Board approves budget amendment, places public-safety sales tax on April ballot; water-tank contract addendum passes

The Kearney Board of Aldermen on the evening voted unanimously to approve a revision of the city’s fiscal year 2025 budget, to place a one-half of one percent public-safety sales tax on the April 8, 2025 municipal ballot, and to approve an addendum to the construction contract for a new 1,000,000-gallon elevated water storage tank.

The budget ordinance (Bill No. 2-2025) passed on first and second readings. Finance Director Stephanie Harris told the board the amendment brings year-end spending into compliance with Missouri law and adds items not anticipated when the budget was adopted, including sick- and vacation-time payouts, legal and contractor expenses, costs tied to the new trash-and-recycling contract, the required city match for federal grants and other contractually obligated costs. The second reading passed with a roll call — Alderman Holt, Alderman Barker, Alderman King and Alderman Lehman all voted aye.

An ordinance to place a one-half of one percent sales tax dedicated to public safety on the April 8, 2025 ballot (Bill No. 3-2025) also passed on second reading by unanimous vote. Police Chief Mark Thomas said retailers would not begin collecting the tax until Oct. 1, 2025, that the tax would apply to shoppers in Kearney including nonresidents, and that the tax would not apply to utilities, gasoline or prescription drugs. He said prior jurisdictions’ experience suggested a half-cent sales tax could yield substantial annual revenue; in conversation with board members he referenced a $900,000-per-year estimate discussed by another department’s campaign the previous year. The ordinance designates the ballot language and directs the city clerk to provide required election notice. The board approved the ordinance on first and second readings; the roll call on second reading recorded all four aldermen voting aye.

The board also approved Resolution 5-20-25, a change order (addendum) to the contract with Caldwell Tanks for construction of the new elevated water storage tank. Public Works Director Shelley Daniel reported the city issued a notice to proceed July 1, 2024; material lead times and a decision to delay major concrete work until spring prompted negotiation of a revised schedule. The contractor’s new in-service date is Dec. 1, 2025, and the final completion date is April 29, 2026, to allow removal of the cold water tower in the following spring. Daniel said the scheduling change reduced winter concrete risks and produced contract cost savings; the resolution documents the change order and, as presented to the board, results in a budget credit of $4,001.54. A motion to approve the resolution passed by voice vote.

Other formal business: the consent agenda was approved by voice vote earlier in the meeting. The board called for public education on the sales-tax question and discussed forming a committee to help present factual information to voters ahead of the April election.

Votes at a glance - Bill No. 2-2025 — Ordinance approving reappropriation and revision of the City of Kearney fiscal year 2025 adopted budget. Outcome: approved (second reading roll call: Alderman Holt — Aye; Alderman Barker — Aye; Alderman King — Aye; Alderman Lehman — Aye). - Bill No. 3-2025 — Ordinance imposing a 0.5% sales tax for public safety, to be submitted to voters on 04/08/2025; retailers to begin collection 10/01/2025 if approved. Outcome: approved on second reading (roll call: Holt — Aye; Barker — Aye; King — Aye; Lehman — Aye). - Resolution 5-20-25 — Addendum (Change Order No. 1) to contract with Caldwell Tanks for new 1,000,000-gallon elevated storage tank; documents revised schedule and records a budget credit of $4,001.54. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Consent agenda: approved (voice vote).

The board recorded no opposing votes on the items above.

Ending: The measures approved will be incorporated into city records; the sales-tax measure will appear on the April 8, 2025 ballot for voter consideration.