Property acquisition and downtown renovations take center stage at this week's Independence City Commission meeting.

 

At the very end of Thursday's meeting commissioners voted on the purchase of a plot of land by the City. Mayor Dean Hayse makes the motion.

 

The commission also approved the establishment of a Reinvestment Housing Investment District and also agreed to the issuance of industrial revenue bonds with the provision of a tax abatement for the Professional Building in downtown Independence. Finance and Bond Attorney Mitch Walter with Gilmore & Bell says the bonds will help finance the planned renovations to turn the historic building into apartments.

 

Commissioner Scott Smith says the plan with help extend the life of the Independence landmark.

 

In other business, commissioners heard a report from Ginger Hill with Four County Mental Health on substance abuse and the use of funding from the City's alcohol tax.