Members of the Houston City Council heard a report on its annual audit, changed it meeting time and received an update on a new city well on Monday.
The council heard from KPM CPAs and Advisors, the Springfield firm conducting the review, that said the city’s reserves are good and a lack of staff hinders some internal controls, which also is experienced at other municipalities. To generate additional revenues for the community, the town needs to attract growth to generate new taxes, it reported.
In other matters, members:
—Heard that work has begun to pour footings for a new water tank at the Houston Industrial Park off West Highway 17. A new well shows a flow of 455 gallons per minutes. A pump has been ordered.
—Learned the city’s attorney will draft an ordinance that addresses temporary utility connections.
—Heard that the City of Houston’s cooperative electrical purchase agreement will soon be finalized for a 10-year period. The contract — which involves several communities — is favorable for users and rates will be kept from rising as fast due to some innovate investment tools, such as natural gas futures.
—Received a report on a Houston, Texas, firm that is considering doing a feasibility study to provide natural gas to the city and area. The city has received a contract. The study would take about six months.
—Learned that the city has received $375,000 in funding to extend three lanes of U.S. 63 improvements from Sonic south to the end of town. Work is expected to begin soon on extensive work on the highway. No start date or pre-construction timetable has been set yet. Work is expected to be done by Nov. 1.
The city hopes local residents will use back roads around the busy highway to avoid congestion expected on U.S. 63.
—Decided to change its meeting time from 7 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. the first and third Monday on each month at city hall.
—Received an update on structures slated for demolition or improvements following a mandate from the city to property owners. Five are on the list. The city has had contact with some of the owners.
—Learned Steve Floyd will join the mowing and trimming crew. In June, he’ll become a “floater” to work in departments as needed. C.J. Moore will move from “floater” to the city’s electrical department.