News – Wednesday, September 17th 2025

The City of Salem Utility Committee held its regular meeting last Wednesday evening at in the Auditorium at 202 N. Washington Street. Following approval of the agenda, the committee adopted several amendments to the utility policy. These included extending the forecast lead time for utility disconnects from 24 hours to 72 hours on days when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, a heat index above 105 degrees, or temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The committee also approved a monthly flat fee for dusk-to-dawn lighting: $15.00 for incandescent bulbs and $5.00 for LED bulbs, with the fee covering future bulb replacements. In addition, a $100 refundable deposit was approved for the use of faucet meters. The committee further adopted a policy requiring new residents who refuse to provide the identification necessary to establish service to pay double the standard deposit. This will not affect the return of the deposit after two years of on-time payments. The committee also approved the implementation of customer incentives. The City of Salem will draw 20 names over a two-month period, each recipient receiving a one time $50.00 credit on their utility bill. To qualify, customers must newly enroll in one of the following: email billing, ACH/auto-draft payments, completion of the lead service line survey, or updated their contact information with the city’s administration office. City Administrator Sally Burbridge clarified that the incentive applies only to new sign-ups, not to current participants. During departmental reports, Finance Director Stacy Houston presented her financial update, to the committee before City Administrator Burbridge reported on utility billing changes, noting that after the upgrade to credit card readers, the city will no longer accept credit or debit card payments by phone, as keypad entry is now required. An automated payment option will still be available, but customers will not speak directly with a staff member. The board also received updates on recent MPUA and MMMPEP meetings and workshops. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that a planned power outage will occur on Saturday, September 20th from midnight to no later than 5:00 a.m. to allow Show-Me Power to conduct essential maintenance on the city’s substation. The meeting then adjourned.

The Salem R-80 Board of Education will be meeting this evening at 5:30 in the R-80 Board Room. After the Call to Order and the Pledge of Allegiance the Board will approve the agenda and the consent agenda followed by communications from Kara Constance. William Lynch Elementary students will receive recognition. In the Superintendent’s Report CSIP Goals will be addressed in all reports, updates will be shared on the FEMA building, a water leak, CTE Enhancement Grant, SRO, Nursing changes, Staff recognition, Scoreboard, Upper Elementary/William Lynch, Track and Upper Elementary Roof. Administration reports will be heard from William Lynch, Upper Elementary, Middle School, High School, Athletics and Activities, Special Education, Technology, and Maintenance. In new business the board will approve the bus routes, Intervention, Title, and Dyslexia Plan. The Board will address the transfer of Fay Parker from Middle School to William Lynch and the Resignation/Retirement of William Lynch Head Nurse Debbie Baird. The Board will enter closed session to discuss personnel, student issues, and real estate, followed by adjournment after returning to open session. The regular meeting of the Salem R80 Board of Education is open to the public.