Tax rates set for 2006 at meeting

Sikeston City Council

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston City Council set tax rates for 2006 during their special meeting Monday.

Council took action on the tax rates following a public hearing which was only attended by Council and city staff members.

"They are exactly as they were last year," said Linda Lowes, director of governmental services.

The tax rate for the general fund remains at .3693 per $100 assessed valuation, at .1609 per $100 assessed valuation for the library fund, and at .1609 per $100 assessed valuation for the park fund.

Council also readopted the ethics code.

"This is something we readopt every year," Lowes said. "A copy will be sent to the Ethics Commission as is required."

In other business during Monday's meeting:

* Council members were briefed by staff on appointments to be made to the city's boards and commissions.

The City Council will be filling 27 positions -- 19 new appointments and 18 possible reappointments -- with action expected to be taken on Sept. 5.

The City Council has extended the deadline for Resource Bank applications to 5 p.m. Wednesday.

* Council members have decided the city will pursue the establishment of a downtown district instead of a historic district.

"We haven't totally closed the door on a historic district but we are waiting on a report from the Historic Midtown Development Group who are researching this topic further," Lowes said.

For the downtown district, "we will be modifying the boundaries based on a request from property owners," Lowes said.

* Carroll Couch, city clerk, presented Council with the 2007 election calendar.

"In April of 2007, we will elect three council members," Lowes said. "The terms of at-large Councilman Bill Stokes, Ward 1 Councilman Jerry Pullen and Ward 4 Councilman Michael Harris will be submitted to the voters. The first date to file for a Council position is Oct. 17. The last day to file is Nov. 21. If anyone has questions they should contact City Clerk Carroll Couch."