New Oronogo Dollar General contractor raring to go

The contractor for Oronogo’s new Dollar General store is raring to go but has to wait until the property sale is closed later this month.

Mayor Charles Wilkins told the Board of Aldermen Monday that the building permit has been submitted and is undergoing the approval process.

The board voted on May 13, 2024, to sell 2.1 acres of vacant ground near the current Dollar General to The Overland Group for $159,000.

The Overland Group’s purpose for the property wasn’t known at the time, but the company’s website notes that it has developed more than 1,200 Dollar General stores.

The new site is on the north west corner of Highway 96 and Jason Place Boulevard, while the current store is on the northeast corner.

New City Hall office personnel

Two vacant positions at City Hall have been filled.

The board accepted City Clerk Cyndi Jennings’ suggestion that Sasqua Crawford be hired as treasurer and prosecutor assistant. She replaces Pam Heltzel, whose resignation was effective July 31.

On Aug. 26, the board accepted the resignation of Teresa Marsh, who had replaced Heltzel as utility collector.

Wilkins was authorized to contract with a temporary employment agency to replace Marsh.

Jennings reported Monday that she is pleased with the performance of Vilma Ovalle, the temporary employee sent by Express Employment Professionals.

O&M sewer charge ordinance passed

The board approved an ordinance amending the policy for setting sewer charges.

The ordinance states that sewer charges will be set annually based on average water usage during by customers during January, February and March.

The same will be true for the additional sewer charge for operation and maintenance. That charge will be $2.98 for the first 1,000 gallons and $1 for each additional 1,000 gallons.

After customers complained their O&M charges were based on current water usage instead of first-quarter usage, the board dealt with the matter during a special session prior to the Aug. 26 regular meeting.

Water service tap fees increased

Tony Cantrell, superintendent of public works, informed the board recently that the city’s fees to hook onto the water system were not keeping up with inflation or with rates charged by other local cities.

An ordinance was approved Monday that sets the following rates (old rate in parentheses): 3/4 inch, $850 (NA); 1 inch, $1,200 ($800); 2 inch, $4,500 ($1,600); 4 inch, $8,500 ($1,850).

Police approved for double pay from state

The board approved an ordinance allowing police officers to receive double pay from the Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety when they are patroling after their normal working hours to enforce driving while intoxicated and hazardous driving violations.

Derek Snyder, city attorney, said the ordinance allows grant funds to be used as compensation for officer when working beyond their normal duties.

The vote was 5-1, with Kima Francis (3rd Ward) voting no.