SCOTT CITY AGREES TO BUY NEEDED TRASH TRUCK

SCOTT CITY -- Scott City will purchase a new trash truck at a total cost of nearly $80,000 over four years.

The city council approved a lease-purchase of the truck on Monday. The new model with a 20-yard bed is being purchased from Wiethop Truck & Trailer Sales of Cape Girardeau.

The council agreed to a plan requiring no down payment, but eight payments of $9,924, totalling $79,392.

Public works director Harold Uelsmann said the new truck is needed. Two of the city's trash trucks broke down late last week.

In other business, the council approved an agreement with the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission to handle the administration of the $1 million federal flood grant for street repairs and drainage improvements in the industrial park.

The council also gave Uelsmann the OK to proceed with acquiring a utility bed for the city's new three-quarter-ton pickup. He estimated the cost at $2,800.

The council also agreed to apply soybean oil on roads around the industrial park to cut down on dust if business owners will tolerate the oil's unpleasant odor.

Also Monday, Ward 1 council member Brenda Moyers said three candidates were interviewed Saturday for the city's new position of city administrator. The council is close to selecting a candidate.

Mayor Larry Forhan said the advertised salary range for the city administrator is $26,000 to $32,000. He said he expects negotiations with the council's candidate to be completed within a week.