Members of the Houston City Council heard that a new office employee will begin work at city hall, recognized firemen and authorized a rate study of utilities during a meeting Monday night.
The council heard that Heather Huff will fill a vacancy with the departure of Amy Allen on the office staff. Huff is employed by Texas County Technical Institute.
Members also gave the go-head to have a utility rate study conducted to manage future energy hikes.
The city’s current schedule only recoups wholesale cost increases from its supplier, Sho-Me Power Corp. of Marshfield. Customers most recently saw an 8 percent increase on their bills in April. One thought under consideration is implementation of an annual cost of living number – rather than periodic bigger increases. City Administrator Larry Sutton said after the meeting that he knows of no scheduled hikes by Sho-Me.
In other matters, members:
-Heard that the city will sell two used city-owned vehicles today (Thursday) at a government surplus auction.
-Received an update on implementation of a new law that targets cars and junk deemed nuisances in the city. A draft list of targets is under consideration by city leaders. Most are sites that include multiple vehicles that are not operable.
-Learned that Southern Missouri Natural Gas, which will provide service in Houston later this year, has cleared all hurdles to bring a line from Cabool to Houston. Clearing of brush from Houston to Cabool will start soon, it was announced.
-Recognized firemen that qualified for a Presidential Service Award Letter, recognizing their volunteerism. Jerry Miller, Area G regional training coordinator and president of the Firefighters Association of Missouri, presented the honors. Receiving them were: Ben Pursifull, Bobby Bell and Jeremy St. John, Silver Award; and Fire Chief Don Rust, Gold Award.