Lowry City aldermen set tax-levy hearing, award tree-removal contract

The Lowry City Board of Aldermen on July 15 unanimously agreed to hold a public hearing on the city’s 2025 tax levy on Aug. 19 at 5:45 p.m. and awarded a $2,500 contract for tree removal at Lucas and Burdette Streets, according to the board’s minutes.

West Ward Alderman Sean Langston moved to set the tax-levy public hearing and East Ward Alderman Jackie Cutler seconded the motion; the board voted unanimously. On the same night the board reviewed a list of bills, including two invoices from Wommack Monuments for mower damage at the city cemetery (a replacement bronze flower vase, $757, and a replacement marker, $892). The board approved the bills and voted to carry further discussion of the cemetery damage to the Aug. 19 meeting (motion: Langston; second: Shirley Edmunds).

The board reviewed four bids for tree removal at Lucas and Burdette Streets and unanimously awarded the job to Gary’s All Around Tree Trimming of Appleton City for $2,500. The record lists three other bids: Coop’s Mowing and Tree Service $2,250; Truman Lake Tree and Lawn Care $4,000; and C&R Lawncare and Tree Service $1,500. The minutes do not record the board’s rationale for selecting the $2,500 bid over lower offers.

City Clerk John Farrell reported no bids were received for 2025–2026 propane service; the minutes note that Will’s LP Gas currently provides the city’s propane and that no board action was taken on procurement. Financial reports for the month ending June 30, 2025 were presented and accepted unanimously (motion: Langston; second: Jackie Cutler).

The Fire Department submitted a written report attributed to Fire Chief Justin Norris noting recent calls and equipment status: new structural gloves have been received but a fire hose ordered in late March has not yet arrived. The department will host a vehicle firefighting class on Saturday, July 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., described in the record as run by “MU.” The Fire Women’s Auxiliary plans an event Friday, July 18 at the Lowry City Civic Center.

Water and Wastewater Superintendent Josh Muller reported installation of a new bulk water sales dispenser and recent work at the southwest lift station. Mayor Patricia Landes called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance; the regular session adjourned by unanimous vote (motion: Langston; second: Edmunds).

Next steps: the city will hold the tax-levy public hearing on Aug. 19 at 5:45 p.m.; cemetery damage will be discussed further at that meeting.