REPUBLICAN-TIMES
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TRENTON
Trenton, MO 64683
Friday, September 21, 2018
Established Sept. 4, 1864 - 155th Year - No. 6
Consideration Of Rate Drop On Hold
TRENTON CITY COUNCIL
Utility, Administrative Committees Meet
There will be no decrease in electric rates for customers of Trenton Municipal Utilities - at least not yet - as members of the city council’s utility committee will be collecting more information before making such a decision. During a meeting on Tuesday night, the committee unanimously voted to recommend to the city council that it adopt a policy of having a minimum of three months of operating expenses available in all three of its utility funds (electric, water and wastewater) and that an electric rate study be performed. The decision was made following nearly two hours of discussion regarding utility issues, including electric rates. During a council meeting last week, Mayor Dr. Nick McHargue had asked members to consider decreasing electric rates by 10 percent, stating he felt there was more money than was needed in the reserve fund. It was estimated a 10 percent reduction would result in a $900,000 yearly revenue lost in the electric department In discussing rates, it was noted that the electric department has $3.261 million in its reserves, representing 36 percent of its yearly revenues. That amount, Comptroller Rosetta Marsh said, would cover approximately five to six months of operating expenses. Having three months of reserves on hand to cover operating expenses would be around $2 million. A rate study, which utility officials and some council members indicated would help in determining what future increases or decreases may be needed,
drew some heated debate between the committee and Dr. McHargue, who stated he was opposed to having one done. Mrs. Marsh said that in visiting with utility officials from Macon and Chillicothe, who have rate studies done on a regular basis, the cost was around $15,000 for the initial study and then around $10,000 for any future followup work. She said that it has been some time since a rate study on the electric department was done, adding that a “financial analysis” was presented to the city in January 2014 using 2012 rates and projections. Mrs. Marsh presented committee members with information comparing local electric rates to those of Macon and Chillicothe, with Trenton’s average rate (11.68 cents) falling below the Macon rate (12.032 cents) and above the Chillicothe rate (9.48 cents). Trenton’s base rate ($14.80), however, is the lowest of the three communities (Macon is $17.75, Chillicothe is $18). Trenton and Chillicothe both have summer and winter rates (summer rates being higher) while Macon has one rate throughout the year, although they are in the process of converting to a summer/winter rate charge. Trenton’s summer rates are charged four months out of the year (useage in May, June, July and August) while the Chillicothe summer rates are in effect for seven months. It was noted that both Macon and Chillicothe have more money in their reserves than Trenton, with Macon having $4.5 million (35 percent) and Chillicothe having $8.6 million (75 percent). She said that Macon officials indicated
NCMC
they have a policy of having reserves to cover six months worth of operating expenses while Chillicothe’s policy is a $6.2 million reserve, which includes both a capital improvements and an emergency fund. Trenton does not have a policy regarding reserve amount minimums, she said. As part of the discussion, council member Brad Chumbley, who is not a member of the utility committee, indicated he would like to see the city consider using some of the excess funds in the electric department to help pay for a headworks project under consideration at the wastewater plant. He said the money could be borrowed from one fund to another at a lower cost than what the city would incur should it have to borrow outside money for the work. Mrs. Marsh noted that the city’s auditor has said that while such action would not be illegal, the city would be cited should a state audit of utility funds be done, adding that the state looks at the utility as three separate entities electric, water and wastewater - and does not like funds to be “intermingled.” The headworks project, which also includes a review by engineers of the city’s wastewater rates and was discussed by the committee at this meeting, is on the agenda for consideration by the council at Monday night’s meeting. At the end of the meeting, councilman Larry Crawford, who is not a member of the utility committee, suggested that the committee revisit either reinstating the Board of Public Works to over see utility operations or hire a
separate utility director, duties which are currently being done by the city administrator. Crawford, who a member of the BPW when it was abolished in 2015, said the complexity of issues involving utilities makes it difficult for the council or the administrator to perform these duties efficiently. The suggestion drew mixed reaction and no action was taken. All three committee members David Mlika, Travis Elbert and Jennifer Hottes - voted in favor of the recommendations. The other five members of the city council were also present at the meeting, along with Mayor McHargue, City Administrator Ron Urton, City Clerk Cindy Simpson and department heads Mark Newton, Kenny Ricketts, Bob Hutchinson and Steve Reid. Prior to the utility committee meeting, the administrative committee met and voted to ask the council to sell an old ladder fire truck that was taken out of service due to the inability to find replacement parts. City Administrator Ron Urton is to check with local salvage companies to determine how much the city might get if it were to salvage the unit and, if the amount is what the city considers too low, the truck would be sold online on the website, Purple Wave. The committee also heard a report from Urton regarding the 17th Street Bridge project and the start of payments from the state toward costs for the project as well as discussed the status of a dog treat production business renting the city-owned building at the airport.
