Fiscal Year-to-date Revenues Currently Down in Sedalia

In her monthly report to Sedalia City Council on Monday night, Finance Director Jessica Pyle noted that fiscal year-to-date revenues are down.

Sales tax revenues are down $303, 504, or 5.3 percent, and Franchise and Cigarette tax revenues are down $230,957, or 36.2 percent, she noted.

However, Pyle promised that staff is monitoring the situation very closely, and also noted the fact that several businesses either reported lower sales that last year, or have not yet submitted their data for May, the most recent month that can be reported on.

On the plus side, Use taxes are up $155, 688 (17.6%), Marijuana Sales taxes are up $12,569 (16.9%), Transportation taxes are up $29,021 (10.3%), and Property taxes are up $468 (.05%).

“We had budgeted a four percent increase (in sale tax), so this is a pretty large variance in the budget, around $435,000,” Pyle told the Council.

Franchise tax is lower, and about $229,000 is due to electricity taxes.

Transportation taxes are higher due to a higher gasoline tax of 10.1 percent, and higher vehicle sales of 14.6 percent and higher vehicles fees of 2.9 percent.

The bulk of property taxes arrive in December and January, Pyle explained.

Council then approved a supplemental agreement with MoDOT for major improvements to 32nd and Limit. It updates the original one-year funding term by extending it through June 30, 2026, which makes way for the next step in the project.  Also the term “interchange” becomes “intersection.”

Wilson and Company are the engineers on the project.

None of the funding amounts in the project change, it was noted.

Under Public Safety, Council approved an ordinance amending the fee schedule at the Sedalia Animal Shelter to include veterinary services that are offered to non-profit animal shelters and rescue organizations that are licensed through the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

The services are not offered to the public, it should be noted.

Collecting revenue for such services will help support the ongoing operation of the program.

Under Community Development, Council approved annexation of 207 acres of land contiguous to city limits for C-3 Commercial usage in the Fourth Ward.

The City entered into an agreement with Prairie Hollow Development, LLC, on Aug. 1, 2022. An annexation petition was filed June 16, 2025 and a public hearing was held July 7 with no objections received.

The property owner requested a 60-day delay to give Central Missouri Electric Cooperative extra time to obtain the necessary authorizations to provide service in the area.

First Ward Councilman Lee Scribner abstained from voting on the ordinance.

Council then approved a waiver of the City’s open container law for an “Oktoberfest” event planned for Oct. 18 from 3 to 8 p.m., in downtown Sedalia at 7th and Ohio to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of West Central Missouri, LLC. The area near The Local Tap will be barricaded and patrolled by two off-duty officers paid by the Club. Participants will be wearing wristbands at the event.

Matthew Iway was appointed to the Galaxy West Community Improvement District, completing Robert de lan Fuente’s term that expires May 26, 2026.

Tim Harris was re-appointed to the improvement district. His term will expire March 21, 2027.

Eight liquor licenses were renewed Monday night, including:

Donald C. Woods Jr., dba Woods Supermarket Inc., 1400 South Limit, for packaged liquor, taste testing and Sunday sales, $487.50

Larry Gafriel dba Ni-Kuni LLC, 2401 West Broadway, for liquor by the drink and Sunday sales, $750

Steve Swafford dba Grellner Sales & Service, 1510 West Henry, for wholesale liquor and beer, $350

Jennifer Spillars dba Casey’s General Store#1601, 3500 West 16th, for packaged liquor and Sunday Sales, $450

Teri Bates dba Casey’s General Store #1052, 716 West 16th, for packaged liquor and Sunday Sales, $450

Anthony Douglas dba Casey’s General Store #1063, 1909 West Main, for packaged liquor and Sunday Sales, $450

Joshua Moore dba Casey’s General Store #2347, 1601 West Main, for packaged liquor and Sun

Kristina Moore dba Casey’s General Store #3257, 3050 South Limit, for packaged liquor and Sunday Sales, $450

Under Miscellaneous, First Ward Councilman Jack Robinson requested an update on the status of the Washington Street Bridge project. Mayor Andrew Dawson that can occur at the next Council meeting.

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Second Ward Councilwoman Tina Boggess said she was pleased that the Northside Sidewalk project was beginning this week.

After meeting publicly for 20 minutes, Council then adjourned for a closed-door session.

Council meets again Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend.