Finance, Technology Discussed at Sedalia City Council Meeting

During a pre-council work session, the Sedalia City Council heard two presentations on finance and technology.

The first presentation was made by City Administrator Kelvin Shaw, who said that the guiding principles of planning for Fiscal Year 2019 are a Strong budget, Economic growth, Residential neighborhoods, Vibrant downtown, Ideas for the future, Citizen health and safety, and Employee Excellence, or SERVICE.

The preview included short-term and long-term strategies for success.

“Sales tax totals are a big part of our revenue and also the most volatile,” Shaw said.

Although the projected budget shows a loss of $372,000 in general funds, “we still have time” to adjust and bring it down to zero, Shaw noted.

There will be another budget work session at 6 p.m. Feb. 26 and March 5. And on March 19, there is a public hearing scheduled, followed by adoption of the City's new budget. The public is invited to attend.

In the second presentation, IT Manager Monte Richardson detailed how much software updates and support will cost next year, estimated to be around $17,000.

“The current platform is becoming obsolete,” Richardson quipped. “It's time to change.” He added that the need to store police body cam footage, security camera footage and sewer inspection footage are examples of increased demand on the City's tech storage situation.

“We've outgrown our five-year plan with our changing tech needs,” Richardson said, which prompted a lengthy impromptu debate with Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Leeman, who charged that Richardson did not have a concrete five-year plan.

In FY2020, Richardson noted that tech storage costs could hover around $100,000 over a five-year period if things “stay as is.”

The Council decided to table the vote on a proposed ordinance between the City of Sedalia and Info-Tech Research Group for IT research and advisory services.

The Council approved a software agreement with Wonderware Great Plains for $2,459 for use by the Water Pollution Control Department for the City's wastewater treatment plants.

Council also approved renewing an agreement with World Wide Technology for Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Support for $8,773.36.

In Public Works, the fee schedule for the City's compost facility products was adjusted. For those living inside the city limits, the cost for compost is $10 for per cubic yard up to 99 units. The cost drops to $8 per cubic yard is between 100 and 499 units are purchased. And $4 for 500 or more. The cost is $1 more per cubic yard if the buyer lives outside city limits.

Wood fine mulch is now being offered by the facility, located on Route U south of Sedalia. The cost is $4.50 per cubic yard up to 99 units, and $4 for 100 – 99 units. And $3 for 500 or more units, according to a packet supplied by the City.

Residual large chips are $1.50 each. Other compost by-products are offered at $4 each. The cost is a bit more for non-residents.

At the conclusion of the regular council meeting, Sedalia resident Matthew Maggard addressed the Council about on on-going problem with graffiti tags popping up on his building in the 700 block of S. Ohio. He asked if there was anything that could be done, adding that he has some security cameras and will be adding more.

Mayor Stephen J. Galliher promised Maggard he would speak with the Sedalia Police Department first thing in the morning, adding that “we'll come up with something.”

Maggard said he was concerned with the image of the downtown area, especially with such events coming up such as the St. Pat's celebration on March 17.

And finally, the Mayor noted that all future pre-council meetings will now be referred to as “work sessions” in an effort to get more citizens involved in the local governmental process.