City council members meet to discuss tax increase and other city business. Staff photo by Amenda Alexander [Click to enlarge]

A 1/8 of 1% sales tax, which was proposed by Ellis was denied by his fellow council members following a heated discussion.

Ellis had proposed that the tax increase be placed on the ballot for the November election, however, Alderman Tracy Smith questioned that proposal.

"Is the amount of the sales tax going to just the fire and police departments," Smith asked. "If so I have a problem with that, it should be a general sales tax."

"Yes, it will go to just the Fire and Police departments," Mayor Roger Wheeler noted.

"That is not how I introduced the proposal, it is for the fire and police departments to operate," replied Ellis.

After more questions regarding how the money would be spent, Mayor Wheeler clarified it by saying, "The money, as written, can be used for anything including vehicles, equipment, personnel and salaries."

A vote was taken and the sales tax increase was not approved. At that moment, councilman Ellis gathered his things and left the meeting.

Following Ellis' departure, the regular meeting continued as planned.

During the reports of the departments, Officer Steve Cook informed the council the police department will be receiving and $800 Mini Grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Council.

The grant is for the participation in the National Campaign "You Drink You Drive You Loose, from Aug. 15 to September 1, 2008.

Officer Cook explained that without these funds the department would not be able to put extra manpower on the streets during the peak times when drivers are intoxicated.

"The Kennett Police Department, in my opinion, is working really hard to have a zero tolerance against driving while intoxicated," Cook said.

"I am going to Cape Girardeau tomorrow to receive the annual traffic grants. We will be receiving about $37,000. Most of it will be going towards the drunk driving campaigns."

"I don't think our citizens should be afraid of being hit by a drunk driver," Cook added.

Fire Chief John Mallott ask the council to approve the hiring of two new part time firefighters, Jeremy Crawford and Anthony Miller.

The council approved Mallott's request.

"The Fire Department would be part of a statewide audit. This audit will be looking at our equipment, response time and if our training hours are adequate, Mallott added in his report."

Chamber of Commerce Chairman Jan McElwrath addressed the City Council with news of an investor from Kansas City, Mo., that may possibly looking at Kennett.

No further details were provided regarding the investor.

As an item of interest, McElwrath also reminded guests and the council of an annual upcoming event.

"Don't forget the Delta Fair, it will be September 23 through 27, 2008, with the parade on the 23rd," McElwrath noted.

The next Kennett City Council meeting will be Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008.