Hayti aldermen approve city tax levy

HAYTI, Mo.-- Following a second public hearing on the proposed 2003 tax levy for Hayti at its meeting Monday, Sept. 22, the Board of Aldermen adopted a levy of $1.11 per $100 assessed valuation.

That is an increase of one-cent in the total levy and will mean a minuscule increase. It is the first increase in the city's levy in several years.

Aldermen approved two ordinances dealing with sewer use and user charges.

The first ordinance established rules and regulations for the operation and use of public and private sewers and drains and ditches and discharges of water and wastes into the sewer system. It also provides penalties for violation.

The second ordinance increases user charges to provide funds for the expense associated with the city's collection and treatment of waste water.

User charges will increase from a minimum of $3 to $3.60, and from $1 to $1.25 for each 1,000 gallons of water used.

Aldermen approved construction engineering agreement with Waters and Associates for its sewer improvement project.

In conjunction with that project, Mayor Ashbaugh told the board, "Joe Lane of Bootheel Regional Planning Commission will be at our next meeting to help us with the paper work for a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant."

If the city receives a grant, the money will go toward its sewer improvement project.

The board also changed the time of its October 13 meeting from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Mayor Ashbaugh asked the board to consider renewing the contract of Russ Riggs for mowing and other work on the Interstate 44 overpass. He said Reed agreed to maintain the plantings at no extra cost, except for mulching, through the summer. "I'm satisfied with his work. There were a couple of times I had to go and tell him he needed to do this or that, and he has always done it. I'd like to see us renew the contract," he said.

Alderwoman Kathy Sanders disagreed, saying, "I still would like us to wait until next year."

"I will say he does a good job mowing," Alderman Randy Tillman observed.

In the end, the board took no action.

In other business, aldermen:

* Accepted the bid of $5,000 by M&M Tree Service of Caruthersville for the trimming of trees. One other bid was received. Delta Tree Service bid $7,000.

* Were told some changes would be made in the features of the Christmas lighting display, and that following this season, the displays, which have been leased would belong to the city.

* Approved renewal of a liquor license for Randy Crawford, the Pizza Inn.

* Accepted the zoning board's recommendation on the Roger Reed Subdivision, with the board agreeing that property owners share half the cost of installing street lights. An ordinance is to be presented to the board later.

* Approved bills and payrolls of $68,311.36, which includes bills of $42,533.93 and payroll of $25,777.43.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be 6 p.m. October 13 in the Hayti City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

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