The 2025 fireworks display, municipal court and electric rates were among matters discussed by the Houston City Council during a meeting Monday (March 3).
2025 FIREWORKS DISPLAY
The council voted to host its Independence Day fireworks display on Saturday, June 28 at the Houston Memorial Airport. Lloyd Wells, city administrator, stated that surrounding communities are not holding an event that day and he believes that last year’s event at the airport was successful. Council members and Robbie Smith, fire chief, echoed that sentiment. The city is working on bringing in vendors and potentially purchasing fireworks in advance to receive a discount.
MUNICIPAL COURT
The potential transfer of municipal court cases to the Texas County Circuit Court was discussed, but members opted to delay a decision until the next meeting. Barbara Rodgers, city clerk, noted the city would save money in software fees and municipal judge salary but would lose about $12 per case and still have prosecutor expenses. Sean Smith, city attorney, and Brad Evans, police chief, outlined the pros and cons, noting reduced control and the need for prompt ticket filing. It was noted that the change could improve cross-training opportunities for existing city staff. Licking and Summersville use the circuit court. Council members agreed to revisit the issue later.
ELECTRIC RATES
Guest speaker Kevin Stilley addressed the council regarding electric rates, questioning whether they had increased in 2025. Don Romines, Ward III alderman, and Sam Kelley, Ward I alderman, stated the rates have not changed, attributing higher bills to increased usage. Stilley requested the city’s kilowatt-hour cost, and Angie Gettys said customers could confirm usage with Edwin Graciano, utilities clerk. The council confirmed no changes to electric rates.
Stilley, a candidate for Houston mayor, also asked whether the city’s electric provider had raised rates. Romines said that Rodgers would check. Stilley requested a copy of the 2021-’22 rate study, which was conducted while he served on the board. Romines said the study’s recommendations were not implemented and that the city would furnish a copy.
Stilley referenced Missouri statute 386.266, which he believes outlines a four-year schedule for rate increases and limits city rate hikes to 2.5% above the supplier’s increase. Kelley, who will oppose Stilley in the mayor’s race, noted that several municipalities near Springfield have raised utility rates by 10-15%.
OTHER MATTERS
- If you are interested in helping the City of Houston with organizing its annual Emmett Kelly Festival on April 26, email lwells@houstonmo.org or call 417-967-3348.
- A new pump for the golf course, used to water the greens, is delayed in its arrival.
- A picnic license to sell alcohol at a May 17 fundraising golf tournament was granted to CASA of South Central Missouri. The vote passed 5-1, with Sheila Walker voting no.
- The council authorized Megan Ashworth to host a “Fall Fest” event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 13 in downtown Houston. Ashworth is responsible for getting signatures from affected businesses and to ensure that vendors are not parked in front of open businesses.
- A decision on a $55,475 bid for aquatic pour in place surfacing was postponed to seek more bids. $55,000 was budgeted.
- The council approved a $12,440.39 bid from Field Fire Inc. of Iowa to replace an outdated self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
- The utilities and building committee will meet to bring a recommendation on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from the Houston R-1 School District pertaining to use of the Houston Alternative Learning Opportunities (HALO) building at First and Pine Streets for a small business incubator.
- A certificate of deposit (CD) with an approximate value of $108,000 was moved from Simmons Bank to West Plains Bank for a 12-month term at a 4.25% interest rate.
- Ward II Alderwoman Sheila Walker stated her appreciation to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) for painting traffic lines at U.S. 63 and Holder Drive. She also stated that the city needs another volunteer to help Brenda Senter with Emmett Kelly Festival organization.
- Ward I Alderman Sam Kelley stated that a light or two needs to be put on Thomasville Road near the Head Start facility and dead end.
- Rodgers continues to investigate cybersecurity insurance carriers in the area.
- A list of roads to receive asphalt treatment in 2025 will be proposed at the next meeting.
Mayor Viki Narancich was absent from the meeting. The meeting adjourned into closed session at 7:30 p.m. The next regular meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 17 at city hall.
