311

I was recently appointed to the 311 Oversight Committee chaired by Councilman Chuck Eddy. Our task is to oversee the relocation of the Action Center which fields all the calls from citizens regarding basic city services. Right now the number is 816-513-1313 but rolling out this summer you will be able to reach the Action Center by dialing '311'. It's a good concept and makes things easier to remember for one-stop access to City Hall. Our first meeting last week went pretty long as we discussed the alternatives for moving the Action Center out of the first floor of City Hall. The entire first floor is going to be renovated starting in April so all the departments located on that floor must move. Of the three options presented, one was the most desirable from a functionality standpoint but was also the most expensive and required moving an existing department somewhere else. The cheapest alternative was also the easiest from a logistical standpoint. I think the most exasperating statement I heard during the discussion was that one location was "only another $400,000 so cost really isn't an issue." I don't know about you, but to me $400,000 is a lot of money. There's an old saying that came to mind. Half a million here, half a million there, pretty soon you're talking real money! Is it any wonder we always have budget troubles at City Hall?