Union Station Tax

Facing a budget deficit that could reach $70 million, and a $3 billion bill to repair sewers, Kansas City has just learned that the board of Union Station wants a 5-cent property tax increase to pay for its operation.

Union Station says the new tax, along with more private donations, would create an endowment that could fund the facility's upkeep and expand its programs.

Union Station has already burned through its original $40 million endowment. So, other than the power brokers who hatched the bi-state tax, who would trust this outfit with even more public financing?

Instead of raiding the city treasury, the Union Station board could perform a real service by admitting that the Union Station Science City concept has failed, and come up with something that can succeed without additional tax support.

It would be shameful if the City Council or voters chose subsidizing a museum over taking care of basic services and balancing the city's budget.