Three area city councils held meetings Thursday evening, with the Laredo council approving a temporary budget, while the Spickard council discussed a situation with dogs running loose in the city. The Princeton council approved an agreement with an advertising company to rent space on city land.
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Laredo
Laredo City Clerk Phillip Shepherd said the council approved a temporary budget that shows anticipated revenues of $139,990 and anticipated expenditures of $124,710, leaving a surplus of $15,280. Shepherd said this budget will be in force only until April, when the city will begin paying for the water tower project. At that point, a new budget will be created, likely resulting in a deficit.
Shepherd said the council discussed past-due taxes and agreed that letters will be sent to those with delinquent taxes, some who owe taxes from as far back as 2001. Those receiving the letters will have until August to pay the back taxes or have their properties sold.
In other business, stray dogs were discussed, as well as the city-wide cleanup, set for Tuesday, Jan. 30. Large appliances will be picked up that day, but stickers need to be purchased at city hall prior to the cleanup. The cost of the stickers is $5 for items not containing freon, while stickers for items with freon are $20.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31.
Spickard
City Clerk DeAnn Olson said two persons were present to complain about dogs running loose on their property and bothering children on their way to school. The patrons were told to file a complaint and letters will be sent to the dog owners. If nothing is done to alleviate the problem, the issue will be turned over to the city attorney.
The council approved the maintenance agreement with the Spickard Special Road District for another year and renewed the contract with John Young as city attorney.
The council agreed to allow the Spickard R-2 School District to use the Wise Community Center if needed for classroom space until the structural problems at the school are remedied.
Mrs. Olson, who is retiring, said eight persons have applied for the city clerk-treasurer-collector position. Five have already been interviewed and no date has been set to select a candidate.
The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 6.
Princeton
Assistant City Clerk Jamie Powers said the council approved an agreement with Eagle Advertising to lease property on the south side of Highway 136, near where the water treatment plant is located. The firm will place a 12-foot tall, 24-foot wide sign on the property and rent it. The sign will be five feet off the ground. Eagle Advertising will pay the city $500 per month. All council members were in agreement, however Russell Trainer abstained from voting because he had not been present at an earlier discussion of the issue.
In other business, Gary Weber of Missouri Rural Water Association was present to discuss a well protection well and council members were reminded that Jan. 16 is the last day to file for office for the April election. Gerald Holman and Kurt Meighen have filed from the north ward, with Chad Snapp filing from the south ward. Meighen is currently filling an unexpired term and Snapp is an incumbent.
The council is scheduled to meet again Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.