City of Butler to become a Purple Heart City

Butler City Council news

BUTLER, Mo- The clarification of the 2014 tax levy was discussed in length during the Butler City Council meeting. For the past 3 years the City has chosen to take a voluntary reduction from what the state allows for the ceiling. Casey Koehn explained that a higher rate would require a vote of the people, so basically the City has elected not to take the voluntary rate deduction for the fiscal year 2014 – 2015 for the general fund due to budgeting purposes. The proposed 2014 tax levy would be $.6402 per $100 valuation. After a lengthy discussion, Council approved Ordinance No. 992 which establishes the 2014 tax levy for the City of Butler.

Ashley Swartz from the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission updated the Council on the demolition process and let them know things are progressing and estimated demolition should start within 60 – 90 days.

Larry Tucker, City Administer told Council 38 properties have been selected for asbestos removal and demolition. The official notice publication will be in the newspaper later next week and funds from the Community Development Block Grant should be released in early October.

The contractor for the runway drainage and asphalt improvements at the Butler airport will start work the week of August 25th. The Airport will be closed for 6-8 weeks during construction and tenants have been notified of the closure.

The clarification of the vicious dog ordinance went to the Public Safety Committee and the committee is still working on the ordinance before it’s presented to the Council.

The Planning Commissioned approved the property at Austin and Mill Street to be rezoned.

City Clerk Casey Koehn reported the Vision Committee would have a tent at Hucksters Day and would be passing out surveys for people to fill out. She asked Council for permission to have a drawing for 15% off a residential utility bill in the month of October. Council will draw the winning name at the council meeting on September 16th.

Butler Police Chief Randy Beshore informed Council the Department has received a grant that will be used to replace body armor. New patrol cars will be shipped this week and delivery should be within the next 2 weeks, and Victor Correa has resigned to take another position.

Trent Diehl, Public Works Director told Council street resurfacing has been completed and appears to have come in a little under budget. All Council members commented on how nice the streets look.

Final item of the night was an invitation for the City of Butler to become a Purple Heart City. Council agreed and a Proclamation will be read at a later date and the city will be presented with a plaque honoring it.

courtesy Marla Kash, fm92news