Cassville 2020 tax revenue up
January 20, 2021
Sheila Harris
Cassville Director of Finance & Economic Development Isaac Petersen reported that Cassville’s sales tax revenue was up 8.3 percent from 2019’s total of $2,270,997, an increase he attributed to more people shopping locally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there was a substantial amount of tourist traffic to Roaring River during 2020.
For 2021, Petersen prognosticates sales tax revenue to be 1.2 percent greater than 2019, presumably a more st ble year upon which to base a comparison.
The proposed budget for capital projects in 2021 totals $10,306,263, an increase from 2020’s budgeted $8,322,496. However, the amount budgeted for was not used last year, as several projects were not completed by the end of the year. Uncompleted projects - primarily water and sewer-related - were carried over into the 2021 budget. The majority of the financing for those projects is through government bonds repayable over a 30-year term.
Decisions were made by the council on the following matters:
• It was agreed upon to place an ordinance on the April 6 municipal ballot to grant Barry Electric Cooperative and its subsidiaries the right to use Cassville streets, alleys and public grounds to erect and maintain an electric distribution system, a fiber optic broadband system and other communication systems.
City Administrator Steve Walensky explained this ordinance would be an updated version of an expiring 20-year agreement.
• Council members voted to replace three of the city’s six storm sirens with an upgraded product by Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems at a total cost of $74,000.
The new sirens will be capable of radio, cellular, satellite or wireless IP activation and can be used for two-way communication if needed.
Four of the newer and stronger devices will be able to cover the same amount of area that the current six sirens are being used for, Walensky said.
• The council voted to award a contract for the demolition of the three structures on what is commonly called the “Cook property” to Seven Valleys Construction Gas Division, who submitted the sole bid of $53,333. Future possibilities for the property, which lies adjacent to the Aquatic Center parking lot on Farm Road 2182, are still being discussed, although BMX bike trails are receiving favorable attention.
• A three-year mowing contract was awarded to Yock’s Mowin’ Service for $128,580, with money to be paid in annual, gradually -increasing increments over the term of the contract.
• The council authorized Bluewater Commercial Aquatic Services, the company rehabbing the pool basin at the Aquatic Center, to install waterline tile around the pool’s edges, after it was discovered that the original contractor had not done so.
• Council approved a proposal by Walensky to extend paid sick leave – as regulated by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FCCRA) - to personnel affected by the virus.
• The council also opted to extend another five-year lease agreement to Regal Beloit (formerly FASCO) for the property on which the facility is situated. The current lease arrangement – renewable every five years – has been in place since 1974. Regal Beloit has paid the city an annual sum of $9,000 for use of its property for the past ten years.
In police matters, Cassville Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr reported service calls were up considerably in 2020 from the previous year, which presents a challenge, due to the department being down by three officers.
Cassville Director of Finance & Economic Development Isaac Petersen reported that Cassville’s sales tax revenue was up 8.3 percent from 2019’s total of $2,270,997, an increase he attributed to more people shopping locally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, there was a substantial amount of tourist traffic to Roaring River during 2020.
For 2021, Petersen prognosticates sales tax revenue to be 1.2 percent greater than 2019, presumably a more st ble year upon which to base a comparison.
The proposed budget for capital projects in 2021 totals $10,306,263, an increase from 2020’s budgeted $8,322,496. However, the amount budgeted for was not used last year, as several projects were not completed by the end of the year. Uncompleted projects - primarily water and sewer-related - were carried over into the 2021 budget. The majority of the financing for those projects is through government bonds repayable over a 30-year term.
Decisions were made by the council on the following matters:
• It was agreed upon to place an ordinance on the April 6 municipal ballot to grant Barry Electric Cooperative and its subsidiaries the right to use Cassville streets, alleys and public grounds to erect and maintain an electric distribution system, a fiber optic broadband system and other communication systems.
City Administrator Steve Walensky explained this ordinance would be an updated version of an expiring 20-year agreement.
• Council members voted to replace three of the city’s six storm sirens with an upgraded product by Federal Signal Safety and Security Systems at a total cost of $74,000.
The new sirens will be capable of radio, cellular, satellite or wireless IP activation and can be used for two-way communication if needed.
Four of the newer and stronger devices will be able to cover the same amount of area that the current six sirens are being used for, Walensky said.
• The council voted to award a contract for the demolition of the three structures on what is commonly called the “Cook property” to Seven Valleys Construction Gas Division, who submitted the sole bid of $53,333. Future possibilities for the property, which lies adjacent to the Aquatic Center parking lot on Farm Road 2182, are still being discussed, although BMX bike trails are receiving favorable attention.
• A three-year mowing contract was awarded to Yock’s Mowin’ Service for $128,580, with money to be paid in annual, gradually -increasing increments over the term of the contract.
• The council authorized Bluewater Commercial Aquatic Services, the company rehabbing the pool basin at the Aquatic Center, to install waterline tile around the pool’s edges, after it was discovered that the original contractor had not done so.
• Council approved a proposal by Walensky to extend paid sick leave – as regulated by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FCCRA) - to personnel affected by the virus.
• The council also opted to extend another five-year lease agreement to Regal Beloit (formerly FASCO) for the property on which the facility is situated. The current lease arrangement – renewable every five years – has been in place since 1974. Regal Beloit has paid the city an annual sum of $9,000 for use of its property for the past ten years.
In police matters, Cassville Police Chief Dana Kammerlohr reported service calls were up considerably in 2020 from the previous year, which presents a challenge, due to the department being down by three officers.