Council approves budget for upcoming year

It was a short, yet important meeting as the Moberly City Council passed the final form of the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.

The past year saw a number of changes in Moberly, especially the work done on the Municipal Auditorium and the construction of the Lodge in Rothwell Park, thanks to the half-cent sales tax approved by voters, an overhaul of the heating and air system at City Hall and the ongoing storm water separation projects around town.

The coming year does not have projects of this magnitude. According to Greg Hodge, finance director, the projects included in the new budget include projects such as cleaning and repairing the raw water mains leading from Sugar Creek Lake to the water plant, the development of the stormwater fee program and the installation of the Urbandale Drive and South Williams bike/walking trails.

Hodge said the projected budget amount is $22,385,000.

“The 2010-2011 budget is approximately $3 million larger than 2009-2010,” said Hodge. “The primary causes of this increase are the final portion of stormwater separation project funds ($1.7 million) authorized by the voters in 2003, federal government stimulus funds ($743,000), and continuation of airport improvements through federal grant funds ($1 million). Generally speaking, most operational departments have seen reduced budgets this year. General Fund reduced $400,000, Parks and Recreation reduced $200,000, and Public Utilities (water and sewer) reduced $200,000. We are anticipating continued reduced revenues but are beginning to see signs of increased activity. Hopefully this is the recovery of our local economy starting to happen.”

The city council voted Monday to raise water and sewer rates 3 percent effective July 1.

“This covers the 2.7 percent increase in the CPI last year,” said Hodge, “which affects the cost of supplies and materials necessary to operate and maintain the water and sewer systems. Analysis of the stormwater fee structure is ongoing and will most likely be implemented during fiscal year 2010-2011. These fees are in response to the Clean Water Act passed in the 1970’s, which the EPA is now beginning to enforce.”

A number of housekeeping ordinances were passed. Bids were accepted for the sale of surplus property which the city owns. While the properties did not bring in a large amount of money, they now below to citizens who will be responsible for their upkeep, said Tom Sanders, director of community development.

An ordinance was passed to extend the existing service contracts between the city and the following entities: Moberly Area Council on the Arts; Main Street Moberly; the Senior American Multipurpose Center and the Moberly Area Chamber of Commerce for the same respective compensations as set forth in each service contract.

An ordinance was passed to re-establish the number of directors on the Moberly Industrial Development Board and its terms of office.

A new ordinance was passed to establish rates for water and sewerage rental furnished by the City of Moberly to water customers and establish the amount of other related charges and fees.

In clarifying a portion of Moberly’s zoning ordinance, the council amended a section that would limit establishing any businesses, tavern, restaurant or club from serving alcoholic beverages within 500 feet of a property used as a public park, church or school.

Four terms have expired on the Moberly Planning and Zoning Commission. Only two persons previously holding a position on the board have expressed an interest in being re-appointed. The council approved re-appointing Sam Tadrus and Kevin Hall to the board and will seek other applicants to fill the remaining two seats.

The council approved the re-appointments of Rodney Loesch and Greg Wilson to the Airport Advisory Board.

In consideration of the July 4 holiday, the next regular meeting of the Moberly City Council will be Wednesday, July 7, at City Hall.