Council receives 'good' audit, approves list of streets to be paved this summer

Webb City’s total net financial position increased during the 2022 fiscal year by $1,404,006, according to the audit presented to the City Council Monday by Jon Cummings of KPM CPAs and Advisors.

The report states that net position is one factor in answering the question: “Is the city as a whole better off or worse off as a result of the year’s activities?”

Part of the reason why the city was “better off” when the 2022 fiscal year ended on Oct. 31, 2022, was a 20.1% increase in receipts from the sales and use taxes, as cited by Cummings.

Since then, sales tax receipts have leveled off to an increase amounting to less than 2%.

For the second year in a row, the city received approximately $1.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds.

At the end of March, the ARPA fund still had a balance of $2,214,137, and more projects are beginning to be paid from it.

For instance, the council voted Monday to replace the heating-and-air system in Mining Days Community Building with ARPA funds. Satterlee Plumbing’s bid of $41,500 was accepted. This will be the first time that the building’s HVAC system has been replaced.

Cummings credited the city staff members for their assistance and called it a clean audit.

He agreed with Mayor Lynn Ragsdale’s assessment that “reports are better – to give and receive – when they’re good.”

$600,000 in street paving approved

Six major street pavement projects were approved to be scheduled for late summer.

Blevins Asphalt estimates the cost will be $600,238. The budget includes $500,000 for street paving projects. The $100,238 balance will be taken from the ARPA fund.

The projects are:

• Fountain Road – between Ellis Street and Prairie Flower Road.
• East Street – from the roundabout north to the railroad tracks.
• 13th Street – between Madison and Oronogo streets.
• 14th Street – between Madison and Oronogo streets.
• 15th Street – between Madison and Oronogo streets.
• 16th Street – between Madison and Oronogo streets.

In other action, the council:

• Approved the purchase of three fire hydrants at $3,168 each from Joplin Supply for a total cost of $9,504.

• Approved the purchase of a Hustler Fastrak 48-inch zero-turn-radius mower for $6,748 to primarily mow Webb City Cemetery. Lambert Tractor and Machinery Sales of Galena, Kan., submitted the winning bid.

• Approved second reading of an ordinance agreeing to support Joplin in condemnation proceedings if necessary to obtain right of way for construction of the roundabout at Zora Street and Hall Street/Duquesne Road.

• Accepted first reading of a bill to rezone a vacant lot west of 1206 W. Fountain Road from commercial to residential, as requested by Troy Kinast.

• Received the annual Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce report. LeeAnn Crider, executive director and Sydney Crider, membership director, reviewed the chamber’s activities, including operation of the Tourist Information Center, which houses the chamber office. They said they’re welcoming an increasing number of Route 66 road trippers now that it’s spring. Monthly cruise nights on Main Street will start May 13 and continue through September.