Kahoka Swears In New Aldermen, Approves Equipment Purchases

By Mike Scott

KAHOKA — The Kahoka City Council swore in newly elected aldermen, approved equipment purchases and adopted the city’s annual wage ordinance during its regular meeting Monday, April 13.

Incumbent Larry Young and newcomer Ruth Brotherton, winners of the April 7 municipal election, were officially sworn into office. Brotherton is believed to be the first female alderman in Kahoka history.

The council accepted bids for new security camera systems at three city locations. M6 Security submitted the low bid of $2,415 for the ball field and street shed. NEMR was awarded the low bids for both the Wayland water plant at $1,427 and City Hall at $1,751.25.

A major equipment purchase was also approved for the city’s water system. The council voted to buy a Hydro Spin Doctor valve exerciser for $16,250. The equipment is designed to safely open and maintain water system and fire hydrant valves, reducing the risk of breaking older or stuck valves.

Council members also discussed the possible implementation of an automated meter reading system but took no action. Alderman Les Billings questioned the cost, saying he could not justify the expense. Officials said the software would cost about $24,000 annually, plus the cost of meter adapters. Current meter reading costs are estimated at about $18,000 per year.

The council approved the 2026-27 wage ordinance setting salaries and hourly wages for city officials and employees. Under the ordinance, the mayor will be paid $750 per month plus $20 for each special meeting, while aldermen will receive $350 per month plus $20 for each special meeting. The city attorney will be paid $1,650 per month and the fire chief $300 per month. The chief of police salary was set at $58,760 annually, while part-time officers will earn $18 per hour. The city clerk will receive $27 per hour plus $100 for each council meeting and KCDI meeting attended, and the city treasurer will earn $20 per hour. City street, water, sewer and electric department wages were also established in the ordinance, along with pay rates for the cemetery sexton, dog catcher, emergency manager and pool staff.

The council also approved the mayor’s appointments and committee assignments for the coming year. Mayor Tony Anderson appointed Brett Bozarth as city attorney, Mick Wood as fire chief, Mike Newbold as police chief, Lori Hogan as city collector, Kelly Logsdon as city treasurer, John Hume as sexton and Tanner Harrison as emergency manager. Sandie Hopp was appointed city clerk. Committee assignments include Jerry Malone and Ruth Brotherton on Farm, Lagoon and Irrigation; Malone and Les Billings on Water and Sewer and Street; Malone and Young on Fire; Malone and Brotherton on Police; Young and Billings on Pool, Parks and Electric; Young on Cemetery; and Young and Brotherton on Airport.

Police Chief Mike Newbold reported the department will host TASER training in June at no cost to the city.

Fire Chief Mick Wood discussed the sale of an older fire truck. After listing the vehicle online for $10,000 or best offer, the city received a $3,500 offer, which the council voted to accept.

Street Department matters also came before the council. Alderman Billings discussed the city’s new leaf vacuum, and street worker Andrew Humes said the equipment is mounted on the small truck and is working well. He noted the city may need a longer hose to reach deeper ditches. In the future, the city may be able to let residents rake leaves to the curb for collection.

The council also discussed mosquito control. Rather than spraying, the city plans to use briquets or pellets in standing water. Officials said the treatment is recommended by the EPA and will not harm bees or other wildlife, only mosquitoes.

Young also said posts near the Vine Street corner of the cemetery need to be replaced. The city will seek pricing for concrete posts.

Alderman Jerry Malone asked what the city attorney had learned about wages for summer help. Bozarth said the city is required to pay Missouri’s minimum wage of $15 per hour.

Residents attending the meeting also raised concerns about dogs running loose, junk accumulation on properties and abandoned vehicles around the city.