Independence Mayor Christopher Reinersman gave his annual state of the city report Monday night at the regular council meeting.
“As regards the state of the city, I am proud to say that I believe the city is on a positive trajectory overall,” Reinersman said. “Some of the additional highlights that underscore our promising track are the increases in new services in town, as well as the ongoing success of many of our established businesses, despite the challenges of the pandemic.”
He said having successful businesses, restaurants and retailers improve the quality of life for residents, and in the coming months that will further improve with new restaurants and a car wash coming in.
“In 2024 we look forward to the Downs of Nicholson development with the upscale Limestone’s restaurant, 1842 micro-brewery, Roy Rogers restaurant, small market/fuel center and a gym, as well as new patio homes,” Reinersman continued.
He said at the same time they have been trying to stimulate commercial development.
Last year, Reinersman said, the city reduced the tax rate by 10 percent, and this year they will reduce the rate another 10 percent, so that the rate will be $.22 per $100 of assessed value.
“I’m happy to report our reliance on our residents’ property taxes continues to decline, as only about 43.5 percent of our projected revenue now comes from real property taxes,” he said.
He explained that the money coming from federal funds through the CARES Act and the ARPA funds will help the city put more money back in residents’ pockets through tax reduction, and make significant changes in the city such as pickle ball courts, and the addition of steps and terracing for the Donna Yeager Amphitheater in Memorial Park.
Reinersman did say they are still having trouble keeping police officers, but continue to try to solve that problem.
Immediately after his speech, council listened to the first reading of the amended budget for 2021-2022, and followed that with the first reading of the 2022-2023 budget.
Trash contract
The trash contract for the city was discussed at the meeting. City Administrator Chris Moriconi said the old contract from Rumpke is up on June 30, so in anticipation of the end of the contract, the city put the issue out for bids, and only received one bid in return, from Rumpke.
Since he couldn’t change the prices, Moriconi said initial contract will be for three years instead of two years, a move that wards off price raises for those three years. There will still be four extensions available on the contract, with slight raises.
Moriconi said there are two recycling bins, a small red one and a large green one. With this new contract, the charge for the green bin, $4.64 a month, will be included in the regular monthly charge.
Council voted to accept the contract.
Employee pay classification
Council listened to the first reading of the Employee Pay Classification ordinance. Attorney Jack Gatlin said this is a normal housekeeping measure, to look at the minimum and maximum pay scales in the area, and adjust the pay scales in the city to keep up with what other cities and counties are paying their employees.
