City conveys MoDOT building to the school

During their regular meeting Thursday night, the Willow Springs Board of Aldermen unanimously passed the 2022 Tax Rate Levy at the same rate as last year: $0.5122 on every $100 of assessed valuation. Though this rate is the same, the assessed valuation for property taxes is higher, so the City expects to generate higher revenues at this rate. City Administrator Beverly Hicks estimated the higher valuation will result in an additional two to three thousand dollars in revenue. 

The Aldermen also unanimously passed the tax levy to support the Willow Springs Public Library at 17 cents on every $100. The tax revenue is passed directly through to the library every month. 

During this meeting, the Alderman voted to convey for the sum of $1 the south building on the former MoDOT complex. The city came into ownership of the complex earlier this year and has given the south building to the school district to facilitate the school's Career and Tech Education and athletic programs. The City is retaining ownership of the north building.

"This is something that is really going to be beneficial for the city," City Administrator Beverly Hicks commented. 

A business, Children's Behavioral Services, is currently operating in the south building. Hicks confirmed the school will honor the terms of the business's current lease, which expires in May 2023. 

Hicks indicated the business is outgrowing their current space and is in talks with the City to accommodate them in another suitable space. 

Citing a 30% increase in certain expenditures, Hicks presented budget amendments to the Board. The new budget increases expenses by a little more than $250,000, but also accounts for an estimated $260,000 increase in revenues. 

"We have the ability to make adjustments to particular line items instead of cutting budget items," reads a letter from Hicks to the Board. 

The total increase is from $6.3 million to $6.6 million. 

Notable changes include:

-Fuel/diesel budget increase: $26,400

-Insurance increase: $40,000

-Energy/utilities increase: $124,000

-Revenue increase from sales/use taxes: $260,000

In other actions:

-The September meeting has been rescheduled to September 22 at 5:30 p.m.

-The aldermen approved street closures for the Bear City Festival.

-The aldermen passed an ordinance governing conflicts of interest for city officials. This is a routine ordinance already on the books that must be passed every two years.