City of Joplin proposes smaller budget while planning major trolley expansion

Joplin’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget is expected to shrink as federal pandemic-era funding runs out, but city leaders are still considering a major expansion of the city’s trolley system.

The proposed budget totals just over $170 million, down nearly 8% from the current year.

Finance Director Leslie Haase said the decline is largely driven by a 44% drop in grant revenue as American Rescue Plan Act projects and other federally funded work wrap up.

Capital spending is also expected to fall more than 21%.

Despite the lower overall budget, the city is projecting modest growth in local tax collections. Sales tax revenue is expected to rise 2%, use tax revenue 3%, and recreational marijuana tax revenue 5%.

Haase warned the city’s operating revenue has flattened while expenses continue to rise.

“Our biggest concern for the future always is whether our revenue growth will keep pace with our expenditures,” Haase said. “We’re sales tax-driven, and it’s very dependent on the economy.”

The budget also includes a proposed overhaul of Joplin’s Sunshine Lamp Trolley system.

Transportation Coordinator Gina Thompson presented five redesigned routes that would increase the number of trolley stops from 60 to more than 120. The system currently operates three fixed routes.

The proposal comes as trolley ridership continues to climb. Thompson said the system has recorded more than 70,000 rides since service relaunched about a year and a half ago, including an increase of roughly 20,000 riders this year.

“Our system is struggling — for the citizens, for our drivers,” Thompson said. “We need to be able to respond to what our citizens need.”

The redesigned routes would provide connections to destinations including Missouri Southern State University, Kansas City University, Freeman West, Mercy Hospital, Crowder College, the Social Security office and Joplin’s industrial parks.

“I’ve had drivers leave because of red route,” Thompson told the council. “We knew we had to do something. We were really straining all of the drivers.”

Council members also asked staff to explore adding part-time drivers and seeking Medicaid reimbursement for eligible MAPS transportation. Thompson acknowledged drivers are already working overtime as supervisors fill open shifts.

The City Council gave staff informal approval to begin the required public and federal review process. If approved, the new trolley routes could launch in late spring 2027.

A public hearing on the proposed budget is scheduled for Aug. 24.