Megan Davis
McDonald County [email protected]
Southwest City Tax Collector Judy Pendergraft proposed that the council opt to have their taxes collected by the county during the April 26 regular meeting.
She explained that a city collector is paid 7 percent of all taxes collected -- personal, real estate and business licenses. The county only withholds 5 percent.
There would be an initial fee of $5,200 for the county to update their software to include city taxes. But, Pendergraft noted, both city and county taxes will be reflected on the tax statement, assuring all taxes are paid.
Presently, to obtain a vehicle tag, only proof of paid county taxes are required. If the County Collector is responsible for both city and county taxes paid, an individual will have to pay both before acquiring a vehicle tag.
The county would cut the city a check monthly, detailing what taxes have been collected.
The council discussed the proposal but no action was made.
Departmental Reports
Public Works Director Shane Clark reported Street Department employees have been preparing the creek for the upcoming fishing derby. He also noted that trees have been delivered for Arbor Day.
Clark said the Water Department repaired a leak on Oak Street and the Sewer Department borrowed a machine to clear a plugged main on Birkes and Choctaw streets.
Police Chief Bud Gow provided the council with quotes for the purchase of two "No Parking" banners for city celebrations. He plans to use them to deter guests from parking in the NAPA Auto Parts and Conoco lots. he will designate parking behind the ballpark.
The council voted to purchase two banners at a cost of $80 each.
City Clerk Missy Zinn discussed computer training with the council. She said she would only need one day with representatives to work out a few details.
The council voted to approve training for Friday, May 20, at a cost of $600 plus travel.
New Business
Joyce Morris met with the council to discuss landscaping the triangular flower bed that brightens the south side of town. She maintains the upkeep while the city allocates funds.
The council voted to provide $500 for this year and reimburse Morris $500 for last year's work that she was not paid for.
Alderman David Blake then discussed potential improvements to the lake in Blankenship Park that local volunteers, himself included, would like to make. Blake asked permission to purchase lumber to repair the dam's gates. He also said that Matthew Walters would like to volunteer his time to clean up the banks around the lake and create a more usable shoreline. He only asked to be reimbursed the cost of fuel.
Mayor Joe Carpenter also noted that Rodney Dick would like to volunteer his time to make a "gravel trap" along the lake to catch debris that washes down. He also asked only to be reimbursed the cost of fuel.
The council voted to pay for the fuel and lumber necessary for these updates.
In other business:
• Macy Reece was honored for community service in town.
• Sam McDonald with McLiney and Company discussed municipal bonding options with the council.
• The council voted to have KPM prepare preliminary reports for the upcoming audit at a cost of $7,000.
• The council reviewed applications for summer help at City Hall and in the Street Department.
• The council voted to approve the purchase of balls, uniforms and insurance for the Summer Ball Program.
General News on 04/28/2016