Joplin proposes $170.8 million budget amid long-term deficit warnings

The city of Joplin has proposed a $170.8 million budget that prioritizes public safety and street repairs. The plan includes $51.4 million for capital spending, though this represents a 21% decrease as federal pandemic relief funds diminish.

While the proposal allocates $4 million for street overlays and nearly $14.7 million for wastewater and sewer improvements, long-term fiscal projections raise concerns. Finance Director Leslie Haase noted that while the city expects to end 2027 with approximately $15.3 million in its general fund, a five-year forecast suggests the fund could fall into negative territory in 2028 and 2029.

Revenue for the budget is expected to be driven by sales and use taxes, with sales tax projected to grow by 2% and use tax by 3%. The current proposal does not yet account for a full year of revenue from newly approved police and fire sales taxes, which could add roughly $8.6 million to the budget.