Kahoka Council Approves Tax Rates, Water Tower Repairs; Seeks East Ward Alderman

PROTECTED CONTENT

If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.

Username

Password

Login

Lost your password?

Username and Password Help

Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.

Email

Submit

← Back

Kahoka Council Approves Tax Rates, Water Tower Repairs; Seeks East Ward Alderman

KAHOKA, Mo. — The Kahoka City Council met Monday, Aug. 11, for its regular August meeting, with one seat vacant following the resignation of East Ward Alderman Carl Hayden, who recently moved to Revere.

Mayor Tony Anderson will appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Hayden’s term, which runs through the April 2026 election. Anderson said nine residents have contacted him about the vacancy. East Ward residents interested in the position should contact the mayor as soon as possible.

During its annual tax rate hearing, the council approved the following levies per $100 of assessed valuation:

·       General revenue: $0.8041

·       Parks: $0.1500

·       Library: $0.2400

The total levy is $1.1941.

The board also approved two bids totaling $255,000 from Pittsburg Tank and Tower for critical repairs to the city’s two water towers. The work will include bead blasting and applying an epoxy coating to the interior surfaces.

In other business, Anderson announced several personnel and committee appointments:

·       City attorney: Brett Bozarth

·       Fire chief: Mick Wood

·       Chief of police: Mike Newbold

·       City collector: Lori Hogan

·       City treasurer: Kelly Logsdon

·       Sexton: John Hume

·       Emergency manager: Tanner Harrison

Committee assignments include:

·       Farm, Lagoon and Irrigation: Jerry Malone

·       Water and Sewer: Malone and Les Billings

·       Street: Malone and Billings

·       Fire: Malone and Larry Young

·       Police: Malone and Billings

·       Pool: Young and Billings

·       Electric: Billings and the new alderman

·       Parks: Young and Billings

·       Cemetery: Young

·       Airport: Young and the new alderman

The board appointed Sandie Hopp as city clerk. Anderson also appointed Rhonda York to the Sever Library Board.

Alderman Les Billings presented a report from Street Department Head Ethan Horton, who said the new city building is nearly complete, with doors being installed. Billings recommended propane heaters for efficiency and seasonal use. Horton also asked the council to begin prioritizing street repairs, with Anderson identifying Walnut Street as the top priority.

Other street department updates included plans to seek bids for hot mix asphalt near the Farmers Market and for a box spreader and blade for the small dump truck. The department is also considering selling the large spreader in favor of smaller ones for other trucks to improve snow removal.

Alderman Jerry Malone raised concerns about inconsistent signage at the intersection of North Walnut and East Chestnut streets. The council voted to draft an ordinance requiring stop signs on both sides, which will be considered at the next meeting.

Fire Chief Wood reported that fire truck pumps will be tested in the coming weeks. Police Chief Newbold urged the council to review the city’s animal-at-large ordinance, citing 14 calls to the same address this year, including five this month. He suggested adding an administrative fee before owners can reclaim their animals.

John Williams reported on a recent power outage caused by a failed recloser. The city has bypassed the equipment but faces an estimated $25,000 replacement cost, plus an additional $10,000 in substation repairs. Delivery could take up to six months.

Billings also reported another damaged sidewalk in the park, likely caused by heat-related heaving.

Clark County Media Publisher Mike Scott asked if the sidewalk project had been formally accepted. Billings said the final inspection has not yet taken place. Scott also asked if more rock could be added to the street, and was told the city is seeking an asphalt bid for that section.

Scott further inquired about mosquito spraying. Several aldermen were unaware that spraying had not been taking place. The council said it will take steps to resume the program.