Budget, flights and future priorities top Joplin mayor’s latest update
What do you think?
JOPLIN, Mo. — Joplin Mayor Rob O’Brian says city leaders are preparing to revisit community priorities as the City Council begins work on a proposed $170.8 million budget and considers possible changes to commercial air service.
O’Brian discussed the issues Monday on KZRG after returning from the Missouri Municipal League’s annual conference at the Lake of the Ozarks.
O’Brian told Newstalk KZRG that one of his biggest takeaways was how other cities are using technology to gather more feedback from residents.
He said City Manager Nick Edwards has discussed conducting another broad community survey similar to one used several years ago to help establish Joplin’s current priorities.
O’Brian added that a new round of public input could help establish goals for the city over the next four or five years.
The City Council is also preparing for budget work sessions Tuesday and Wednesday.
The proposed fiscal year 2027 budget calls for nearly $170.8 million in expenditures. O’Brian said roughly half of city funding comes from various sales taxes.
He said some of the city’s largest expenses include capital projects involving streets, parks and airport improvements. Police and fire are also among the city’s largest personnel costs.
Council members will review spending department by department and consider changes before a final budget is adopted. The sessions are open to the public.
City leaders are also preparing to discuss possible changes at Joplin Regional Airport, where SkyWest currently provides United Airlines service to Chicago and Denver.
Construction and federal restrictions at Chicago O’Hare are creating less favorable schedules for smaller markets, and beginning Dec. 1, Joplin’s Chicago flight is scheduled to leave at 5 a.m.
SkyWest and the city’s airport consultant have recommended replacing Chicago service with flights to Houston. O’Brian said the Houston option could allow for a departure closer to 7:30 a.m. and a return flight around midday, giving local travelers a more convenient schedule.
The possible change comes as Joplin’s federally subsidized Essential Air Service contract is also scheduled to be rebid.
O’Brian said SkyWest and United flights from Joplin have been averaging more than 80% full, and flights between Joplin and Denver are not expected to change.
