The Cabool City Council heard a report from the city administrator and adopted the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget during its September meeting.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
City Administrator Ron Scheets reported recent incidents of vandalism in local parks and mentioned that several utility line cuts have been repaired. He also noted that 14 letters were issued regarding tall grass and junk vehicles.
Scheets discussed plans for sewer infrastructure improvements near U.S. 63, the proposed YMCA building and the Stoutenborough property, explaining that the city aims to consolidate these into a single project, which will likely require boring under the highway. He added that the Twin Cities Project at Dunn’s industrial park is nearing completion, with the road finished and the sewer system close to completion.
Additionally, Scheets mentioned that a request for qualifications, required every five years for the ongoing airport grant, has been submitted. He suggested reviewing the city’s water and sewer tap fees due to rising material costs. Scheets also reported that the first union meeting is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 21, and the annual audit began Monday, Sept. 30.
He further noted that a township had inquired about relocating a brush pile to the city dump for burning, which will require permit verification. The city has received positive feedback on its fall decorations, and preliminary copies of new flood maps are available for public review at city hall.
OTHER MATTERS
- Debbie Stoutenborough, citizen, stated there are two bridges at Roberts Park that need boards replaced. Mayor Danny Cannon stated that they have been fixed.
- Alderman John Mark Hale questioned a purchase for the airport. Scheets stated it was a mini-split heating and cooling system to replace one that quit working.
- James Gray, citizen, discussed a potential formal complaint to the attorney general’s office regarding the Cabool Revitalization Group. He also discussed repairs for railroad crossings and potholes.
- A proposed ordinance on the pay rate for the elected city marshal was presented to the council for their input. It also includes clauses concerning years of service and pay for working grants. According to the city clerk, the rate increase would take effect after the April 2025 election.
- A health insurance rebate totaling $23,991.48 for 2023 was received by the city. Three employees who pay for dependent coverage will receive a portion of the rebate, according to Scheets. The rest will go toward offsetting future health care increases.
- The council approved funds set aside for the Mayor’s Youth Council to be transferred to funds for a new similar group if it is formed. The chamber director and school are collaborating on the new group.
- A first and second reading took place for an ordinance regarding power cost adjustment.
- A first and second reading occurred for an ordinance amending the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget for certain funds of the city to add certain items under capital expenditures. A first and second reading took place for an ordinance adopting the actual receipts and expenditures for fiscal year 2023-2024.
- A first and second reading to adopt a budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025 was held. When the board adopted the new budget at the end of June, it was recorded in the minutes but an ordinance was not prepared.
- Alderman Brad Roberts stated that the city needs to keep up with mowing and ditches.
- Alderwoman Kate Ellison stated she had received a complaint on multiple yards that have since been mowed. She also stated that fall decorations look good and that the BBQ Festival was a great event. She received complaints concerning trees in power lines as well.
- Alderman John Mark Hale said he had received complaints about utility bills not being readable. He also thanked the water department for its work at a football field leak and asked about the possibility of underwater training at Montgomery Lake.
The next regular meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 at Cabool City Hall.
The meeting adjourned at 6:38 p.m.
