News Releases

The City of Independence announced it was beginning an internal audit of the utility bills addressing citizen concerns on July 20. Citizens should know this process is ongoing and the City is now working with the Management Analyst as an internal but independent auditor to review ongoing concerns related to increased utility bill amounts.

Assistant City Manager Lauren Palmer has announced she will be leaving the City of Independence to accept a position with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) directing their local government programs.

The Westport Historical Society and R. Crosby Kemper III have announced that the recipient of the 2018 R. Crosby Kemper III Award for Achievement in Historic Preservation is the National Frontier Trails Museum.

On Monday, July 23, Councilmember Curt Dougherty provided an update regarding the Pioneer Spring Cabin, its condition and proposals related to the future of the building. As part of this update, Councilmember Dougherty announced the cabin will be open to the public July 24-August 12, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Sunday.

On Monday, July 16, the Independence City Council approved changes to the City Code amending Chapter 4 to require low voltage electric permits.

Staff will be conducting an audit of recent utility bills to verify accuracy.

A column by Mayor Eileen Weir which originally ran in the Kansas City Business Journal on July 12, 2018.

City of Independence Mayor Eileen Weir announced today she has appointed a three-member Council committee to receive citizen comments regarding the Pioneer Spring Cabin.

City of Independence Mayor Eileen Weir announced today a new workforce development initiative, Independence Works 2025. With the Independence Metro Center around her, Mayor Weir shared one component of this effort includes free WiFi access for Indebus riders.

Due to the extension of the Excessive Heat Warning from the Nation Weather Service, the Roger T. Sermon Community Center, 201 N. Dodgion St., will be available as a cooling center through Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory with a predicted heat index between 100 and 105 degrees in the afternoon today, June 26, and between 105 and 110 through Friday, June 29.

The Palmer Center at 218A N. Pleasant St. in Independence, MO is operated by the City of Independence and is dedicated to the mission of improving the overall health of adults 60+. For more information call (816) 325-6200 or visit the website www.independencemo.org/parksandrec.

Independence Power and Light Department Deputy Director Andrew Boatright has announced his resignation to pursue other opportunities, effective June 29.

As announced in February, the City of Independence has reorganized the Health Department and as of 4 p.m. today has closed the building located at 515 S. Liberty Street. The transition of functions and staff to other departments and agencies is now complete.

Many residents in northern Independence have recognized the problems heavy rains bring to their area. Over the last few years, flooding has regularly occurred along 24 Highway, causing thousands of dollars of damage. City leaders are working toward a potential resolution of the problem.

Visitors to the Independence City Hall will notice changes taking place beginning June 11.

The City of Independence is asking for the continued patience of its utility customers as staff works through the rollout of the updated billing system.

Please see the following statement from the City of Independence regarding utility bills.

The Independence City Council approved a new Contract of Services between the City and the Independence Chamber of Commerce on Monday night.

City of Independence Utility Customers will see a new utility bill and envelope in the mail beginning the week of May 21.

The City of Independence Municipal Court will be closed Tuesday, May 15, through Monday, May 21, to install and train on new software while shutting down software that is more than forty years old. In addition, court has been cancelled May 14-May 21.

In an effort to improve transit operations, enhance rider safety, and maintain quality economic development projects, Independence Mayor Eileen Weir and Independence 4th District Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tempore Tom Van Camp brought together representatives from local law enforcement agencies and the Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) to review the current status of the transit center at the intersection of Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 40 and Blue Ridge, commonly referred to as Blue Ridge Crossing.

Effective May 14, 2018, health permitting services will relocate to Independence City Hall (111 E. Maple Ave.).

The Palmer Center at 218A N. Pleasant St. in Independence, MO is operated by the City of Independence and is dedicated to the mission of improving the overall health of adults 60+. For more information call (816) 325-6200 or visit the website www.independencemo.org/parksandrec.

The City of Independence will no longer provide vital records (birth and death certificates) services effective May 1, 2018. City of Independence residents may request vital records from Jackson County Health Department.

The City of Independence City Council tonight swore in Mayor Eileen Weir for her second term as Mayor. Mayor Weir, first elected in 2014, is the second female to serve in the City’s history.