Local News – Thursday, June 27th, 2024

If you still have delinquent Real Estate taxes due from 2021, Dent County Collector Shannon VanKirk says they need to be paid IN FULL by this Friday, June 28th. You can pay during regular business hours from 8:00 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon. If you fail to do so, then on Monday, July 1st, the taxes for the tax years 2021, 2022 and 2023 will all be declared due by Friday, August 23rd. If not paid by then, your parcel will be sold at the Delinquent Tax Sale that will be held on Monday, August 26th. Check payments are no longer accepted so you will need to pay with cash, cashier’s check or money order. If you are not sure this applies to you or you do not understand how the system works, you need to call the Dent County Collector’s office at (573) 729-3911 with any questions you may have or stop by the Dent County Courthouse. Starting July 1st there will be an additional $25.00 per parcel added to the tax bill to pay for the advertising costs in the Salem News. Remember, only the taxes for 2021 need to be paid IN FULL by Friday, June 28th to give you another whole year to pay the other outstanding years.

The City of Salem wants to remind everyone that the new Servline Protection Program for city water lines will begin July 1st and will offer up to $2,500 coverage per occurrence against high service bills that are caused by unexpected leaks. All eligible City of Salem customers are automatically enrolled in this optional program, so if you don’t want it, you have to opt out and you only have until June 30th to do so. If you do not opt out, the charges will appear on your utility bill when the program goes live on July 1st. Call 1-844-952-0741 to find out more information about the program including a copy of the full terms and restrictions, or to opt out of the program and decline protection. If you want the program, you do not have to do anything. The cost of the program for residential cutomers is $2.35 per month and $2.50 per unit per month for Residential Master Metered Multi-Habitational customers. Commercial customers will be charged $6.50 per month for a single occupance and $13.00 per month for a mulitple occupancy location.

The Board of Aldermen met Tuesday night at the City Hall Auditorium. The board went into closed session before public comments were heard on the proposed budget, utilities, and the Leak Protection Program. The board approved closing the streets around the courthouse square for Summerfest rescheduled for this Saturday. In new business, the board approved two Trailer Court License applications and they were for Central MO Investments LLC at 1600 Carnett Dr. and at 300 Walnut Hill Dr. owned by Glen Sapaugh Sr.The board discussed the Leak Protection Program Policy that was previously tabled to clarify what constitutes as a qualified leak. The board approved the policy 3-1 with Alderwoman Dent voting against. Two subdivision bills were then read and approved. Bill #3610, was for a residential property at 705 N. Henderson requesting the property will be split into two parcels and the newly created parcel would be developed with a single family structure. Bill #3611 was for development of commercial property at the Scenic Rivers Plaza for a grocery store. While this was approved without objection, Alderman Bolerjack, and Alderwoman Sisco abstained. The board then discussed the City of Salem fiscal year budget to begin July 1, 2024. Noted in the bill is the city’s proposed revenues of $23,163,056 and anticipated expenditure of $21,043,249 which will give the city a projected surplus of $2,119,807. Within this budget is a transfer of $580,844 in general funds that will be moved to the General Funds Emergency Fund. This marks the first meaningful increase in the Emergency Fund that in years past had been depleted. The General Revenue Fund revenue is largely sourced from sales tax, this tax alone accounts for 77% of revenue for the General Fund. Some notable expenditure changes include a 3% cost of living increase, general liability insurance increase of 28%, Police Capital improvements, four proposed city staff positions additions, and one proposed modification that would change the Administration Assistant from a part time position to a full time position. This budget is available to the public on the City of Salem’s website. The board approved the budget with a 3-1 vote with Alderwoman Dent casting the vote against. After the first reading of several bills, with little discussion and no questions, the board moved on to reports from city officials. Mayor Parker reported the 4th of July Parade is scheduled to start at 6:00 PM and this year’s theme is “Let Freedom Ring”, also the Salem Senior Center will have free summer meals for kids and teens younger than 18 years of age, this program will continue until August 20th. Utility Director Payne reported the rehire of a former employee who has already begun work on the city’s plan to smoke test city sewer pipes which will assist in identifying needed improvements. He went on to report ongoing repairs, training, upkeep, and general construction continues. During Alderwoman Sisco’s report, she praised Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Director Emily Cook for facilitating the recent concert at The Commons. She noted this event highlighted a pair of talented young bands and provided entertainment for tourists and citizens alike. She informed the public there will be a 4th of July Fireworks display at The Commons following the parade this year at dark, plus there will be a bake sale, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and concessions. On the topic of fireworks, citizens are permitted to use fireworks within city limits from July 1st thru July 6th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on July 4th that designated end time is extended to midnight. The city offices will be closed on July 4th and 5th. The meeting was then adjourned.

An accident happened in Crawford County Wednesday morning at 7:41 on Interstate 44 eastbound at mile marker 213.4. According to the highway patrol report, a 2001 GMC Sierra driven eastbound by 48-year-old Jason Rupe of Salem, hydroplaned and traveled off the roadway. Rupe suffered minor injuries and was taken to the Missouri Baptist Hospital in Sullivan. The GMC Sustained extensive damage and was removed by Chris and Sons Towing.