News – Wednesday, March 5th 2025

The City of Salem Board of Aldermen held their regular meeting last Tuesday evening at 6:00 in the Auditorium. After removing the closed session, the Board approved the agenda and consent agenda. During public comments, the Board approved Rob Benowitz’s request to close the roads around the courthouse for the 100 Acre Wood Rally. The City’s audit report for fiscal year 2024 showed total assets for government and business-type activities to be: $34.9 million, total liabilities were $10.7 million with a net position of about $24.9 million. Public Works Director Steve Paine requested, and was approved, to sell the surplus Single Phase Transformer No. 220921-7. He plans to auction the transformer through MPUA to help offset the cost of the new replacement transformer. The Board approved Resolution 4-2025, a change order that will reduce the contract value by $3,600.00, for the Welcome Home Project, and the amendment of the Dent County Hazard Mitigation Plan by adding Action 2.9 for the City of Salem to reduce the risks of service interruption due to flooding events. City Administrator, Sally Burbridge read the first readings of Bill Number 3647, to approved amendments to the Demand Meters and Rates for Commercial Customers Code 700.100 correcting a clerical error and reinstating the original sections A and B; Bill Number 3648, an ordinance to amend the Determination of Usage Code 710.320 clarifying the definition of Owner, bill number 3645 an ordinance that would approve amending the Notices of Meetings Code 122.040, updating references from City Hall to City Administration Offices for posting notices, and bill number 3644, an ordinance to remove the language tying City meetings to cancellations of Salem R-80 Schools. The Board approved several bills, including bill 3643 Task order #20 between the City of Salem and CM Archer Group, PC for the Bonebrake sewer realignment project. The project is estimated to cost around $201,000.00. They also approved Bill Number 3642 Task Order #19, between the City of Salem and CM Archer Group, allowing Archer to assist the Public Works Director with flood disaster response and recovery efforts for the November 2024 flood event. The Board approved the mid-year budget adjustments that were discussed in previous meetings, as well as the bid from Resolve IT in the amount of $47,052.00 to replace the City’s servers. During the City officials’ report, Finance Director Stacy Houston gave an update on the financials, and Mayor Greg Parker stated that AARP will be taking appointments until April 4th, for free tax filing. He encouraged citizens to call 573-729-8163 if they need help. Public Works Director Paine presented the Utility Crew update, and the Parks and Recreation updates were provided by Director Melissa DuBois. With no closed session, the meeting adjourned.