Tax levy approved with marginal increase

By Murray Bishoff Special to the Cassville Democrat

The Purdy City Council agreed to ask voters to again consider a use tax on the Nov. 3 ballot during the Aug. 12 council meeting. 

The decision to again seek a use tax, narrowly defeated in a previous election, came as aldermen noted Purdy is the only city in Barry County that does not have a use tax. Shoppers already pay the use tax to the state and the county, except the city receives no portion of that amount. 

Council members expressed a willingness to go door-to-door to explain the proposition and its benefits to the city. Use taxes typically match the local sales tax amount on purchases made online and out of state, where no sales tax is collected. 

The city’s annual property tax levy was formally adopted ahead of the annual taxation cycle. The State Auditor’s office allowed the city to raise its levy from 40.26 cents on $100 of assessed property to 40.54 cents because the value of property inside the city limits dropped over the past year by a little more than $40,600. If taxes were fully collected at that rate, the city would receive $24,168, an increase of $3. 

In other action, council members approved a request from Kevin Cook, public works foreman, for more water meters from USG Water Solutions. Cook reported his meter inventory was down to three and he had two to install at a new duplex. He requested both dual and single meters, and purchasing a different brand at a lower cost. Total expense would be $12,690.

Cook further reported water efficiency for the month held at 72%. He previously speculated a major leak exists somewhere in town sapping a quarter of the city’s water supply, but to date he has not located it. A Missouri Rural Water Association representative visiting town helped look for water leaks without success. Cook purchased and replaced tires on the city’s tractor at Friendly Tire in Monett. 

Police Chief Jackie Lowe reported the fireworks show on July 3 ran well and was well attended. After the fireworks stopped, a multi-vehicle crash occurred on Hwy. B, temporarily closing the road and causing difficulty for departing visitors. At the same time, a domestic violence incident occurred across town that was answered by an officer from Wheaton, in town to help with the fireworks show. Lowe noted that though one person was injured in that incident, no charges were filed the next day after the parties “sobered up.” One person was put on a 12-hour hold in the county jail. 

Other cases involved a 13-year-old threatening to hurt his mother with a knife, resulting in him being taken to a mental health facility. A car stolen in Arkansas was located in Purdy at an unoccupied house. A suspect in that case was identified. Lowe also handled two dog incidents. 

Council members heard a request from Justin and Zabdi Nunley about splitting off the empty one-eighth-of-an-acre lot north of their rental property at 102 S. Caldonia. Mayor Brian Bowers said the city would have to check its setback rules. Cook noted the city has smaller lots in town, and that the lot in question is close enough to utilities to make it a stand-alone property. 

The next council meeting was scheduled for Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.