City rearranges funds, continues pole replacements

The Houston City Council made decisions concerning funds and utility poles during a meeting Tuesday, Sept. 3.

CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT

The city made renewal decisions on 16 of its 26 certificates of deposit (CDs). Eight CDs at The Bank of Houston were renewed for seven-month terms at interest rates of 4.65%. Five CDs at West Plains Bank were moved to Security Bank of the Ozarks for 12-month terms at interest rates of 4.75%. $200,000 of approximately $210,000 in CD funds at Progressive Ozark Bank were moved to Security Bank of the Ozarks  for the same terms. A new, $10,000 CD was opened at Progressive Ozark Bank for a 12-month, 2.5% interest rate term. The lone Security Bank of the Ozarks CD was renewed for a 12-month term. In total, the city now has the following CDs totaling approximately $2.6 million: The Bank of Houston (12), Security Bank of the Ozarks (6), Simmons Bank (5), West Plains Bank (1) and Progressive Ozark Bank (1).

UTILITY POLE REPLACEMENTS

The council approved the renewal of a utility pole replacement labor contract with BBC Electrical Services of Joplin with payment in the amount of $317,536 billable in January. This will allow the city to have the second portion of 100 pole replacements at the current rate – an estimated $31,000 savings. Lloyd Wells, city administrator, will present bids for poles and supplies at the next meeting.

OTHER MATTERS

• The city has received nine picnic tables that were ordered using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. They will replace ones at Emmett Kelly Park.
• Council members postponed making a decision on ordinances that would give definitions related to nuisance property and junk vehicles, and a corresponding ordinance dealing with declaration of and penalties for the nuisance. A first reading took place for an ordinance changing when vehicles abandoned on city streets will be removed from 72 to 48 hours.
• Mayor Viki Narancich reminded council members that a decision on 2025 electric rates will need to be made soon. The board believed a 2-3% increase was standard, and tasked Wells with doing rate comparisons with surrounding towns. The city did not increase rates in 2024.
• Members approved an amended rate schedule for commercial fiber customers effective Jan. 1, 2025. A new ordinance will be approved at a later date.
• Approval was given for portions of Mill and Pine streets to be closed downtown during the Fall Festival event Saturday, Sept. 14.
• Discussion occurred about livestock getting onto the golf course and pertinent fencing laws.
• It was determined that approximately $125,000 of ARPA funds still need to be allocated before Dec. 31.

Ward III Alderman Don Romines was absent. The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:38 p.m. The next regular meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23 at city hall.

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