News – Thursday, March 12th 2026

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held its regular meeting Tuesday evening in the auditorium at 202 North Washington Street. After approving the agenda and consent agenda, the board approved the recommendation of Sue Hubbs to the Salem Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to fill a four-year unexpired term, ending July 24th, 2026. In new and miscellaneous business, the board approved filing the grant application to MoDOT for construction of one to three box hangars for the Salem Memorial Airport, approved by the Airport Board as part of its Capital Improvement Plan back in October. The total project cost would be $1.4 million with a city match of 10% or $140,000. The federal funding provided would be $1.2 million, or 90% of the project costs. As for bids, the board approved a bid from Midstate Pipeline for $159,700 for elevating the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s electric control panels six feet above the November 2024 flood levels. The amount is an unplanned expense with expectations of FEMA covering 75%. The city portion would then come to $39,925, which would come out of prior year fund balances. Other bids approved included several utility poles from Huxford Pole and Timber at a total of $17,400, to come out of the electric department pole fund, along with a bid of $10,044.17 from Agri-Enterprises to repair the valve of the tree trimming truck, to come out of the electric department equipment fund. During reports from city officials, City Administrator Sally Burbridge reported that staff have received proposals from seven companies for updating the city’s Incode software. In addition, the engineering contract is expected to be presented at the next board meeting, while the water tower maintenance contract will be reviewed by Burbridge and City Attorney James Weber and the utility committee before also being presented to the board at a future meeting. Burbridge further reported that a request for bids will be resubmitted for plaster work within city hall. Mayor Greg Parker congratulated and thanked the water department team for being awarded the “2025 Water System of the Year” from the Missouri Rural Water Association and provided the team with a mayoral proclamation. Water Superintendent Chris McGuirt further commended not only his team on their hard work in earning the recognition, but the city staff and administration who were part of the process forreceiving the award. Meanwhile, the board received the financial report from Finance Director Stacey Houston, who reported that the total sales tax revenues collected for fiscal year 2026 is approximately $3.3 million, including the general fund, parks and recreation fund, and capital improvement fund; this is an increase of approximately 2.7%. Houston further reported on utility usage and revenue. The ending total of all funds is approximately $17 million, with the city having brought in 58% of its budgeted amount and having spent 50% of its budgeted amount. Both amounts were noted by Houston as being less than anticipated, credited to grant revenues and expenses coming in lower than anticipated. Public Works Director Steve Paine reported that construction has begun on the t-ball parking lot. With no further reports, the board entered executive session for attorney client privilege. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be held March 24th and will be open to the public. 

The Dent County Fire Protection District Board of Directors met Tuesday, March 10th at the firehouse for its regular monthly meeting. After previous board meeting minutes were approved, the financial reports as well as the bills, payments, statements, budget and reconciliation were also reviewed and approved. Under old business, the board discussed the Fidelity Tower, of which is experiencing interference that Assistant Chief Derrick Marfitt was asked by the board to investigate. After final reading, the proposed purchasing, disposal, and spending policy was accepted as presented. Fire Chief Derek Thomas presented the monthly reimbursement report that showed the fire district responded to 28 calls in February and a total of 61 calls for the year. Chief Thomas further reported that 8020 is back in service with a new alternator. Meanwhile, bids for new structural gear were presented from Sentinel, Banner, and Hoff Comp. The bids were not comparable as one company was dual compliance and one was not. After discussion, it was approved to buy five complete sets of gear, with an additional 18 helmets and three sets of boots, from Banner for a total cost of $31,674.00, in order to comply with safety codes and be in compliance with NFPA. The next board meeting was then set for April 14th at 6:00 in the evening at the Dent County Fire Protection District firehouse. Following the closed session, the meeting was adjourned.

The Salem Community Center @ the Armory will be holding an Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness Program in the evening of April 2nd from 5:30 to 6:30, presented by MU Extension’s Nutrition & Health Specialist Maria Calvert. Alpha-gal syndrome is on the rise in Missouri, and many people don’t realize they may be at risk or have it. Attend an informative session to learn what alpha-gal syndrome is, common symptoms, how screening works, and how to prevent tick bites that can lead to this condition. The cost to attend is $5. Call 573-729-8163 to register.