WATER, TRASH RATE HIKES SLATED FOR CITY

Average monthly utility bills for Cape Girardeau residents and businesses will rise by 72 cents a month if the City Council approves hikes in trash collection fees and water rates tonight as expected.

The increases are needed to balance the books in the proposed $33 million city operating budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, which the council will also take final action on tonight. The council unanimously gave first-round approval to the budget and the related fee hikes on June 4.

Solid waste collection fees would increase 40 cents a month, or 2.96 percent, bringing the monthly charge to $13.90. The increase is expected to raise approximately $48,000.

A 2 percent hike in water rates would generate $88,500 in additional revenue. Average monthly water bills for residential customers would rise 22 cents to $16.54. Commercial users on average would pay $69.94 a month, or $1.37 more than at present.

City officials say the rate hikes are needed to cover increased operating expenses. Average total utility bills would grow by 1.79 percent, from $40.13 to $40.85 cents a month.

City operating expenses are slated to rise by approximately $168,000, or 0.51 percent more than the current budget. However, capital expenditures would drop 63.5 percent, or $15.7 million. The new budget calls for $9 million in capital outlays, compared to $24.7 this year.

Taking into account the drop in capital spending, total city expenditures would decrease 27 percent, from $57.6 million to $42 million.

Budget highlights, including both operating and capital expenditures, include:

* $2.95 million in administrative expenses, a 3.45 percent decline.

* $3.43 million in spending for parks and recreation, a 4.67 percent increase.

* $4.89 million for the police department, an increase of 2.21 percent or $106,000.

* $3.38 million for the fire department, an increase of $80,000, or 2.38 percent.

* $14.6 million for public works, a drop of 44.5 percent due to reduced capital expenditures.

The bulk of city revenue, $17.2 million, goes into the general fund. Sales taxes would provide an estimated 45.8 percent of general revenue or $7.86 million. However, sales tax revenue is expected to be flat, dropping 0.3 percent from the current fiscal year.

Taste Lounge on agenda

In addition to budget matters, the council will consider whether to renew the liquor license of the Taste Restaurant and Lounge, 402 Good Hope Street.

The city's last police chief, who recently left the department, had at several points over the last year asked the council not to renew the nightclub's license, citing frequent disturbances outside the establishment at closing time.

The Taste is a popular spot among black residents of Cape Girardeau and surrounding communities.

The council will also consider a resolution honoring two police officers, Sgt. Bradley Ellis Moore and Cpl. Keith Allen May, for bravery.

Both officers were shot and wounded on Feb. 10 while investigating a suspected methamphetamine lab at the Super 8 Motel on Kingshighway. The officers fired back, killing the shooter.

May has recovered from his injuries and returned to active duty. Moore is still recuperating.