The Houston City Council has endorsed a state measure to increase the state’s gas tax by two cents a year for three years.
That would generate enough money to keep Missouri from losing federal transportation dollars that it has to match by 25 percent or lose. Officials said in the 2017 budget they are short about $45 million, which will cost the MoDOT budget about $160 million in federal matching funds. The gap widens in 2018.
A proposal before the Missouri General Assembly doesn’t require voter approval because it will not raise the tax more than allowed by the Hancock Amendment, the state’s spending lid.
The council will send a letter to Sen. Mike Cunningham, R-Rogersville, and Rep. Robert Ross, R-Yukon.
In other matters, members:
—Heard from Marie Lasater, who advocated the pulling of fluoride from the public water supply by a council vote because of health risks. The Houston City Council unanimously approved adding it in March 2002. The council is seeking additional information from Lasater.
Also attending were Angie Katz, Caleb Arthur and Darin Saylor.
A state bill in the Missouri General Assembly requires public water systems and water supply districts to notify the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Department of Natural Resources and customers at least 90 days in advance of any meeting where a vote to modify the fluoridation of water in the system will take place. It has cleared the House and awaits passage in the Senate.
—Donated $200 to Celebration for Life, which sponsors post-prom and post-graduation activities for Houston students.
—Heard that the city’s insurance company had offered information that will be considered as the city works on a body camera policy for the police department. Cameras were recently implemented.
—Learned that the city’s annual spring clean up is April 13-16. Items an be placed curbside on normal trash pick up day.