Sedalia’s Projected Budget Highest in History of City

The Sedalia City Council listened to two Powerpoint presentations Monday night during their pre-council meeting.

City Administrator Gary Edwards gave an operational overview, then Finance Director Kelvin Shaw gave a detailed preview of the City's budget, noting that the City is projecting a 1.5 % growth in sales tax for fiscal year 2018.

Fiscal year 2017 year-to-date figures show a 2.4 % growth rate. He added that a budget work session is scheduled for next Monday at 6 p.m., followed by a public hearing on March 20. The Council will then consider adoption of the budget on March 20.

In his comments, Edwards noted that the $37 million-plus budget is the highest in the City's history. "And that's a good thing," he added.

Council also approved  a no-parking zone on the west side of South Missouri, from Broadway to Seventh Street. The ordinance passed by a 6-2 margin, with Council members Jo Lynn Turley and Bob Cross voting no.

The Council also conducted a public hearing on the new Harbor Freight store, located at 1705 W. Broadway. Jennifer Baird, attorney with Lauber Municipal Law in Lee's Summit and special counsel to the City, gave her own presentation on the $1.28 million project, referred to as the 1705 Broadway Community Improvement District.

She said that the developer filed for the CID on Jan. 9 and amended it on Feb. 13. The area is considered blighted.

A board comprised of five voting members and on non-voting member (Shaw) will be created to oversee the CID. The retail business, which will reportedly sell tools, will collect one percent more sales tax than what is collected in Sedalia currently, it was noted.

The retail store is being developed by Highlands Development, LLC, represented by Chris Williams, who spoke to the full Council before they adjourned to closed-door session. "The CID really helps us," Williams said.

There was no vocal opposition to the 1705 Broadway CID proposal and the Council voted unanimously in favor of it.

Also at Monday night's meeting, America Perez was appointed to the Police Personnel Board to fill the unexpired term of Billy Foster, who left Sedalia. His term was set to expire June, 2017.

Three liquor licenses were renewed, including Michael Smith dba El Espolon, Haider Niazi dba Favtrip, and Jalal Nabiyen dba Broadway Liquor and Smokes.