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Lowry City Board of Aldermen Approves Tax Levy, Fiber Internet Switch, and Equipment Purchases

lowry-city-water-tower
lowry-city-water-tower

The Lowry City Board of Aldermen met in regular session Tuesday evening, August 19, at City Hall with Mayor Patricia Landes presiding. Aldermen Charles Cone and Jackie Cutler from the East Ward and Sean Langston and Shirley Edmunds from the West Ward were present, along with several city staff members and community attendees.

Meeting Business

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by approval of the July 15 meeting minutes, the monthly bills, and the July financial reports—all passing unanimously.

Tax Levy Approved

The board unanimously adopted Bill 2025-05, setting the city’s 2025 property tax levy at $0.8246 per $100 of assessed valuation. Of that, $0.6293 will go toward general operations and $0.1953 for street lighting. The measure was approved after two readings and a roll call vote.

Internet Service to Change

The board also approved switching internet service at City Hall from Brightspeed to Conexon Connect, citing service issues and an estimated $150 monthly savings. Residents were advised the service is currently available to those served by Sac Osage Electric but not to those on Evergy.

Police and Fire Reports

Police Chief Charles Hodges reported 111 tickets have been issued since February, with several arrests made on warrants and other incident reports filed. He expects the department’s new records management system to be operational by the end of August. Hodges also noted traffic signs in need of adjustment will be addressed by public works.

Fire Chief Justin Norris reported the department has been busy with motor vehicle accident calls and hosted a multi-agency vehicle firefighting class in July. He outlined upcoming grant opportunities, including one from the Missouri Department of Conservation that could reimburse half of certain equipment purchases. Norris also mentioned possible steps toward forming a tax-based fire district, which would require voter approval.

The Lowry City Fire Women’s Auxiliary announced it has received 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and is planning a Christmas event for December 13 at the firehouse.

Public Works Purchases Approved

Water and Wastewater Superintendent Josh Muller reported on mowing, lift station repairs, and presented bids for new equipment. The board approved purchasing a 2023 Hyundai Robex mini excavator from Hayden Machinery for $70,050 and a trailer for $4,500 from a local seller. Both votes resulted in ties, with Mayor Landes casting the deciding vote in favor. The board also authorized up to $800 for two backpack blowers for cemetery maintenance.

Other Business

Mayor Landes had no additional comments. The board entered closed session under RSMo 610.021 regarding personnel matters. When the meeting returned to open session, a motion to adjourn failed for lack of a quorum, and the remaining members left without formal adjournment.

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