Dorris Rider Gallery
Exhibit To Feature Local, Area Artists
A collection of works by area artists will begin the 2018-2019 exhibition schedule in the Dorris Rider Art Gallery at North Central Missouri College in Trenton. “Local Artists Showcase 11” will open on Tuesday, Sept. 25 and run through Friday, Oct. 12. Artists can submit up to two pieces of original art that have not previously been shown in the Rider Gallery. Any media is acceptable, but some pieces may not be accepted due to size constraints or content. Work may be brought to the gallery today (Friday) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and anytime by appointment. “The Local Artists Showcase is an annual favorite show
for our viewers,” said Gallery Director Jim Norris. “It’s always interesting to see the fantastic artistic talent we have in our area.” The closing of the exhibit will coincide with the fall critique of the Green Hills Artists group, which will be held in the gallery on Saturday, Oct. 13 (times to be announced at a later date). For more information, persons can call Norris at 3576345 (office), 635-2189 (cell) or by email at jnorris@mail.ncmissouri.edu. Regular hours at the Rider Art Gallery are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, as well as selected weekend and evening hours by appointment.
Saturday, Oct. 6
An event to raise funds for children’s playground equipment in the city park is planned in Galt on Saturday, Oct. 6. The Galt Fall Festival will feature a number of activities for persons of all ages, beginning with a bake sale at 9 a.m. and concluding with a dance in the evening. Sandwiched in between will be a variety of events held throughout the day. The Galt Lions Hall will be the site of a bake sale, which opens at 9 a.m.
and continues throughout the day. Homemade pies, cakes and other baked goods will be available for purchase. A baked goods contest for youth ages 13 and under and a pie baking contest for persons 14 and over is planned, with entries to be made at the Lions Hall no later than 10 a.m. Also due at the Lions Hall by 10 a.m. are decorated scarecrows, which will be judged and the winners announced at 4 p.m. Prizes will be awarded in each competition.
National Weather Service
Cooler temperatures are ahead with highs in the mid to upper 70s and lows in the upper 50s to lower 60s. The high on Monday at the Government Weather Station at Trenton was 93, Tuesday’s high was 94, Wednesday’s high was 96 and the low was 69. A total of .08 of an inch of rain was recorded on Tuesday. The high on Wednesday at the Government Weather Station near Spickard was 87, the low was 68.
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Twelve Pages & 11 Insert
Briefs...
Commission Agenda
The Grundy County Commission will meet in regular session Tuesday at the courthouse. Items on the announced agenda include a 10 a.m. meeting with Ambulance Director Steve Tracy.
Chamber After Hours
Lockridge and Constant will be hosting a “Chamber After Hours’ on Thursday, Oct. 27 at its office in downtown Trenton. The Trenton Area Chamber of Commercesponsored event will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. New staff will be introduced and refreshments served. Those attending are asked to use the back basement entrance on the Eighth Street side.
Rehearsals Set To Begin
The Grand River Valley Choir and Orchestra is preparing for its upcoming Christmas concert, “Somewhere in My Memory,” to be held on Saturday, Dec. 8. Rehearsals for both the orchestra and choir will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 2 at Hodge Presbyterian Church, with both practices lasting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Registration will be one-half hour before practice begins. A $10 participation fee is suggested to help with the rental of music and other expenses. For information about the orchestra, persons can contact Buddy Hannaford at 660-359-1310. For information about the choir, persons can contact Monica Fawson at 623-889-1074.
Spickard Board Meets
Playground Equipment Fundraiser Set
GALT FALL FESTIVAL
75¢
per copy
An archery shoot is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., just south of the Lions Hall. There is a $5 fee to participate. For more information, persons can contact Clint Griswold at 654-2671. A baby show will be held at the Lions Hall, with registration at 4:30 p.m. and the contest at 5 p.m. Cari Brundage can be contacted for more information at 654-0670. The day will conclude with a dance on the square from 6 to 9 p.m. The
On The Field...
North River Band will be playing. Those attending are asked to bring lawnchairs for seating. B-Boppin’ Dave will also have music throughout the day and free hay rides will be offered, beginning at noon. For more information about the event, persons can contact Brian Smiley at 654-3567. Information is also on the Galt Fair Fall Festival Facebook Page.
THS and TMS fall sports teams have been busy both at home and on the road. See pages 2 and 3 of today’s Republican-Times for recaps of contests involving football, tennis, volleyball, softball and golf.
COOLER
Trenton Republican-Times
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The Spickard R-2 Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, taking action on several items. According to information provided by Superintendent Burnie Schneiderheinze, the board approved the professional development plan for the 2018-19 school year, including $4,850 to cover costs. The board reviewed the Annual Secretary of the Board Report for the 2017-18 school year and approved a field trip to Charlie’s Pumpkin Patch on Oct. 13. It was announced that four members of the board will be attending the state MSBA Conference later this month. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 15.
What’s Inside
Sports.......................page 2 & 3 Opinion/Editorial ............page 4 NASCAR ........................page 4 Community .....................page 5 Agriculture......................page 6 Local News ............page 7 & 11 Comics ............................page 8 Dear Annie......................page 9 Crosswords .....................page 9