Sikeston gears up for home rule

Standard Democrat

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Sikeston's city council is gearing up for the transition to the home rule form of government.

The city's form of government will change next April, Mayor Phil Boyer said, and the council and city staff have established the steps required implement the Home Rule Charter.

A transition committee of council members, city manager and city department heads was formed to oversee the process.

First on the city's list of objectives is the designation of four wards. The city has until October to approve ward boundaries, said Boyer.

Using census data, city staff members have made preliminary drawings using 4,248 residents as the target population for each ward.

Approval of the wards will pave the way for next April's elections. Filing for ward positions starts in October.

During the coming year, the Council will adopt ordinances establishing the city's administrative organization and personnel system.

A full review of the city's municipal code will be conducted over the next three years to bring it into compliance with the city's charter.