Independence Voters Weigh $19.9 Million Bond to Restore Five City-Owned Historic Sites

Property taxes are rarely a popular subject in Jackson County, but Independence is asking residents to consider paying more to protect some of the city's best-known historic landmarks. General Obligation Bond Question No. 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot proposes a $19.9 million, 20-year bond to fund repairs at five city-owned sites.

The properties are the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the Vaile Mansion, the Truman Memorial Building, the 1827 Log Courthouse and Old Fire Station No. 1.

Brent Schondelmeyer, who works with the Campaign for Independence, Missouri's Campaign for the Historic Sites, said the landmarks set the city apart from nearby communities. "Not to disparage them, but you won't find this in Blue Springs; you won't find this in Lee Summit," he said, adding that the sites make Independence special.

The largest share would go to the Bingham-Waggoner Mansion, which would receive more than $6.6 million for interior and exterior work and for restoring outbuildings on the grounds. Mark Mangels, vice president of the Bingham-Waggoner Historical Society, said the job is not a simple patch-up. It will require people who know history and architecture, he said, "experts to be able to come in and restore it properly."

The Vaile Mansion would receive nearly $4 million for meticulous exterior renovations. The Truman Memorial Building would be allotted $1,012,620, and Old Fire Station No. 1, which currently serves as a National Park Service visitors center, would get $985,180. The 1827 Log Courthouse would receive $749,910 for repairs.

The Independence Chamber of Commerce devoted its monthly luncheon on Wednesday to the ballot question. Resident Veronica Hightower, who attended, said she had not known the measure was on the ballot but found the presentation excellent and plans to vote yes. Hightower works at a memory care facility, and said many of her residents have compromised short-term memory but vividly recall the history of downtown Independence during rides and trivia sessions. Those details, she said, matter to their story.

Tim Tillapaugh, who owns a Kansas City-based auto hail repair business, also attended and said understanding history is important for current and future generations.

If voters approve the bonds, Independence residents would receive free admission to all five sites, including the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, until the bonds are retired.

The measure needs a 4/7ths majority, or 57.14 percent, to pass. Voters do not have to wait until Nov. 3, as early no-excuse voting began Oct. 20. Schondelmeyer described the vote as a chance for the community to show gratitude for what the city has and owns.