Peabody City Council to host sales tax meeting
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
Following discussion, that included comments on the "deafening silence" from Peabody residents regarding the proposed sales tax increase, Peabody City Council Monday night conceded that a town meeting would probably be helpful in explaining the proposal — just in case anyone in the community cares. The city plans to ask for a one percent increase in sales tax on the ballot in November.
"I haven't had a single soul mention it to me," said Mayor Tom Schmidt. "I don't know if we need to have a meeting to offer additional information or not."
Councilmen Alan Yock and Gene Schmill also had not heard from constituents either against or for the tax increase.
Ed Slocombe said, "Four or five have talked to me about it. Most of them are against it. They don't think we need to have street improvements."
He mentioned one individual who plans to sell his house and move in five years. Slocombe said he wished the man well. "In five years the streets will be such a mess no one will be able to sell a house," Slocombe said.
Schmidt noted that Peabody is the only city in Marion County that does not have a city sales tax. The tax is expected to generate more than $50,000 a year. Without it an increase in the mill levy would be necessary. "This way everyone helps pay for the streets," said Schmidt. "It's not just a burden on the property owner. Renters, out-of-town shoppers, and visitors also pay for the use of our streets."
After discussion, the group planned a town meeting to answer questions. It will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 23 in the council room at the city building.
"We should have information available to let people know what kind of cost increases we have experienced in the last four or five years," said Schmidt. "We should be able to point to our seven-year plan and show how far behind we are getting. The seven-year plan now only covers about four years of street repairs."
City administrator Jeff Benbrook was instructed to gather information and cost comparisons for council by Oct. 20.
In other business, the council:
— approved a change order to extend the deadline for demolition of the former sewer plant to Dec. 31 because of KDHE testing at the site.
— instructed Benbrook to write a letter to Arnold Jagt instructing Jagt to contact the zoning board for permission to have his property re-zoned to allow a mobile home. The council also approved an extension until Oct. 30 for Marty Stevenson and until Nov. 13 for Mark and Janelle Stockman to take advantage of fall cleanup on their properties.
— learned all necessary contacts have been made on the property at 807 N. Locust. The city is free to abate the nuisance.
— heard from Kristen Hooper that a Kansas State Historic Preservation Officer will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with council members, Main Street, and historical society board members to discuss the downtown historic designation.
— heard the city administrator is waiting on bid information about trimming the downtown area trees.
— reviewed a copier bid from Business Systems Inc. and agreed to go out for additional bids before the end of the month. The police department will receive the current copier/fax machine.
— congratulated Benbrook on his International Institute of Municipal Clerks certification.
— heard from city treasurer Stephanie Ax about several issues. Ax noted that 85% of the pets in Peabody were tagged and the process of tagging them had smoothed out considerably once the system was established. The water disconnect notice was reviewed and a decision was made to have it examined by legal council. Consideration of a deferred income plan for employees was rejected and a collection agency for uncollected water bills was discussed and more information requested.
— discussed the annual Christmas dinner for mayor, council, and city employees and decided to offer employees a larger holiday bonus and skip the expense of a dinner. Full-time employees will receive a $75 bonus and part-time employees will receive a $35 bonus. The gifts will be given in Peabody Bucks.
— heard additional input on closed alleys and the drainage ditch situation in a report from city attorney Mark Wilkerson. No action was taken.
— heard from Benbrook, city representative to Marion Reservoir/Watershed committee, that although the group has not yet met, a mediator has been engaged to conduct a meeting between the group and Kansas Water Office.
— rejected a bid from Fiberglass Guys to repair the bottom of the baby pool at city park. The bid was for $6,600. There is no leak involved, but the area in need of repair has not successfully held a patch and is a cause for some concern.
— instructed Benbrook to contact Mel Flaming and inquire about the start date for the new city shop. Council understood it was to be under construction by the end of September.
