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Palmyra Board of Public Works shifts $300,000 to electric reserve, approves sewer camera and supports 4‑day workweek trial
Summary
At its May 15 meeting the Palmyra Board of Public Works approved routine business, transferred $300,000 into an electric reserve, authorized a $55,490 sewer camera purchase and supported a trial four‑day, 10‑hour workweek and adjusted city hall hours after Superintendent Brent Abell presented departmental updates.
PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra Board of Public Works on May 15 approved a series of routine actions and operational changes, including a $300,000 transfer into the electric reserve, authorization to pursue purchase of a new sewer camera and support for a trial four‑day workweek for operations.
The board, chaired by President Ernest W. Boulware, opened the 5:00 p.m. meeting with roll call and approved the agenda, the minutes of the May 1 meeting and payment of bills. The board discussed the financial, plant and payroll reports and reviewed fourth‑quarter budget figures for fiscal year 2024–2025.
Superintendent Brent Abell summarized departmental operations and capital plans. The board voted to move $300,000 from the Electric O&M account to the Electric Reserve cash account, a motion made by Tim Browning and seconded by Gary Stuhlman. Abell also told the board that a Department of Natural Resources loan for drinking‑water and sewer capital improvements is expected to close in July; the projects are projected to be bid in fall 2025 with construction starting in 2026.
On equipment, Abell presented a quote from Red Equipment for a new sewer camera. The board approved Red Equipment’s $55,490 bid (motion by Browning, seconded by Boulware) and authorized Abell to take the purchase to the city council as the next step.
Staffing and operations items included confirmation that summer employees will begin May 19, with Olson assigned to the water plant and Brown to the sewer plant. Abell also said the board would reimburse a broken truck window on Mason Scholl’s personal vehicle that occurred during mowing. The carport at the water plant has been installed, and contractor Heggemann has begun deep well repair work.
Abell notified the board that Monroe City has requested mutual aid during a transition in its electrical department; a Mutual Aid Agreement was to be presented to the council later that evening. Abell asked the board to consider a trial of four 10‑hour workdays (7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday–Thursday, with Fridays on an on‑call schedule). Assistant Secretary Deena L. Parsons asked the board to support a corresponding change in city hall hours (7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday, half‑hour lunch; 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Friday). The board voted to support the proposed hours change (motion by Browning, seconded by Boulware).
With no further business, the board adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
The board’s actions will be reflected in council consideration where required (for example, the sewer camera purchase and the Mutual Aid Agreement).
