The Cabool City Council set the property tax rate for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and handled area matters during a meeting Monday, Aug. 19.
PROPERTY TAX RATE
A public hearing was held before the board meeting in which no public comment was provided. Members approved an ordinance establishing general fund service property taxes in the city for the 2024-2025 fiscal year at $0.9843 per $100 of assessed valuation. The previous year was $0.9960 per $100 of assessed valuation. The annual budget required $250,000 from property taxes.
OTHER MATTERS DISCUSSED
- James Gray discussed several topics with the board including the Cabool Revitalization Group, crosswalks, potholes, railroad crossings, YMCA and positive remarks regarding the city’s electric department.
- Chris Owen gave an update on the Cabool Community Center YMCA project. He reported that the group received a $2 million appropriation from the state, and will be working to raise more funds. He requested that the city begin planning infrastructure needs and to consider what the city can do to sustain the center once it is built.
- Kinley Tucker, Cabool Chamber of Commerce director, requested permission for a beer garden at an upcoming BBQ Festival at Farm Fest. Members approved it unanimously.
- Ron Scheets, administrator, presented a written update to the board and discussed storm cleanup, electric outages, the intersection of Highway 181 and Ozark, a lift station generator issue and flood damage to soccer field fencing.
- Scheets reported that a lift station and force main will have to be installed to get sewer from North U.S. 63 to the new dental clinic.
- The council voted unanimously to accept an offer from Riley Dotson to receive a deed to a portion of land to be used for a road into the new subdivision on Parkway Avenue in exchange for a small corner of property owned by the city behind Casey’s where an electrical substation was.
- Members unanimously adopted the Texas County multi-jurisdictional local hazard mitigation plan.
- An ordinance to raise the minimum rates for electric, water and sewer effective Sept. 1 was approved. Additionally, an ordinance regarding a 2 percent annual increase on electric, water and swerve rates effective Jan. 1 of each year was approved. The board may choose not to do the increase by a vote at least 30 days prior to Jan. 1 of any year.
- Alderman Brad Roberts requested that ditches be mowed.
- Alderman John Williams asked about putting a sign on Shelton Street stating “No U.S. 60 access.” He also mentioned the walking trail in Robert Park is deteriorating, asked about an abandoned property on Rogers Street and stated that weeds at Pine and Second need to be cut.
- Alderman John Mark Hale thanked the city’s street department for debris removal and asked about the status of a property on Main Street.
The next meeting is 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23.