Kahoka Council Declines Water Plant Loan Forgiveness, Approves Mosquito Spraying

KAHOKA, Mo. — The Kahoka City Council agreed Monday, June 8, to decline approximately $1.163 million in proposed principal forgiveness from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources for the city’s water plant project.

City Clerk Sandie Hopp told the council that Engineer Mark Bross had advised that if the city accepted the principal forgiveness, it would give up that amount from its voter-approved bonding capacity of $8 million.

“I recommend preserving the bonding capacity,” City Attorney Brett Bozarth said. “If there is a cost overrun, we can tap into it, or use it for a different project.”

Following discussion, the council reached a general consensus to decline the loan forgiveness.

In other business, the council approved Building Permit 5-2026 for Carol Alderton for a house at West Court and North Jefferson streets.

Mayor Anthony Anderson also issued a proclamation temporarily suspending Section 2, Chapter 29 of Ordinance No. 1 relating to the discharge of fireworks within the city limits. Fireworks may be discharged in Kahoka from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1, 2 and 5, and from 8 a.m. to midnight July 3 and 4.

The council also renewed liquor licenses for Arranda’s, C&R Markets, Casey’s, Dollar General, Duer’s and the VFW.

Alderman Les Billings reported that the Baptist Church had contacted the city about possible changes to improve access to its parking lots. Billings said North Washington Street has been built up over time, leaving steep edges along the street.

Billings said the church wanted to remove curb and guttering near the parking lot entrance.

“It’s a driveway — we don’t worry about driveways,” Alderman Larry Young said.

“I don’t know why the city would pay for any of it,” Anderson said.

Hopp said church representatives had indicated they wanted the city to pay for improvements from the sidewalk to the street. The council declined to pay for any of the work.

The council also discussed spraying for mosquitoes and gnats. Officials said briquets being used to control the insects were not working and noted that Canton and LaGrange have been spraying. The council voted 4-0 to have the street department begin spraying immediately.

“I don’t want to pay overtime for it,” Young said.

Young also noted that the new flower boxes in City Park look nice and said he received no negative comments regarding the cemetery for Memorial Day.

Alderman Ruth Brotherton reported that metal siding on the old batting cage had been pulled back, allowing children to get inside.

Fire Chief Mick Wood reported that the department is still working to get radios through a grant.

Police Chief Mike Newbold gave his monthly report and said the city’s Blue Shield City designation makes it eligible for a Blue Shield grant, which he is working on.