The Houston City Council heard a review of the 2023 annual audit and rescinded a prior land codification action during a meeting Monday, Feb. 3.
2023 AUDIT REVIEW
Jon Cummings, KPM CPAs & Advisors in Springfield, presented an unmodified/clean opinion for the city’s 2023 audit. Cummings stated that this is the best result. He said the opinion means the financial statements are materially correct and would not mislead a reader.
Cummings stated that a few internal control deficiencies included a lack of segregation of duties, no city policy on bank reconciliation reviews and to formalize a policy on bank statement reviews. He also stated that with employee turnover it’s good to review all policies and procedures.
He told the council that better cybersecurity measures are important. However, he stated that while cybersecurity insurance can be useful, adequate training is more important.
Don Romines, Ward III alderman, asked if transfers from a one-cent sales tax (parks, fire and police) could be done quarterly instead of yearly. Cummings stated that is acceptable.
CHAMBER LAND CODIFICATION
The council voted to rescind a prior action of the board to designate chamber land on North U.S. 63 as outside of city limits. The land is coded within city limits.
In December, the city approved a request from the chamber to have the assessor change coding of the “ball field property” to reflect it being outside of city limits. At the time, it was believed it was included in the city accidentally.
However, the assessor and council stated that a document was found of a Sept. 15, 1986 vote of the council to put several properties including that one into city limits.
Morgan Patterson, chamber president, questioned if police and fire protection would now apply to the property. Mayor Viki Narancich stated it would.
OTHER MATTERS
- The council approved $8,470 in fiber internet repairs near the airport.
- A $4,000, one-year contract with the Houston Herald for text message communication was approved. The contract will allow the city to communicate with residents in a timely manner.
- K-9 Omen was present at the meeting. Narancich stated that residents had questioned if he was alive.
- Narancich will present a proposal to the council at the next meeting pertaining to the building permit process and potential building codes. The council would like to see building permits reviewed more thoroughly.
- Lloyd Wells, city administrator, reported that Missouri Department Transportation (MoDOT) crews would work on Holder Drive at U.S. 63 on Tuesday to paint traffic control lines.
- The city plans to run a six-inch water line from Nichols Drive to a planned subdivision on Oak Hill Drive. The line is attached to a 10-inch line near Forrest Drive.
- Sam Kelley, Ward I alderman, asked that election signs from previous elections be removed around town. He also requested a pole light on Thomasville Road near Houston Head Start and inquired if streets are still being swept. Wells stated that they are.
- The council stated its intention to seek a new economic developer after the resignation of its current one.
The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:38 p.m. The next regular meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19.
