The Sedalia City Council heard a financial update from Interim City Administrator Kelvin Shaw on Monday night.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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According to Shaw, who is also the City's finance manager, the sales tax is down for the month, but it doesn't concern him much, as the number fluctuates throughout the year. However, overall, “it has flattened out as a general trend,” he said, adding that he is very hopeful, but he's not seeing it rise much above 1.5 to 2 percent.

During his report presented during a pre-council meeting, Shaw detailed the circle of the annual budgetary development process forr the City. He noted that he would like to see input from each department as part of the annual agency reports. That will require more work sessions and also a public hearing which will ask residents what direction they would like to see the City take, he said.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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An off-site strategic planning session is planned for Jan. 6.

Shaw that the Mayor, City Administrator and Finance Director will meet for a two-week period to do a line-by-line assessment of the budget, followed by another two-week period to generate recommendations to the Council so they can make the “tough decisions.” In February there will be an “operational overview” to determine the availability of funds. That will be followed by a public meeting in March, which is typically not well-attended, Shaw notted. The budget will ultimately be adopted in late March.

But, Shaw pointed out, the budgetary processs is a continuous one in which Council members are allowed to change their mind, as “we get new information every day.”

In the regular Council meeting, which lasted 12 minutes, City Council accepted utility and ingress easements from Kroeger Properties, III, LLC, for an ongoing project at Broadway and Industrial Drive.

Council also approved an agreement by and between the City and James B. Kaatz, MPA, Ph.D. for a January 6th Strategic Goal Setting Workshop and Facilitation to assist the Mayor and Council in developing short- and long-term goals at a cost of $1,500.

Council also approved an agreement with Bothwell Regional Health Center Laboratory for substance and alcohol testing services.

BRHC will offer 10-panel drug of abuse screen for employees at $40 each. BRHC will pass on the $24 cost for any employee requiring a drug confirmation and MRO review. Blood alcohol testing is $17 each, with an additional $7 charge for each venipuncture collection.

The Council approved a liquor license renewal request from Teri Venable dba Fitter's 5th Street Pub, 500 S. Ohio for liquor by the drink – $450.

The Council adjourned to closed-door session following the regular meeting.

Randy Kirby
Randy Kirby
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