Rock Port is currently undergoing a series of changes due to a recent tax boost. A marijuana dispensary in the towns has been raising significant funds -- likely due to interstate traffic, as the dispensary is located near the Kansas and Nebraska border. The Mayor of Rock Port, Richard Chaney said the money is a windfall for the city, and they are putting it towards housing and business development projects.
"It's allowed us to do things like pave our streets and upgrade our electrical system. We've trimmed trees we haven't trimmed in years. We're taking care of a lot of the things we needed to take care of," Chaney said.
Other potential uses for the money include financing a new Sonic Drive-In, working with the county to develop luxury apartment buildings, and addressing the city's housing shortage for other demographic groups.
Chaney is aware that Rock Port won't have this kind of money forever and plans to use it towards things that will be of use to the city for years to come.
"Instead of waiting for someone else to do it for you, you've got to do it yourself," he added. "And that's how I've thought about [these development projects]. We've got some money coming in, so let's be good stewards of that money and do things to benefit our town."
Chaney added the city is facing a critical housing shortage, which must be addressed if the city plans to grow.