MAYOR CITES SCOTT CITY IMPROVEMENTS

SCOTT CITY -- Scott City is on the road to improvement with passage of a transportation sales tax and infrastructure upgrades, Mayor Larry Forhan said.

Forhan gave the State of the City address Tuesday night at the Chamber of Commerce meeting and officer installation. About 25 members attended the meeting at Henson's Cafe.

"You can see the tremendous effort of everyone who wanted to see the future of our streets improve," Forhan said. A citizens committee is ranking streets for improvement, he said.

In November, voters approved a sales tax that will generate about $110,000 annually for street improvements. About 36 intersections and portions of streets are slated for repairs.

During the summer the city paid about $110,000 to repave Cherry and Lincoln streets. Other recent improvements include replacement of sewer lines in the Cloverdale subdivision and emergency repairs to water wells.

The city issued a water conservation order in late fall when a main water pump failed. It was repaired and full service restored in a week.

"The city has about $200,000 in reserves, and we came close to using it in emergencies," Forhan said. "But we took care of it. When you have a problem, don't eyeball it; in the long run the cost will be less."

During some routine business, city employees discovered some incorrect billing statements for trash container owners.

"Because of a computer error, that one mistake was costing the city about $100,000," Forhan said. "We can't let that go. The funds aren't there."

Forhan said city employees have an obligation to correct any problems that may come up. "No matter how bitter the pill is, you have to swallow it," he said. "The first thing to do is recognize the problem and try to solve it."

New chamber officers are Shirley Young, president; Edith Davidson, vice president; and Phyllis Spinks, secretary-treasurer.

Committee chairmen include Sharon Henson, membership committee; Randy Morris, program committee; Leo Casey, political affairs committee; Ron McCulley, commercial and industrial committee; Brenda Moyers, community betterment and beautification; and Bill Davis, publicity.