ORDINANCE NO. 260444
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Sponsor: Councilmember Nathan Willett
Directing the City Manager to display commemorative 30 by 60 foot “America 250” Betsy Ross Flags from City Hall in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America; reducing appropriations in the amount of $15,000.000 from the General Fund (1000) ; appropriating $15,000.00 from the Unappropriated Fund Balance of the General Fund for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of such flags; and recognizing this ordinance as having an accelerated effective date.
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WHEREAS, the year 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, a historic milestone commemorating the nation’s independence, democratic ideals, and enduring commitment to liberty and justice; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kansas City recognizes the importance of celebrating this semiquincentennial anniversary in a manner that reflects civic pride, patriotism, and respect for the nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, the Betsy Ross flag, featuring thirteen stars arranged in a circle, is a widely recognized historic symbol representing the original thirteen colonies and the birth of the United States; and
WHEREAS, President Harry S. Truman, a native Missourian and the 33rd President of the United States, exemplified leadership, public service, and dedication to the nation, and his birthday month provides a meaningful time to begin this commemoration; and
WHEREAS, displaying large commemorative “America 250” Betsy Ross flags from City Hall will serve as a visible and unifying tribute for residents and visitors during this significant national celebration; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That the City Manager is hereby directed to arrange, including the purchase and installation, for the display of two (2) 30-foot by 60-foot “America 250” Betsy Ross flags from City Hall, with one flag being displayed on the north side of City Hall and one (1) flag being displayed on the south side of City Hall.
Section 2. That the City Manager is directed to ensure the flags shall be prominently displayed beginning in May, in observance of President Harry S. Truman’s birthday month, and shall remain in place through July 31, 2026, unless removal is required for safety, maintenance, or weather-related concerns.
Section 3. That the City Manager shall ensure that the installation and display of the flags comply with all applicable safety standards, building requirements, and flag display protocols.
Section 4. That the appropriation of $15,000.00 in the following account of the General Fund, Fund No. 1000, is reduced by the following amount:
27-1000-101500-610300 Prf Svs $15,000.00
Section 5. That the sum of $15,000.00 is hereby appropriated from the Unappropriated Fund Balance of the General Fund to the following account:
27-1000-101500-613300 Signage $15,000.00
Section 6. That City staff are encouraged to coordinate with relevant departments and community partners to promote public awareness of the United States semiquincentennial and the significance of this display.
Section 7. That this ordinance, appropriating money, is recognized as an ordinance with an accelerated effective date as provided by Section 503(a)(3)(C) of the City Charter and shall take effect in accordance with Section 503 of the City Charter.
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I hereby certify that there is a balance, otherwise unencumbered, to the credit of the appropriation to which the foregoing expenditure is to be charged, and a cash balance, otherwise unencumbered, in the treasury, to the credit of the fund from which payment is to be made, each sufficient to meet the obligation hereby incurred.
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Brenton Siverly
Director of Finance
Approved as to form:
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Katherine Chandler
Senior Associate City Attorney