Projects

2026 Drainage Improvements

This project includes lining and/or upsizing aging storm sewer pipe.

Schedule: Construction in 2026
Budget: $1,640,000

2026 Street Improvements

This project includes a full depth pavement reconstruction; replacement of curb/gutter/sidewalks, and ADA ramps as necessary; and lining and/or upsizing aging stormwater pipe. WaterOne is also replacing an aging water main beginning in Nov. 2025 prior to street reconstruction. Streets in the Milburn West and Quail Creek subdivisions include W. 69th St., W. 69th Terr., W. 70th St., W. 70th Terr., Kessler St., Grandview Dr. Eby Ave. Benson St., and Slater St. 

Schedule: Construction in 2026
Budget: $1,500,000

49th Street (Switzer to Antioch)

This project includes a 2-inch mill and overlay; replacement of curb/gutter/sidewalks, and ADA ramps; lining and/or upsizing aging stormwater pipe; and pavement markings.

Schedule: Construction underway. 
Budget: $3,245,000

75th Street Bridge Repair

This project includes pier 2 rehabilitation and preventative maintenance repairs on the 75th St. bridge. This project is being administered by the City of Overland Park.

Schedule: Construction in 2026
Budget: $1,100,000

Carter Ave. Improvements

This project includes a 2-inch mill and overlay; replacement of curb/gutter and ADA ramps as necessary; lining and/or upsizing aging stormwater pipe; new sidewalks; streetlights; and pavement markings.

Schedule: Construction in 2026
Budget: $2,240,000

City Hall Interior Improvements

This project includes interior improvements to the first floor of City Hall, including a lobby waiting area, carpet, signage, desk modifications, and other miscellaneous upgrades.

Schedule: Construction in 2026
Budget: $700,000

Merriam Drive - 55th to Antioch

This project includes a 2-inch mill and overlay; reducing the pavement width to a 3-lane section; replacement of curb/gutter/sidewalks, and ADA ramps; lining and/or upsizing aging stormwater pipe; a 10' shared use path; streetlights; and pavement markings.

Schedule: Construction in 2027
Budget: $6,100,000

West Vernon Improvements

This project includes a 2-inch mill and overlay; replacement of curb/gutter, and ADA ramps; new stormwater pipe and BMP structure; and potentially new sidewalks (based on resident survey).

Schedule: Construction in 2027
Budget: $4,450,000

The development process of the Capital Improvement Program involves input from various groups within the City. Following suggestions/requests from residents, staff identify and rank the project based on criteria including:

• Safety concerns
• Property value/loss of property
• Availability of outside funding sources
• Community-wide benefit

After review and consideration, staff recommend appropriate projects to City Council along with project impact and approximate cost of improvement. Council reviews the capital improvement program each spring as part of the City’s budget process and provides guidance on priorities.

Merriam’s share of the program costs is financed chiefly from sales tax collections. City Council Policy No. 116 permits the use of up to one-half of the City’s 1.0% sales tax for the Capital Improvement Program. Additionally, Merriam voters extended a special 0.25% City sales tax dedicated to stormwater drainage and street improvements to be collected from January 2021 through December 2030. This tax provides funding to complete the street reconstruction program as well as drainage improvement projects identified in the Northeast Johnson County Watershed Study.

In September 2017, Merriam voters approved the issuance of $24 million in bonds and implementation of a special 0.25% City sales tax to pay for a recreational facility at Vavra Park. This sales tax will be collected from January 2018 through December 2027.

City Council has further directed that the City’s share of the Johnson County “courthouse” sales tax (effective April 2017 through March 2027) be used to support the Capital Improvement Program.

Many projects can be undertaken only with the assistance of outside funds including:

• CARS - County Assisted Road System (Johnson County)
• SMAC - Stormwater Management Advisory Council (Johnson County)
• KDOT - Kansas Department of Transportation (State)
• CDBG - Community Development Block Grant (Federal)

City Council is the decision-making body of the City and approves all project budgets. The budget is prioritized and authorized by the Council each year. Once a project is part of the five-year Capital Improvement Program, Council approves various milestones during the project, including:

• Selection of engineer or architect
• Review of concept studies and designs
• Approving designs and concurrence to bid
• Acceptance of construction bid
• Approval of change orders during construction
• Acceptance of certificate of completion