferred maintenance. It cites its 2023 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, in which 92% of respondents said preserving the City's historic sites is important.

Per the ballot question, the $19,900,000 in bonds would renovate, improve and equip historic buildings, facilities and grounds, and fund a 20-year business plan for the historic buildings, with priority given to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate.

Put on the ballot by Independence City Council.

From official source 1, official source 2.

Next elections here

• Kansas City election 2027 · June 22, 2027: Mayor and City Council
• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Jackson County ballots

• City of Blue Springs Question — local use tax
• City of Lee's Summit Question — residential solid waste collection

All Jackson County races and measures →

Quick answers

What does a YES vote on City of Independence General Obligation Bond Question 1 mean?

Independence could issue $19,900,000 in general obligation bonds to renovate and equip historic buildings and grounds and create a 20-year business plan for them, with priority to the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, Vaile Mansion, Truman Memorial Building, Old Fire Station One and the 1827 Log Courthouse.

What does a NO vote on City of Independence General Obligation Bond Question 1 mean?

Independence would not issue these $19,900,000 in bonds for historic buildings.

How many votes does City of Independence General Obligation Bond Question 1 need to pass?

A four-sevenths supermajority (about 57%): at least 4 out of every 7 YES and NO votes must be YES, so a measure can get a majority and still fail.

Should I vote yes or no on City of Independence General Obligation Bond Question 1?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Read what a YES and a NO vote each do, and the official text, then decide based on what you want to happen.

When is the vote?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.