The Warrenton Board of Aldermen has approved a 2012 property tax levy of 45.41 cents per $100 assessed valuation.
That total tax rate includes 28.52 cents for the general revenue fund and 16.89 cents for parks.
The board approved the new tax levy Aug. 28 following a public hearing. No citizens addressed the issue during the hearing.
The 2012 assessed valuation for real estate and personal property is $97,703,028, a decrease of approximately $487,000.
Based on that, the new tax rate is expected to generate $452,500 in revenue.
Resignation of Parks Director Accepted
During the special meeting, the board of aldermen also accepted the resignation of Parks and Recreation Director Jenny Hoffman. Her resignation was effective Aug. 31 and Mayor Jerry Dyer said the position will be advertised.
Board Supports NECAC Program
The council also signed a letter of support for Northeast Community Action Corporation (NECAC) to apply to the Missouri Housing Development Commission for construction of 10 single-family homes in Warrenton through the Self-Help program which was recently reinstated in the 12-county area covered by NECAC.
Applicants who meet income and credit guidelines are eligible for low-interest loans through USDA Rural Development and lending institutions. Instead of making a down payment, the families spent at least 25 hours a week over six to eight months under NECAC’s construction guidance building each other’s homes.
NECAC administered Self-Help from 1998 to 2008, building 42 houses in Shelby, Monroe, Randolph and Montgomery counties.
FFA Members Learn About City Government
At the meeting held Tuesday, Sept. 4, local FFA students asked general information questions to board members. Carmen Lucas, a parent, said the students had watched a recent board meeting on YouTube and decided to learn more about the qualifications for board members and how council works.
Catch the Glow
Discussed
Mayor Dyer said he sent letters to civic organizations in Warrenton asking for feedback on the popular Catch the Glow event. He asked if any groups are interested in sponsoring the event, which is currently paid for with city funds.
Due to the recent resignation of the Parks and Recreation Department director, Mayor Dyer suggested that decisions regarding any new events be put on hold until a new director is hired.
Fair Board Given
Noise Variance
The Warren County Fair Board was granted an exception to the noise ordinance for two upcoming events-a Mud Bog this weekend to raise funds for the high school band to participate in an event at Disney World in Orlando, Fla., and the Oct. 6 demolition derby.
Parking in Post Office Area Discussed
Board members authorized Police Chief Greg Houdyshell to make a recommendation to the council at the next meeting on parking near the local post office. The mayor and other board members said they have been contacted by citizens on numerous occasions because of what they considered unsafe driving and parking conditions near the post office. Chief Houdyshell said his office has not worked an accident there, but there is limited visibility as patrons enter and exit the post office, especially if vehicles are parked in the parking spots on Main Street in front of the post office. He said he would be in favor of making this a “no parking” zone.
“I’ve seen some close calls there,” Alderman Fred Flake said.
Mayor Dyer also will contact the postmaster to discuss the post office’s use of a city-owned lot by the post office. The lot has been available to the post office and the public, but the post office has no lease with the city. Aldermen originally had planned to have the lot paved, but they felt like the postmaster should be contacted again to see if a lease arrangement could be negotiated. Aldermen agreed that the lot provides much needed space for patrons and employees to park.
Agreement Reached
With Emergency Services
Chief Houdyshell reported that Warren County Emergency Services and local law enforcement entities including the city of Warrenton had reached an agreement regarding entry and maintenance of items for the state’s reporting system, MULES. The Warren County 911 Emergency Services employees would keep the warrants and orders of protection portion of MULES and law enforcement agencies would take the property portion which would include stolen articles, guns and vehicles.
Chief Houdyshell said the compromise between agencies would allow the work to be done on a timely basis without undue hardship to any one agency. There will be no extra charge to any of the agencies for the county emergency services employees to do this.
Policy Changes Suggested
Director of Operations Terri Thorn discussed several policies and practices including a “street creep” practice. She proposed that the city approve making 6 to 12 inch cuts in driveways that butt up against city streets to prevent the concrete driveways from expanding to the street. “Street creep” occurs when a private driveway has been inadequately designed or installed and can be improved by making a soft cut in the driveway, removing the concrete and filling it with asphalt or another pliable substance to allow for expansion. As a courtesy, the city offers this service when visible damage occurs.
The board also discussed a policy regarding stormwater inspections.
Both policy changes were approved unanimously and
Economic Development Director Michelle Schlenther reported that Warren County Economic Development Corporation is working on obtaining its 501(c)(6) designation. The Warren County group also plans to do some joint marketing with the Montgomery County economic development group.
In other business, the board awarded a bid of $1,200 to KDG Fence for supplies for repairs to a gate at the athletic complex.
